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Los Ranchos trustees place 0.25% local economic‑development tax on Nov. 4 ballot after heated debate
Summary
Trustees voted 4‑0 to place a quarter‑percent local economic development gross‑receipts tax (LITA Logart) on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot and published a companion LITA ordinance to develop a plan; trustees required two public meetings and staff‑drafted goals before ordinance adoption.
The Village of Los Ranchos will ask voters on Nov. 4, 2025 whether to add a 0.25 percentage‑point local economic development option on top of existing gross‑receipts tax rates to fund local economic development projects. Trustees voted to place the question on the ballot after a lengthy presentation by Grant Taylor and a spirited trustee discussion.
Taylor, who spoke for state economic development interests, said a 0.25% levy — 25 cents per $100 of taxable purchases — could generate roughly $500,000 a year for village projects and that the statute lists eligible uses including land, buildings and infrastructure, façade improvements, farmers markets, cultural facilities, restaurants, lodgers and certain manufacturing and agricultural activities. "If Los Ranchos were to enact that quarter percent, what kind of revenue could that create? On an annual basis that looks to be about $500,000," Taylor said.
Public commenters urged caution. Resident Hank Kelly opposed placing the question before the village had a detailed spending plan and warned the added rate could disadvantage village businesses, especially independent contractors who invoice under Albuquerque tax codes. "Placing on the ballot ... without first obtaining our buy‑in for the need for the tax and of a thoughtful detailed use plan ... is ill advised," Kelly said.
Trustees debated timing and process. Some members said the ballot measure gives voters a direct choice and cited momentum for Main Street and economic development efforts; others said the village should produce a clear plan and hold public outreach before seeking voter approval. The board approved a companion ordinance (Ordinance 304) to adopt LITA and directed staff, by amendment, to develop a draft plan with goals and to hold two public meetings before final ordinance adoption; trustees agreed to publish the ordinance for public notice. If passed by voters, the new rate would be enacted by the state taxation schedule and take effect on July 1, 2026, when the state implements any adjusted local rates.
The vote: Trustees approved the resolution to put the question on the ballot by voice vote (4‑0). They also approved publication of the LITA ordinance and adopted a staff direction amendment requiring two public meetings and drafting of plan goals prior to final adoption.
