News Release

Media Contact: Anthony Dimas Jr.

505-863-1400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Wednesday, March. 25 

GALLUP, New Mexico – The McKinley County Board of Commissioners announced today that it is postponing consideration of a proposed ordinance that would have increased local taxes to support economic development efforts.

Ordinance 2026-MAR-001 would have implemented a 0.4375% increase in Gross Receipts Tax, with revenue designated for economic development initiatives in McKinley County.

“After strong feedback from the public, we have decided to hold off on considering the tax increase until we can solicit more input,” said McKinley County Commission Chair Robert Baca.

In recent years, McKinley County has experienced a significant decline in revenue following the closures of Marathon Petroleum and Escalante Generating Station, which were the county’s largest and third-largest taxpayers, respectively.

County officials said the ordinance may be brought forward again next calendar year to allow additional time for public discussion and input.