TheAlbuquerque city council voted to raise gross receipts taxes by 0.375 percent Monday night and balance the city’s budget for the next year. The measure would generate around $50 million.
At least 60 percent of the revenue would fund public safety, things like hiring more police officers and improving technology for first responders.
City Councilor Diane Gibson said raising the gross receipts tax was the best option they had.
“Of all of the potential paths forward, this one,” she said, “although certainly not an easy one, it was the least harmful.”
According to a report from Mayor Tim Keller’s office, other options included entry fees to use community centers, raising property taxes, or furloughs for city workers.
Keller is expected to sign the measure. The tax increase would go into effect in July 1, 2018.
