Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Curry approves liquor license tax

CLOVIS — The sale of alcohol is now legal in the unincorporated areas of Curry County, but aspiring sellers will need to pay a fee if they intend to start operating.

The Curry County Board of Commissioners approved the Curry County Liquor License Tax during a Thursday meeting, requiring anyone taking advantage of the new market to pay a $250 tax to the county annually.

The fee applies to retailers, dispensers, restaurant or club license owners selling alcohol in the unincorporated areas of the county. This wouldn’t affect sellers in incorporated areas.

Currently, there are no such businesses in the county. County Manager Lance Pyle said that though the county has had a handful of calls asking how to obtain a liquor license, no one to his knowledge has been awarded one or has announced any plans opening a business that sells liquor.

Any money from the tax will go toward the police and other county services expected to incur increased expenses from the potential increased use of alcohol.

Other highlights from the Thursday morning meeting at the Commission Chambers include:

• The board approved the removal of a fairground scoreboard, the cost of which is expected to be less than $1,000 and will not exceed $15,000. The scoreboard will be listed for online auction for disposal after its removal.

• The board approved the closing of Curry Road C between Curry Road 16 and Curry Road 17.

According to Walon Jones of the Road Department, the road has seen increased large-vehicle traffic due to the closure of NM 108 for construction and the closure of the county road is to prevent large vehicles taking a detour from causing excess damage to it.

• The board approved a special commission meeting for Feb. 26 to review the county’s 2019 financial audit.

• In response to recent state legislation up for consideration, the board passed a resolution supporting the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

• County Treasurer Debbie Spriggs presented several reports to the board during the meeting, including notifying the board of corrections made to $460,000 that was mistakenly placed in the wrong account and an overpayment of property tax distribution to Clovis Community College.

The board also asked Spriggs if she had reviewed the revised Investment and Deposit Policy for Curry County and urged her to invest county funds appropriately and try to keep funds from sitting in checking accounts.

• Pyle announced that seniors involved with the Foster Grandparent Program will receive a stipend increase from $2.65 to $3 an hour.