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Council approves MOU with Taos County for emergency services amid funding uncertainty
Summary
Council approved a multi-year MOU with Taos County to secure up-front emergency services support (a suggested $100,000 payment), while county percentage-based GRT funding (6.5%) remains paused; the MOU allows county discretion to withhold funds and the town discussed reimbursement if local GRTs recover.
The council approved an MOU with Taos County meant to formalize emergency services support; Taos County proposed a lump payment (the draft used $100,000 as a reference figure) in place of a GRT percentage while the county stabilizes its finances. The chair raised concern about a clause giving the county discretion to withhold funds, observing, "If they decide they don't have the money, we don't get to do more, which means we don't get the 100,000 and we don't get the 6.5 percent," and asked the county liaison to clarify the terms.
Town staff and the speaker relaying the county discussion said the county is considering moving from percentage-based payouts to fixed MOU payments so budgets are more predictable; the county will reevaluate tax receipts in the coming quarter and may restore percentages if funds permit. Council members voted to approve the MOU by roll call; the record notes the town will continue mutual aid obligations with neighboring jurisdictions and that the MOU language mirrors agreements used with other municipal partners.
