Commission presses for clearer GRT data from base, hears call to oppose Southwestern grid connector

Commissioners raised persistent questions about how much gross receipts tax (GRT) revenue Roosevelt County receives from a nearby military base and asked county staff to pursue more detailed accounting and a site visit to clarify the picture.

A staff liaison said some revenue shows on county sheets but that the reports do not break out specific base-related receipts. "If we look at that sheet, it will not just say that we got GRT, but it doesn't tell you how much GRT [comes from the base]," one commissioner said. Staff recommended coordinating with state tax-and-revenue officials and requested training or certification necessary for access to more detailed base information. County staff proposed organizing a tour of the range for commissioners and sheriff's office representatives so officials could see operations and ask questions directly.

Separately, a commissioner urged support for an online petition opposing the proposed Southwestern Grid connector (referred to in the meeting as NIETC/NIETC-opposition). The commissioner said the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed land takings and conservation easements that could affect hundreds or thousands of acres and that as many as 1,200'1,400 Roosevelt County landowners might be affected. He said a letter of opposition had been presented to a named official at a recent meeting and called for a town-hall update.

Staff did not provide definitive figures for base-related GRT receipts during the meeting; commissioners emphasized the need for more transparent accounting and for staff to continue outreach to tax-and-revenue offices and base contacts. The commission did not take formal action on the GRT question at the public meeting but asked staff to follow up and arrange additional briefings or tours.