(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M)- Monday’s Albuquerque City Council meeting focused on the impact of Gross Receipt Tax(GRT) and was captured by the OpGov.News platform.
Photo credit: Albuquerque City Council YouTube
According to the platform, a proposal to place a .4875% Gross Receipts increase on the November ballot, intended for city operations, wages, and capital projects across all districts, failed to pass the council following widespread public criticism of it being a regressive tax and concerns over the city's spending.
“Gross receipts tax are imposed on businesses, but it is common for a business to pass the GRT on to the purchaser,” the Taxation and Revenue New Mexico website states. “If GRT is passed on to the customer, it is required to be separately stated on the invoice.
The meeting lasted six hours, with public comments being heard at the halfway mark.
America for Prosperity Grassroots Engagement Director Bobbi Curtis is against an increase in GRT.
“Before asking taxpayers for more, we should ensure existing tax dollars are being used as efficiently and effectively as possible,” Curtis said. “New Mexico already has one of the highest GRT burdens in the nation. Increasing that burden sends the wrong message to its residents and businesses alike.”
Bobbi Curtis. Photo credit: Albuquerque City Council YouTube
According to the OpgGov.News platform transcription, Curtis urged a 'no' vote on placing the Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) increase on the November ballot.
Curtis wish was granted as Albuquerque City Council ultimately rejected the proposed gross receipts tax increase during the meeting. City council members voted against with a 5-4 vote.
Mike Devenzeio, a resident on a fixed income, shared his perspective on the GRTs and the current poverty rate in New Mexico.
“In our state, where an estimated 18.5% of our citizens are living in poverty, and gross receipts taxes are frequently passed on to consumers, why would we want to add to the burden of our already stretched citizens?” Devenzeio said.
Mike Devenzeio Photo credit: Albuquerque City Council YouTube
Devenzeio added that he thought the state would focus on affordability in an election year before leaving the podium.
The platform also reported a $300,000 state and $100,000 city LEDA grant was approved for Eden Pharmaceuticals LLC to expand, committing to 56 new high-wage jobs.
City Council voted to accept several grants, including federal funds for homeless assistance (HUD), a Crestview Park Bluff Project, and various animal welfare and community safety initiatives.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact jorden.h@lead4earth.org.
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