County could profit from proposed bill

David Arkin

If the House’s support is any indication, Roosevelt County’s wallet will be a little greener.

A bill that amends part of the Small County’s Assistant Act passed the House late last week. If the bill holds up in the Senate and the governor approves it, Roosevelt County will see a benefit in the form of $100,000 every year.

A bill created to increase cash allocations to small counties requires those counties having a property value topping $200 million to have three general gross-receipts taxes in place to get funds from the state.

Roosevelt County has two of the three in place, and a property value just over $200 million, leaving it ineligible for $100,000 in the past.

But an amendment to that bill would allow a county to qualify for the funds by only having two general gross-receipts taxes in place.

Charlene Hardin, Roosevelt County Administrator, said she was hopeful the bill would make its way to the governor’s desk.

“I think it has a good chance,” she said. “It’s progressing very well.”

Rep. Jose Campos, D-Santa Rosa, who sponsored the bill, said he was counting on the Senate to get the act through.

“I think Stuart Ingle will assist me on this,” he said. “I will be talking to him and I know he is in full support of it. I will also be lobbying some of my other friends in other districts to assist me in getting this done.”

The bill is crucial, Campos said, because it would provide reoccurring funds annually to the county.

“It’s good money,” he said. “They wouldn’t have to come back to us every year for it. It’s very important for the county. I’m trying to do all I can to bring back some of the dollars to eastern New Mexico.”