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Published: 02 August 2013 02 August 2013

Grant County Residents set to vote on ¼ of 1 percent Gross Receipts Tax Increase
 
SILVER CITY, NM, 8-2-13 – Grant County Residents will soon receive a ballot in the mail allowing them to vote on a proposed ¼ of 1 percent Gross Receipts Tax Increase on tangible goods sales, not including food and medical services.  Should the proposed increase pass, a $10 million bond will be allocated across Grant County in order to fund five community enhancement projects.
 
Between the Town of Silver City, Grant County and Western New Mexico University, officials have brainstormed ways to fund each individual project for some time: completing renovations to the Grant County Veterans’ Memorial Business and Conference Center; expanding and restoring the WNMU swimming pool, as well as constructing a second indoor pool for community use; improving the Bataan Park baseball field and bringing back WNMU’s baseball program; improvements at the Silver City golf course; and building a multiplex movie theater.

 
“While each individual project can be debated, it is the whole package that is appealing,” explained WNMU President Joe Shepard.  “This proposal offers us an opportunity to have a positive impact on our community and boost the quality of life for all residents of Grant County.”
 
As well as adding several inches to the existing WNMU swimming pool to make it comply with NCAA standards, a second facility will be maintained at a slightly warmer temperature, ideal for recreational and family use. Improvements made to the baseball field at the Bataan Memorial Park will not only help revitalize the baseball program at Western but also bring recreational opportunities to the mining district.
 
Recognizing a growing trend in traveling to places such as Deming and Las Cruces in order to simply watch a movie, eat a meal or play golf, Town of Silver City Manager Alex Brown believes strongly in voting the proposal through.  “These projects are about providing infrastructure for people who are already here and for people who may come here,” Brown explained.  “By offering people more to do, we can keep the dollars in Grant County, allowing us to provide more services and a better quality of life for everyone.”  After a successful summer golf camp provided opportunities for children from all income brackets, it is hoped that new golf course cart paths and other improvements will not only attract tourists and future residents hoping to relocate here, but also local golfers from all backgrounds seeking a true community golf course environment.
 
While many people look to come to Grant County to work, study or retire, some choose not to move due to the lack of entertainment opportunities.  Since money is often the deciding factor in whether these opportunities are developed or enhanced, Grant County Manager Jon Saari believes the ¼ of 1 percent tax increase will help Grant County to help itself.  “We need to stop money leaving Grant County and each of these projects will help us do that,” commented Saari.  “By generating additional revenue, we can complete projects for and by ourselves.”
 
Should the proposal pass, the tax increase will not come into effect until January 1st 2014.  Costing $1 for every $400 spent, it is hoped that Grant County residents see the advantages in the completion of each project and vote the proposed changes through.  For more information regarding the proposed changes and benefits, visit www.abettergrantcounty.com