The town of 14,855, with some 25,000 residents in the entire country, is located 33 miles from the Mexican border. They estimate losing approximately $120,000 annually in tax revenue because of this tax collection lapse. For that population base, the amount is significant.
According to Matt Robinson writing in the Deming Headlight, Charles ‘Tink’ Jackson, Luna County Manager, explained, “We’re the only county that doesn’t require a tax clearance for the manufactured home to be moved. Doña Ana County, Hidalgo County, and Grant County all require that clearance so they can collect current or back taxes on these properties before they are moved, moved out of the county, or destroyed.”
Robinson says there are no state rules currently governing taxes on manufactured homes in New Mexico. It’s the responsibility of individual counties to establish and enforce such policies.
As MH professionals in many parts of the nation know, this issue of collecting taxes connected with moving a manufactured home is not uncommon. In many jurisdictions, legislation has dealt with such scenarios some years ago.
If passed, the ordinance would require any manufactured home entering the county, being moved within the county, or being moved outside the county, to have a permit issued by the Luna County Planning and Community Development Department. Manufactured homes built in Luna County but shipped outside the county would be exempt from the requirement.
Board Chairman Jay Spivey stressed that public education must be included at every step of this process because some residents may not know county policies concerning manufactured homes or property valuations. ##
(Photo Charles ‘Tink’ Jackson credit: Deming Radio)
