Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Board members for the Greater Tucumcari Economic Development Corp. received a draft of a memorandum of understanding that would have one manager to direct both it and the Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce.
Regardless of whether the respective boards approve that arrangement, the EDC’s interim director said during the board’s meeting Jan. 30 the organization needs to straighten out its financial records.
Interim director Kristine Olsen said the EDC’s accounting software still contains 60 open invoices.
“Something with our Quickbooks is messing up our financials,” she said.
With that, the organization’s board voted to put Kelly McFarland CPA of Tucumcari on a retainer to examine and reconcile the EDC’s books.
Olsen also said once the EDC’s financial reports are sound, the organization will pursue renewing its federal nonprofit status.
She said after the meeting it lost its 501c6 status several years ago.
According to the Internal Revenue Service database, the EDC’s nonprofit status was revoked in 2016 for failing to file a Form 990 return or notice for three consecutive years.
The chamber’s board also will receive a copy of the proposed MOU for a director that would run both organizations.
Olsen said after the meeting one director for both organizations isn’t a sure thing, as one or both boards could reject it.
The previous EDC director, Patrick Vanderpool, resigned in June to take another position with the Regional Development Corporation of New Mexico. The previous chamber director, Scott Crotzer, resigned in July to take another position in Georgia.
Tucumcari city commissioners had haggled with both men over the funding of their offices, though an almost entirely new commission took over city government in January.
The EDC and chamber had openly discussed the possibility of one manager since last fall because of their overlapping duties and tight finances.
Board member Bobby Hockaday said the chamber has sent offers to several prospective candidates for the director position.
The board approved a one-year contract with Quay County where it would provide up to $50,000 in funding.
Action on a contract with the city was tabled until the pact is updated. It likely will be presented to the EDC board for approval at its next meeting this month.
The board also approved extending Olsen’s contract as interim director through February.
In other business:
— Board members said they should consult with the new city commission on whether to place a change to the city’s Local Economic Development Act ordinance on the November ballot.
The organization is considering adding retail businesses to be eligible for LEDA incentive funds.
Such an amendment would require approval by the city commission, though its current mayor, Mike Cherry, has voiced opposition to it. If it passes muster from the commission, it then will require approval by city voters.
— Quay Day last month at the beginning of the New Mexico Legislature’s 30-day session drew an estimated 50 to 55 people, one of the largest such gatherings in years. Lt. Gov. Howie Morales also attended the event.
— Board members were asked to compile a list of local Route 66 projects before a state Route 66 Centennial Coordination Group meeting in Tucumcari on Feb. 29. Route 66’s centennial will be in 2026.
— Robert Hockaday said the TableTop Cooperative recently received a $24,000 grant to purchase refrigeration equipment. The unit will be placed temporarily at the former ethanol plant on the city’s north side.