There will be a vote during the November 7th Taos County Regular Local Election to decide on allocating a ½ percent GRT to support the UNM-Taos Nursing Program and Holy Cross Hospital.

Senator Bobby Gonzales and Representative Kristina Ortez helped pass a bill through the state giving Taos County voters the opportunity to vote in favor of the GRT to support healthcare and education in our community.

• The GRT would NOT be an increased tax, but a continuation of the old rate. 25% of funds will support the UNM Taos Nursing Program and 75% will go to Holy Cross Hospital.
• The GRT is NOT a property tax, and is NOT a mill levy.
• GRT is a tax collected on goods and services. You already pay Gross Receipts Tax on most goods and services you purchase, and this tax will be a continuation of a rate that has been in place for decades. Food bought from grocery stores is NOT taxed in the state of New Mexico.
• Voting for the GRT will NOT take money away from schools. This GRT rate was originally used to help build the current Holy Cross Hospital facility in 1993. After the hospital was built, it was re-allocated to Taos County schools. The state determined that the GRT could no longer be used for schools, and senator Bobby Gonzales saw the opportunity to bring the funding back to the Hospital as well as the UNM Taos Nursing Program. Taos County voters have the chance to vote to support the hospital and our local nursing program.
• Tourists pay a substantial amount of our GRT each year.
• The GRT will help provide 10 years of funding for capital improvements at Holy Cross Hospital.
• If the community does not support the GRT measure, this portion of the tax will not be collected, and won’t be available to support the county in any way.
• Employees will be allowed to vote during work hours. Please coordinate with your manager. Early voting begins Tuesday, October 10th, and election day is Tuesday, November 7th.

A while ago, Taos County voters agreed to have this tax to build the current Holy Cross Hospital on Weimer Road. The tax helped create the hospital, but then it was used for schools instead. Now, some people want to bring the tax back to the hospital to help with important things like fixing the building, getting new equipment, and making sure they can continue to provide good healthcare for everyone in the community.

This tax has been approved by important people in the state, but now it’s up to the people in Taos County to say yes or no to using the money this way. If they vote yes, it will be a big help for the local hospital, and some of the money will also go to the UNM-Taos Nursing Program to support nurses’ education.

The good news is, this tax rate won’t be new or higher – it will be the same as it has been for a long time. And the money collected won’t just come from people who live here, but also from visitors who come to the area and buy things.

The vote is about keeping a tax that’s been there for a while to help the local hospital and nursing program. It’s not going to be a new tax, and it will make sure people can get the healthcare they need.

Upcoming Vote on November 7th

On November 7th, Taos County residents will be voting on the Gross Receipts Tax (GRT). This tax will financially support the Holy Cross Hospital and the UNM-Taos nursing program.

Background of the GRT

Years ago, the GRT was approved by Taos County voters to fund the construction of the Holy Cross Hospital. Once the hospital was built, the GRT was redirected to support schools. However, in 2022, the tax's use for schools ended. Now, thanks to efforts by Senator Bobby Gonzales and Representative Kristina Ortez, there's a chance to redirect the GRT back to the hospital.

Understanding GRT

The GRT is a tax added to most goods and services in New Mexico, except for groceries. It's a source of revenue that supports various projects within the state.

Allocation of Funds

Of the total funds collected, 75% will be directed to Holy Cross Hospital, and 25% will support the UNM-Taos Nursing Program. The funds will specifically be used for infrastructure improvements and essential equipment.

Financial Implications

The estimated annual collection from the GRT is between $2.2 to $3 million. This tax isn't new; it's been in place for a long time. A significant portion of the GRT comes from tourists visiting Taos.

What Happens If the GRT Isn't Approved?

If residents vote against the GRT, the tax won't be collected, depriving the hospital and nursing program of this financial support.

How to Support

• Discuss the importance of the GRT with peers and family.
• Participate in the vote on November 7th or start early voting on October 10th.
• Consider writing a letter of support to the Taos News.

HOLY CROSS MEDICAL CENTER