Las Cruces City Council Votes To Increase GRT

The Las Cruces City Council voted Tuesday to increase the city's gross receipts tax by three-eighths of one percent.  That amounts to about four cents on a ten dollar purchase.  The council voted 6-1 for the tax increase, which will take effect on January 1.  Councilor Miguel Silva was the lone "no" vote.  Councilors voting "yes" said the tax increase was needed due to a reduction in state tax revenue.  The state legislature voted to remove the so-called "hold harmless" provision over a period of years.  The move was part of a last-minute bill that reduced corporate taxes in New Mexico.