Taos Real Estate

1) 2009-2010 Proposed Town Budget - approved:  A) Budget Policies, approved.  B) Annual Capital Improvements Program, approved.  C) Town Compensation and Benefits Package, approved.  D) Annual Operating Budget, approved – the 2009-2010 Town of Taos Budget Presentation is attached. 

Total estimated budget (conservatively planned given current economic situation) = $46,184.798.00.   This budget is met through various funding sources, including appropriations.  As part of meeting this budget, funding from Town Gross Receipts Taxes (GRT) is estimated to be $10,574,390.00.  Estimated Lodgers Taxes are listed at $887,574.00.  The Town’s fiscal year runs from July 1^st through June 30^th of the following calendar year.  With revenue lag times of two months on average (i.e., June GRT revenues are received at the end of August), the Town will assess the actual summer-season revenue position in December, 2009, to determine if increases in certain areas can be pursued, or if further cuts are necessary.

2) Proposed change orders for completion of Town Hall construction with Gerald Martin.  One for $555,474.89 and second for $111,707.17.  After lengthy discussion/concern about change orders/completion dates/quality of work/payment of subcontractors, and assurances concerning clean up of specifics in agreements/documentation/due dates, both requests approved pending sufficient documentation to be supplied to Manuel Pacheco, Buildings & Grounds Director.  FYI, a large part of these change orders cover the complete redo of the older, existing part of Town Hall which initially was not included in the contract for a revamp.  Councilmember Silva abstained from the second change order vote given that a family member with interest in one of the subcontractor businesses was listed.  Questions or want copies of the change orders?  Contact mpacheco2@taosgov.com. 

Note: As part of the Town Hall construction discussion, Council polled itself and all indicated a ‘yes’ to revisit the issue of the L.E.D. sign at the front of Town Hall, particularly given that is already in place and will cost approximately $8,000 (per Gerald Martin) to remove (and still the Town would own it).  This type of L.E.D. sign (programmable) is not allowed in the Town of Taos Historic District under the current code.  Council would like to take the item before the Town’s Planning & Zoning Commission and ask for a variance to use it in place, given that it is for non-commercial, municipal use in a public information context.  It’s placement faces Camino de la Placita and Civic Plaza Dr., without visually impacting any residential area.  It currently is covered in tarps; it proposed location would be where it currently exists.

3) Due to further discussions among partner entities’ legal counsel, the ordinance authorizing execution of a Town agreement with the NM Finance Authority to borrow $2 million and build soccer fields in Taos on the Municipal School District property on Salazar has been tabled again.  Date to be provided as these legal questions can be resolved and a specific Town meeting identified to schedule potential approval.

4) Grant application approved to submit to the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Div. for the implementation of the High Performance Building Ordinance and the installation of a solar array at town Hall and the Youth & Family Center.

5) Items from Council:  Councilmember Rudy Abeyta wanted to make it clear that he fully supports the JPA between the Town and the School District to develop enhanced/expanded recreation opportunities in Taos, and corrected other items that he believed were misrepresented by the Horsefly online coverage.

Cathy Connelly

Public Relations Director

Town of Taos

400 Camino de la Placita

Taos, NM 87571

575-751-2001

cconnelly@taosgov.com