Special Mail Ballot Statement
Statement from Joan Martinez-Terry, City Clerk, City of Portales NM:
“Ordinance No. 737 was adopted in January this year by the City Council to amend existing City Code regarding Economic Development funds. For the ordinance to become effective, State law requires that the ordinance be voted on by the eligible voters of the municipality. The question is FOR or AGAINST making the ordinance effective. Ordinance No. 737 amends existing code to expand the uses of Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) funds that assist the community in attracting businesses into Portales or improving businesses in Portales (not just industry). The ordinance does not increase the LEDA tax.
LEDA authorizes the use of public money for economic development purposes since it does benefit the public with potentially more employment opportunities and more gross receipts tax (sales tax) that is the funding source for services the City provides, such as Police, Fire, Streets, Parks, Library, Municipal Court, Planning, etc.”
