Chaves County Board of Commissioners Special Meeting for Wednesday August 19th, 2026.

The Chaves County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on August 19, 2026, primarily to discuss Ordinance O-119, which proposes placing a Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) local option gross receipts tax (GRT) on the November 2026 ballot. The meeting served as a public hearing to gather community input on the proposed tax increase intended to fund economic development projects within the county. Numerous public comments were heard, reflecting a mix of support and opposition, with concerns about the timing of the tax given current economic hardships and the impact on local businesses and residents. Commissioners discussed the administration and control of the funds, clarifying that the county would act as the fiscal agent and that funds would be used specifically for county projects with public oversight. The board ultimately voted to table the decision until their regular meeting the following day, where they would vote on whether to place the tax measure on the ballot, emphasizing that the final decision rests with the voters.