Commission to consider next step in tax hike

CLOVIS — The Clovis city commission on Thursday will consider the next step in potential property tax increases to fund infrastructure for the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System.

Via resolution, the commission will take a look at a 1.554 mill increase in the ad valorem property tax rate. The resolution would increase property taxes by $1.554 per $1,000 of net taxable value for residential and non-residential properties. That would be an annual increase of $51.80 for a $100,000 property.

The meeting is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Thursday at the North Annex of the Clovis-Carver Public Library.

The commission will also consider an ordinance that would rededicate a .25% gross receipts tax toward the water project, and replace that with the property tax.

Clovis Mayor David Lansford, who chairs the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority, said he believes the city of Clovis needs to show state and federal partners it is willing to put “skin in the game” to secure $90 million needed to fund the interim groundwater project portion of the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System.

The split would be $40 million federal, $30 million state and $20 million from authority members. Clovis’ share of the $20 million would be $15 million.

The tax increases could not go into effect until after tax rates are set by the state in September.

Other items on the Thursday agenda include:

• A 4:30 p.m. executive session to discuss the acquisition or disposal of property.

• A request to accept a $2.868 million grant/loan with the state water trust board to finance Phase 1D of the city’s wastewater reuse project. The phase will take the pipeline to Bob Spencer Park and add a 1 million gallon reserve tank. The grant is a 10% loan.

• A request for a small brewer off-site location liquor license for Roosevelt Brewing, LLC, at 515 N. Main St. The item requires a waiver, as the former Sutton’s Bakery location is within 300 feet of True Victory Church on 620 N. Main St.

• Consideration of city employee medical insurance renewal. The city’s insurance committee recommends Cigna for the upcoming year, with a 3.3% premium decrease that translates to $129,000 in savings. Dental and vision coverage rates will not change.

• Proclamations for American Legion Auxiliary Centennial Day on Sunday and Shad Mayfield Day on Nov. 17.