Opinion ID: 1258425
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: record preparation costs

Text: Last, OTC argues it should not be assessed preparation costs for a record that the Commission is required to keep in triplicate. The Commission is statutorily required to keep three copies of all witness testimony at its hearings. NMSA 1978, § 63-7-13 (Repl.Pamp. 1989). The Commission is not required to keep three copies of the entire record, as OTC suggests. Commission Rule 64 requires the appellant to pay appellate record preparation costs. N.M. State Corp. Comm'n R.P. 64 (Nov. 14, 1985). As stated, the Commission may prescribe such rules. N.M. Const. art. XI, § 4; In re Atchison, T. & S.F. Ry., 37 N.M. 194, 20 P.2d 918 (1933). Thus, the Commission's assessment of record preparation costs against OTC was proper. We reverse and remand to the Commission with instructions that, having determined a lack of mutual exclusivity, it enter additional findings of fact and conclusions of law, based upon the entire consolidated record, as to whether the grant of a certificate to OTC would be, inconsistent with the public convenience and necessity and whether OTC is, fit, willing and able to provide the transportation to be authorized by the certificate and to comply with the Motor Carrier Act and regulations of the commission. NMSA 1978, § 65-2-84(D)(1) (Repl.Pamp. 1981). IT IS SO ORDERED. RANSOM, J., and STEVE HERRERA, District Judge (sitting by designation), concur. SOSA, C.J., and BACA and MONTGOMERY, JJ., not participating.