Taos Real Estate

*The Town of Taos Council is considering a proposed ordinance to implement a quarter-percent gross receipts tax increase this January, 2011 – an increase that will be specifically earmarked for new public safety and community enrichment expenditures -- improvements, operations and maintenance.

This tax is not levied on food or medical costs.  None of the recent State of New Mexico gross receipt tax (GRT) increases implemented July 1, 2010, come to municipalities such as the Town of Taos. The new quarter-percent increase proposed by the Town is predicted to generate annual recurring revenues for the Town of between $800,000 and $900,000.  One-quarter percent is 0.25.  This equates to one-fourth of a penny for each dollar spent on non-food and non-medical expenditures.  Existing Town of Taos GRT is 8.1875.  If passed, the new Town of Taos GRT would be 8.4375 come January 1, 2011.

“This one quarter of a penny increase per dollar spent is needed over the next few years if the Town wants to progress with the implementation of new initiatives, their maintenance and operations – examples being the full completion, maintenance and operations of our new multipurpose Eco Park, the rehab of the Mary Medina Building for our new police headquarters, and continued expanded tourism marketing,” said Town of Taos Manager Daniel Miera.

The last two years of Town of Taos budget caps, reductions and ‘scrubbing’ of the town budget have reduced our operational costs, and allowed us to stay ahead of the Great Recession’s restrictions, even enabling us to keep all existing staff,” said Miera.  “We are in relatively good shape compared to many other government entities, and we are running in the black and preserving our services for constituents and visitors.  This proposed increase is not required to maintain our existing staff and services,” he said.

“However, looking forward, legislative appropriations have dried up, and we do not see them reviving in the near future.  So, if we want to move forward with new projects and improvements – and their operational costs -- we need a recurring funding source, and this GRT increase will allow us a source for this type of undertaking,” he said.

The new tax, to be heard by the Town of Taos Council at its regular meeting of 1:30 p.m., Thursday, August 10, Town of Taos Council Chambers on Civic Plaza Dr., must proceed through the following steps to be enacted in January, 2011:

·           Ordinance Circulated (notice published July 15, 2010)

·           Heard/potentially acted on by Council August 10, 2010

·           3 months prior to enactment by the state, completed ordinance goes to State of New Mexico Tax and Revenue Dept.

·           Tax in effect January 1, 2011

·           If passed, first Town of Taos revenues received March, 2011

“This new GRT revenue is primarily to be designated for new, necessary programs, projects and operations as outlined in the ordinance,” said Miera. “I would not wish to enact such an increase if it were to go into our General Fund expenditures – that doesn’t help us move forward with new, necessary improvements – and that is what this particular tax is about.  We are currently comfortable maintaining where we are as a Town given our current revenues.  However, if we wish to be proactive with new efforts, then we need these new GRT revenues.”

**For immediate Release: August 6, 2010
Contact: Erica Asmus-Otero (505) 259-2202 Erica@griffinassoc.com

Writer, Actor, Sam Shepard to Attend Taos Fundraiser & Promote Latest Book on Sept. 26th

TAOS, NM - Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, actor, director and writer, Sam Shepard will visit Taos, New Mexico on Sunday, September 26 to not only read from his latest book, Day Out of Days: Stories, but to participate in the 2010 Society of the Muse of the Southwest’s (SOMOS) fundraising event, “An Evening with Sam Shepard.” Signed copies will be available for sale at the event.

The event will take place at the Taos Center for the Arts (TCA) beginning at 6 p.m. and continuing until 9 p.m.

Shepard, a frequent visitor to Taos, wanted to show his support specifically for SOMOS since it is a respected resource center whose outreach extends to the greater community of Northern New Mexico and beyond. Their live readings, workshops, conferences, and festivals are designed not only to showcase accomplished writers, but also to encourage creativity in novice writers from all walks of life.

“Were thrilled that Sam thinks enough of SOMOS to participate in our fundraising event,” said Dori Vinella, Executive Director of SOMOS. “SOMOS shares Sam’s love of Taos and the literary arts and we are proud to provide opportunities for aspiring local writers to learn from accomplished writers like Sam.”

The “Evening with Sam Shepard” SOMOS fundraiser, normally at least $100 per person, has been reduced to $20 per person to extend the invitation to the greater community. Space is limited, however.

Tickets are $20 in advance or $30 at the door (if still available). They can be purchased at the following Taos locations: Taos Center for the Arts located at 133 Camino del Paseo Pueblo Norte; FX 18 located at 103 Bent Street; or SOMOS located at 233 Paseo del Pueblo Sur.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit SOMOS’ Youth Mentorship Program, which provides opportunities for middle and high school students to develop the craft of writing in a non-institutional format, with the guidance of adult mentors.

Day Out of Days: Stories a collection of short stories (Alfred A. Knopf, 2010, NY) set mainly in the landscape of the American West - and even includes a short piece describing Taos (page 103). Through his wry humor and unique observations, Shepard takes the reader into a series of short narratives, dialogues and tales that somehow link together.

Shepard is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author of over 45 plays and was a W.H. Smith Literary Award finalist for his short story collection “Great Dream of Heaven.”  Shepard’s most current play, “Fool for Love: A Play by Sam Shepard” is currently showing at the Taos Center for the Arts. Directed by Ronald Usherwood, the Play is ongoing until August 15th. Visit www.tcataos.org for a complete list of dates, times and ticket information.

Shepard is also a respected actor, with instrumental roles in dozens of movies ranging from the 1970’s to today - including the Pelican Brief, Streets of Laredo, and Brothers. Shepard received a Tony Award nomination and Oscar Nomination for his role in The Right Stuff in 1984. His acting career also includes appearances in over 35 plays.

For more information on a “An Evening with Sam Shepard,” contact TCA via email at tca@tcataos.org or via phone at 575-758-2052 or SOMOS at somos@somostaos.org or call 575-758-0081 or visit http://somostaos.net.

About SOMOS

Since the arrival of literary notables Willa Cather and D.H. Lawrence in the early 20th century, literature has played a prominent role in the area’s rich cultural landscape. As the literary arts flourished, the need for formal community support became apparent, which ultimately led to the non-profit incorporation of SOMOS in 1983. SOMOS is a membership organization that relies on the generosity of supporters in order to present the very best of the literary arts to the Taos area at no cost, or for a minimal fee.

Attached Photo Credit: Fan-based Sam Shepard website, www.sam-shepard.com with attached photo of Shepard.

Cathy Connelly, Public Relations Director

Town of Taos, 400 Camino de la Placita

Taos, NM 87571

cconnelly@taosgov.com

www.taosgov.com

575-751-2001 office

Escape the Modern Day.

Rejuvenate in Taos.

Return to Sacred Places.

www.TaosSacredPlaces.com

From: Renee Lucero

Sent: Friday, August 06, 2010 9:57 AM
To: Renee Lucero; Council; Town of Taos; Helpdesk; Andy Dennison; David Vargas; Evelyn Anaya; Geody Madden; Jim Ball - DMC Broacasting; kkit; KRZA-Mike Tilley; KTAO; Lydia Garcia; Raam Wong; Ron Usherwood; Stephen Rose; Steve Davenport; Taos Local Television; Taos News; Taos News; zandi@taosnet.com
Subject: Agenda for Regular Town Council Meeting 8/10/10