Chapter 2.55
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Sections:
2.55.050 Economic development plan.
2.55.060 Application requirements.
2.55.070 Applicable review criteria.
2.55.090 Project participation agreement.
2.55.120 Joint regional projects.
2.55.010 Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the economic development plan ordinance. [Ord. 240 § 1, 2007].
2.55.020 Authority.
The economic development plan ordinance is enacted pursuant to the statutory authority conferred upon municipalities to allow public support of economic development (Sections 5-10-1 through 5-10-13 NMSA 1978). This chapter is adopted as part of the Village’s economic development plan. [Ord. 240 § 2, 2007].
2.55.030 Purpose.
A. The purpose of the economic development plan ordinance is to allow public support of economic projects to foster, promote and enhance local economic development efforts while continuing to protect against the unauthorized use of public money and other public resources. Further, the purpose of this chapter is to allow the Village to enter into one or more joint power agreements with other local governments to plan and support regional economic development projects.
B. Local Economic Development Act. Local governments are allowed to provide direct or indirect assistance to qualifying business for furthering or implementing the economic development plan and projects; furthermore, local and regional governments have the authority to contribute assets to development projects; however, the imposition of a tax must be approved by the voters in referendum.
C. Eligible Uses. Municipalities may impose municipal infrastructure gross receipts tax and dedicate the revenue for economic development projects. A total of 0.25 percent tax (in four increments of 0.0625 percent) may be imposed. [Ord. 240 § 3, 2007].
2.55.040 Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
“Economic development project” means the provision of direct or indirect land, buildings or other infrastructure; public works improvements essential to the location assistance to a qualifying business and include the purchase, lease, grant, or construction, reconstruction, improvement or other acquisition or conveyance of expansion of a qualifying business; and payments for professional services contracts necessary for local or regional governments to implement a plan or project.
“Governing body” means the Village of Cimarron council.
“Project participation agreement” means an agreement between a qualifying entity and the Village whereby the Village provides assistance to an economic development project in exchange for the benefits received as set forth in this section.
“Qualifying entity” means an existing or proposed corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, syndicate, association or other person that is one or a combination of two or more of the following:
1. An industry for manufacturing, processing, or assembling of any agricultural or manufactured products;
2. A commercial enterprise for storing, warehousing, distributing, or selling products of agriculture, mining or industry, but other than provided in subsection (4) of this definition, not including any enterprise for sale of goods or commodities at retail or for the distribution to the public of electricity, gas, water, or telephone or other services commonly classified as public utilities;
3. A business in which all or part of the activities of the business involve the supplying of services to the general public or to government agencies or to a specific industry or customer, but, other than provided in subsection (4) of this definition, not including a business primarily engaged in the sale of goods or commodities at retail;
4. A telecommunications sales enterprise that makes the majority of its sales to persons outside of New Mexico. [Ord. 240 § 4, 2007].
2.55.050 Economic development plan.
A. The Village of Cimarron clerk-administrator after approval of the governing body may assist economic development projects in any legally permissible manner including but not limited to provision of land, buildings and infrastructure if all the requirements of this chapter are met. The Village may provide land, buildings or infrastructure it already owns, or it may build, purchase or lease the facilities needed for an economic development project. The Village at its discretion may bear the full cost or contribute a portion of the costs including the waiver of applicable fees. The Village, at its discretion, may also contribute to the payment of costs for professional service contracts such as industry feasibility studies and planning and design services needed to implement a project.
B. The governing body may consider offering all forms of assistance allowed under this chapter and any other legally permissible forms of assistance; however, this does not establish any obligation on the Village’s part to offer any specific type or level of assistance. [Amended during 2014 codification; Ord. 240 § 5, 2007].
2.55.060 Application requirements.
A. Any qualifying entity meeting the definition set forth in VCMC 2.55.040 may propose an economic development project to the Village. Meeting the definition of a qualifying entity does not create any obligation on the part of the Village of Cimarron.
B. Applications from qualifying entities shall be submitted to the Village of Cimarron on forms provided by the Village.
C. Applications shall contain the following information for business applicants:
1. Identification Information.
a. Complete name and address of entity;
b. Incorporation papers with bylaws;
c. List of board of directors and executive director, with addresses; and resumes of all directors and officers;
d. Resumes of all directors and officers.
2. Evidence of Financial Solvency (Personal Statement of Principals).
a. Financial statement (income statement and balance sheets) for the past three years;
b. Federal tax number, New Mexico State Taxation and Revenue number and Village business license;
c. Projected income statement for at least three years.
3. Evidence or Organizational Capacity.
a. Brief history of the entity;
b. Organizational chart of the entity;
c. Business plans for the entity and proposed project (shall include pro forma cash flow analysis).
4. The project participation agreement and any other pertinent information will be forwarded to the governing body for final consideration at a public meeting. [Ord. 240 § 6, 2007].
2.55.070 Applicable review criteria.
A. Applications for economic development projects requesting economic assistance from the Village, which meet the policies and objectives of the Village’s economic development plan, shall receive priority. Examples include, but are not limited to:
1. Manufacturing firms (including intellectual property such as computer software);
2. Projects which enhance the exporting capacity of companies and/or provide goods and services which currently have to be imported into the Village of Cimarron;
3. Private companies seeking to build, expand or relocate facilities;
4. Private companies which provide facilities or services which enhance the ability of Cimarron businesses to operate;
5. Organizations which assist business start-ups or bring small companies together to increase their competitive abilities. This must involve a tangible project which will create jobs and promote an industry. Examples include, but are not limited to:
a. Business incubators;
b. Art incubators or coalition (e.g., a performing arts coalition seeking construction of rehearsal or performance facilities);
c. Public markets for farmers, gardeners, crafts, etc.;
d. Organizations which foster economic development by promoting work force development efforts such as apprenticeships or other job training programs;
6. Projects in industry clusters listed above are particularly encouraged, but others are eligible to apply as well. The intention is to retain flexibility in the use of incentives; and
7. Qualifying entities with existing contracts or projects with the Village when this plan is adopted may propose a restructuring of their project as an economic development project.
B. All applications for economic development projects requesting economic assistance from the Village shall submit a cost benefit analysis. Preparing a cost benefit analysis shall be the responsibility of the applicant. The Village retains the right to specify a format and methodology for the cost benefit analysis. The village council shall review and approve the methodology used. The source and rationale for any multiplier effects shall be identified. The cost benefit analysis shall show that the Village will recoup the value of its donation within a period of 10 years. The analysis shall address the following:
1. The number and type of jobs to be created, both temporary construction jobs and permanent jobs (by New Mexico Department of Labor job category);
2. Pay scale of jobs;
3. Determination of which jobs are expected to be filled locally and which will be filled by transfers from other facilities or recruited from outside the Cimarron area;
4. Total payroll expected at start up and after one year;
5. Anticipated impact on local tax base; and
6. Anticipated impact on local school systems.
C. All applicants for economic development projects requesting economic assistance from the Village shall require the same review required of industrial revenue bond applications. This review shall focus on environmental and community impacts of proposed projects. Special attention shall be given to job training and career advancement programs and policies. Projects shall demonstrate a strong commitment to providing career opportunities for Cimarron area residents. Cultural impacts of projects shall also be considered.
D. Any qualifying entity seeking assistance shall prepare and make available a job training and career development plan for their employees.
E. All applicants for economic development projects requesting economic assistance from the Village shall clearly demonstrate the benefits which will accrue to the community because of the donation of public resources. The Village has considerable flexibility in determining what is considered as adequate benefits. Benefits such as providing components or production capabilities which enhance a targeted industry cluster, or addressing critical deficiencies in regional economy, may be recognized. The benefits claimed of any proposal will receive careful scrutiny. However, it is the intent of this chapter to be flexible in the evaluation of these benefits, and to recognize the qualitative as well as quantitative impact of a proposal.
F. All applicants for economic development projects requesting assistance from the Village shall clearly demonstrate how the qualifying entity is making a substantive contribution. The contribution shall be of value and may be paid in money, in-kind services, jobs, expanded tax base, property or other thing or service of value for the expansion or improvement of the economy. The Village retains flexibility in defining the substantive contributions. The benefits identified in subsections (A) through (E) of this section may be accepted as adequate contributions on their own, or as cash donations may be required. Assistance in providing affordable housing to its employees or the community at large may also qualify. Determination of what constitutes an acceptable contribution for a given project shall be at the discretion of the governing body. [Ord. 240 § 7, 2007].
2.55.080 Public safeguards.
A. All economic development projects receiving assistance from the Village shall be subject to an annual performance review conducted by the Village of Cimarron. This review shall evaluate whether the project is attaining the goals and objectives set forth in the project participation agreement. This review shall be presented to the governing body for their consideration. The governing body at a public hearing may terminate assistance to the economic development project by provisions set forth in the agreement, which terminates the agreement and specifies the disposition of all assets and obligations of the project.
B. The Village shall retain a security interest, which shall be specific in the project participation agreement. The type of security given shall depend upon the nature of economic development project and assistance provided by the Village. Types of security may include, but are not limited to:
1. Letter of credit in the Village’s name;
2. Performance bond equal to the Village’s contribution;
3. A mortgage or lien on the property or equipment;
4. Prorated reimbursement of donation if company reduces work force or leaves the community before the term agreed to; and
5. Other security agreeable to both parties.
C. Should a qualifying entity move, sell, lease or transfer a majority interest in the economic development project before the expiration of the project participation agreement, the Village retains the right to deny any and all assignments, sales, leases or transfers of any interest in the economic development project until adequate assurances are made that the transferee, assignee or lessee is a qualifying entity and that the terms of the agreement will be satisfied by the transferee, assignee or lessee. At its discretion, the Village may choose to deny said assignment, lease or transfer or may negotiate a new agreement with the new operator, or the Village may reclaim the facility and enter into an agreement with the new qualifying entity.
D. Any qualifying entity seeking assistance from public resources shall commit to operate in accordance with its project participation agreement for a minimum of 10 years from the date the ordinance codified in this chapter is adopted and the governing body passes the project participation agreement. [Ord. 240 § 8, 2007].
2.55.090 Project participation agreement.
A. The qualifying entity shall prepare with the Village a project participation agreement. This agreement is the formal document which states the contribution and obligation of all parties in the economic development project. The agreement must state the following items:
1. The economic development goals of the project;
2. The contribution of the Village and the qualifying entity;
3. The specific measurable objectives upon which the performance review will be read;
4. A schedule for project development and goal attainment;
5. The procedures by which a project may be terminated and the Village’s investment recovered; and
6. The period for which the town shall retain an interest in the project. Each project agreement shall have a sunset clause after which the Village shall relinquish interest in and oversight of the project.
B. Each project participation agreement shall be subject to review and approval by the governing body at a public hearing. [Ord. 240 § 9, 2007].
2.55.100 Project moneys.
All project moneys shall be kept in a separate account by the entity and the Village, which such account shall be clearly identified. These accounts shall be subject to an annual independent audit. [Ord. 240 § 10, 2007].
2.55.110 Termination.
The governing body may terminate the ordinance codified in this chapter and the Village’s economic development plan and any or all project participation agreements undertaken under its authority. Termination shall be by ordinance at a public hearing or in accordance with the terms of the project participation agreement. If an ordinance or a project participation agreement is terminated, all contract provisions of the project participation agreement regarding termination shall be satisfied. Upon termination of the ordinance or any project participation agreement, any Village moneys remaining in the Village project accounts shall be transferred to the Village’s general fund. [Ord. 240 § 11, 2007].
2.55.120 Joint regional projects.
The Village may engage in economic development projects involving one or more other government entities for projects which encompass more than one municipality or county. In such instances, the relevant governing bodies shall adopt a joint power agreement. This agreement will establish the application criteria and the terms of project participation agreements. Criteria established under a joint power agreement shall be within the provisions of this chapter. [Ord. 240 § 12, 2007].