TABOR Notice 2020 General Election Webpage Grand County Clerk and Recorder Sara L. Rosene
TABOR Notice
NOTICE OF ELECTION
Election Date: NOVEMBER 3, 2020
NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES/TO INCREASE DEBT/ON A REFERRED MEASURE
www.grandvotes.org
About this TABOR Notice
Who gets this notice: This notice is mailed to each address with one or more active registered voter whose ballot includes at least one TABOR ballot issue. However, receiving this notice does not guarantee you are registered or that your registration is current. Additionally, you may not be eligible to vote on all issues presented in this notice.
This notice contains summary statements for ballot issues as required by the State of Colorado Constitution, Article X, Section 20 for ballot issues appearing on the 2020 General Election ballot. The information contained in this notice was prepared by persons required by law to provide summaries of ballot issues and fiscal information. A "yes/for" vote on any ballot issue is a vote in favor of changing current law or existing circumstances, and a "no/against" vote on any ballot issue is a vote against changing current law or existing circumstances.
This notice does not contain information on statewide ballot questions or any candidate information. Information on statewide measures and judge retention, if applicable, can be found in the State Ballot Information Booklet (commonly referred to as the "Blue Book") mailed by the State of Colorado. For complete ballot content, please visit www.grandvotes.org.
TABOR NOTICE TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS Grand County, Colorado NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES/TO INCREASE DEBT/ON A REFERRED MEASURE
Election Date: NOVEMBER 3, 2020 Deadline for receipt of ballots: November 3, 2020 at 7 pm. Postmarks do not count.
Voter Service and Polling Centers open Election Day from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Grand County Clerk's Office: 308 Byers Avenue, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451 grandelections@co.grand.co.us * Phone: 970-725-3065 * www.grandvotes.org * Fax: 970-725-0100
County Measures
Grand County
Election Date:
November 3, 2020
Election Hours:
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Designated Election Official: Sara L. Rosene, Grand County Clerk and Recorder
308 Byers Avenue, PO Box 120, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451
970-725-3065
Grand County
NOTICE OF ELECTION ON A REFERRED MEASURE
Grand County Ballot Issue 1A
WITHOUT INCREASING TOTAL TAX REVENUES COLLECTED, SHALL GRAND COUNTY BE AUTHORIZED TO ADJUST ITS MILL LEVY ANNUALLY TO OFFSET REVENUE REDUCTIONS CAUSED BY STATE-IMPOSED CHANGES TO THE PERCENTAGE USED TO DETERMINE ASSESSED VALUATION, INCLUDING ANY CHANGES MADE PURSUANT TO THE 1982 GALLAGHER AMENDMENT TO THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION, SO THAT, TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE:
THE REVENUES GENERATED BY SUCH MILL LEVY ARE THE SAME AS THE TAX REVENUES THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN GENERATED HAD SUCH CHANGES IN THE METHOD OF CALCULATING ASSESSED VALUATION NOT OCCURRED?
YES/FOR _____
NO/AGAINST _____
Summary of written Comments FOR Ballot Issue 1A: No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline
Summary of written Comments AGAINST Ballot Issue 1A: No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline
Municipal Measures
Town of Kremmling
Election Date:
November 3, 2020
Election Hours:
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Designated Election Official: Joanna Flanigan, Town Clerk 200 Eagle Ave, Kremmling, CO 80459 970-724-3249
Town of Kremmling
NOTICE OF ELECTION ON A REFERRED MEASURE
Town of Kremmling Ballot Issue 2A
WITHOUT INCREASING TOTAL TAX REVENUES COLLECTED, SHALL THE TOWN OF KREMMLING BE AUTHORIZED TO ADJUST ITS MILL LEVY ANNUALLY TO OFFSET REVENUE REDUCTIONS CAUSED BY STATE IMPOSED CHANGES TO THE PERCENTAGE USED TO DETERMINE ASSESSED VALUATION, INCLUDING ANY CHANGES MADE PURSUANT TO THE 1982 GALLAGHER AMENDMENT TO THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION, SO THAT, TO THE EXTENT
1.
THE REVENUES GENERATED BY SUCH MILL LEVY ARE THE SAME AS THE TAX REVENUES THAT WOULD
HAVE BEEN GENERATED HAD SUCH CHANGES IN THE METHOD OF CALCULATING ASSESSED VALUATION
NOT OCCURRED, AND;
2.
THE TOWN OF KREMMLING CAN SUSTAIN ITS ABILITY TO PROVIDE MUNICIPAL SERVICES SUCH AS PUBLIC
SAFETY, SNOW REMOVAL, INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIRS, AND GENERAL SERVICES.
YES/FOR _____
NO/AGAINST _____
Summary of written Comments FOR Ballot Issue 2A: No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline
Summary of written Comments AGAINST Ballot Issue 2A: No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline
Municipal Measures
Town of Winter Park
Election Date:
November 3, 2020
Election Hours:
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Designated Election Official: Danielle Jardee, Town Clerk 50 Vasquez Rd./PO Box 3327, Winter Park, CO 80482 Telephone: (970) 726-8081 ext. 208
Town of Winter Park
NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES ON A REFERRED MEASURE
Town of Winter Park Ballot Issue 2B
SHALL TOWN OF WINTER PARK TAXES BE INCREASED BY $240,000 ANNUALLY IN THE FIRST FULL FISCAL YEAR AND BY SUCH AMOUNTS AS ARE RAISED ANNUALLY THEREAFTER BY IMPOSING A TAX OF FIVE PERCENT (5%) ON THE SALE OF REGULATED MARIJUANA AND REGULATED MARIJUANA PRODUCTS, WHICH TAX SHALL BE IN ADDITION TO THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL SALES TAX ON SUCH SALES, WITH ONE-HALF OF THE REVENUES DERIVED FROM SUCH TAX BEING USED EXCLUSIVELY TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH EFFORTS IN TOWN AND WITH THE OTHER ONE-HALF OF THE REVENUES DERIVED FROM SUCH TAX BEING USED FOR GENERAL MUNICIPAL PURPOSES; AND SHALL ALL REVENUES DERIVED FROM SUCH TAX BE COLLECTED AND SPENT AS A VOTER APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE NOTWITHSTANDING ANY REVENUE OR EXPENDITURE LIMITATIONS CONTAINED IN ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION?
YES/FOR _____
NO/AGAINST _____
FISCAL INFORMATION
Actual Historical and Current Estimated Fiscal Year Spending
Year
2020 (estimated) 2019 (actual) 2018 (actual) 2017 (actual) 2016 (actual) Overall percentage change in fiscal year spending over the five-year period from 2016 to 2020 Overall dollar change in fiscal year spending over the five-year period from 2016 through 2020: Proposed District Tax Increase
Estimated maximum dollar amount of proposed tax increase in first full fiscal year: Estimated first full fiscal year spending without the increase:
Fiscal Year Spending $ 27,347,079 $ 15,655,963 $ 12,640,365 $ 25,139,822 $ 10,215,167
168 % $ 17,131,912
$ 240,000 $ 20,818,499
Summary of written Comments FOR Ballot Issue 2B: Summary of written Comments AGAINST Ballot Issue 2B:
Marijuana sales have been legal in the State of Colorado since 2014. Winter Park is seeing the financial benefits of retail marijuana and is considering allowing limited marijuana retail licenses within town. To allow the town to collect an additional tax on Marijuana, the Town of Winter Park is asking the voters to approve a tax on marijuana sales. 50% of these new taxes will be dedicated to supporting Mental Health in our community, which is an underfunded and extremely important need in our community. I urge you to vote yes to support tax on marijuana in Winter Park.
No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.
Municipal Measures
Town of Winter Park
NOTICE OF ELECTION ON A REFERRED MEASURE
Town of Winter Park Ballot Issue 2C
WITHOUT INCREASING TOTAL TAX REVENUES COLLECTED, SHALL THE TOWN OF WINTER PARK BE AUTHORIZED TO ADJUST ITS MILL LEVY ANNUALLY TO OFFSET REVENUE REDUCTIONS CAUSED BY STATE-IMPOSED CHANGES TO THE PERCENTAGE USED TO DETERMINE ASSESSED VALUATION, INCLUDING ANY CHANGES MADE PURSUANT TO THE 1982 GALLAGHER AMENDMENT TO THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION, SO THAT, TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE:
1. THE REVENUES GENERATED BY SUCH MILL LEVY ARE THE SAME AS THE TAX REVENUES THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN GENERATED HAD SUCH CHANGES IN THE METHOD OF CALCULATING ASSESSED VALUATION NOT OCCURRED, AND
2. THE TOWN CAN SUSTAIN ITS ABILITY TO PROVIDE BASIC PUBLIC SAFETY AND PUBLIC WORKS MUNICIPAL SERVICES; AND
SHALL THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH TAXES AND INVESTMENT INCOME THEREON BE COLLECTED AND SPENT BY THE TOWN AS A VOTER APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE IN 2020 AND IN EACH YEAR THEREAFTER, WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY SPENDING, REVENUE-RAISING, OR OTHER LIMITATION CONTAINED WITHIN ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION OR SECTION 29-1-301, COLORADO REVISED STATUTES, WITHOUT LIMITING IN ANY YEAR THE AMOUNT OF OTHER REVENUES THAT MAY BE COLLECTED AND SPENT BY THE TOWN?
FISCAL INFORMATION
Actual Historical and Current Estimated Fiscal Year Spending
Year
2020 (estimated) 2019 (actual) 2018 (actual) 2017 (actual) 2016 (actual) Overall percentage change in fiscal year spending over the five-year period from 2016 to 2020 Overall dollar change in fiscal year spending over the five-year period from 2016 through 2020: Proposed District Tax Increase
Fiscal Year Spending $ 27,347,079 $ 15,665,963 $ 12,640,365 $ 25,139,822 $ 10,215,167
168 % $ 17,131,912
Estimated maximum dollar amount of proposed tax increase in first full fiscal year: Estimated first full fiscal year spending without the increase:
$ 0 $ 20,818,499
Summary of written Comments FOR Ballot Issue 2C: No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.
Summary of written Comments AGAINST Ballot Issue 2C: No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.
Municipal Measures
Town of Fraser
Election Date:
November 3, 2020
Election Hours:
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Designated Election Official:
Fraser Town Hall
153 Fraser Avenue
Fraser, CO 80442
Telephone: (970) 726-5491
Town of Fraser
NOTICE OF ELECTION ON A REFERRED MEASURE
Town of Fraser Ballot Issue 2D
WITHOUT INCREASING TOTAL TAX REVENUES COLLECTED, SHALL THE TOWN OF FRASER BE AUTHORIZED TO ADJUST ITS MILL LEVY ANNUALLY TO OFFSET REVENUE REDUCTIONS CAUSED BY STATE IMPOSED CHANGES TO THE PERCENTAGE USED TO DETERMINE ASSESSED VALUATION, INCLUDING ANY CHANGES MADE PURSUANT TO THE 1982 GALLAGHER AMENDMENT TO THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION, SO THAT, TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, THE REVENUES GENERATED BY SUCH MILL LEVY ARE THE SAME AS THE TAX REVENUES THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN GENERATED HAD SUCH CHANGES IN THE METHOD OF CALCULATING ASSESSED VALUATION NOT OCCURRED?
YES/FOR _____
NO/AGAINST _____
Summary of written Comments FOR Ballot Issue 2D:
Vote YES on 2D. Ballot Issue 2D would authorize, but not require, the Fraser Town Council to capture revenues lost due to the Gallagher Amendment so the Town of Fraser may maintain its current level of services without having to raise taxes in the future. Ballot Issue 2D is not asking for an increase in tax revenue.
The Gallagher Amendment was added to the Colorado Constitution in 1982, and sets the Residential Assessment Rate ("RAR") at 21% and Commercial Assessment Rates at 29%. While the commercial rate is fixed, the residential rate can move up or down. The amendment also requires property tax revenues in the state to be collected at a ratio of 45% residential and 55% all other property types. In order to maintain this ratio, the Colorado General Assembly is required to set the RAR every two years to keep the 45%/55% ratio in place.
As the State of Colorado has experienced significant residential growth, the Colorado General Assembly has consistently been forced to decrease the RAR from 18%, then 15%, then 12%, then 9%, down to 7.96% in 2003. It then dropped again to 7.2% in 2017 and is expected to drop again to 5.88% in 2020.
As a result, the amount of money the Town has been able to collect on property taxes has decreased over the years. It is anticipated the reduction in the RAR to 5.88% will result in the Town losing approximately $240,000 in revenues next year. These types of revenue losses will continue and only increase as the RAR continues to decline as residential property values continue to increase. Ballot Issue 2D not only prevents revenue losses now, but so long as the state continues to decrease the RAR.
Ballot Issue 2D only authorizes the Fraser Town Council to increase the mill levy to make up for the amount of revenue lost by state imposed changes to the RAR. Ballot Issue 2D does not authorize the Town to generate new revenue.
Passage of Ballot Issue 2D will allow the Town to avoid budget cuts that would impact services and amenities we all value, as well as other basic Town functions.
Keep Fraser great, and vote YES on 2D.
Summary of written Comments AGAINST Ballot Issue 2D:
No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.
SCHOOL DISTRICT MEASURES East Grand School District No. 2
East Grand School District No. 2
Election Date:
November 3, 2020
Election Hours:
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Designated Election Official:
Amanda Cross, Designated Election Official
299 CR 611, PO Box 125, Granby, CO 80446
970-887-2581
NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES
East Grand School District No. 2 Ballot Issue 4A
SHALL EAST GRAND SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2 TAXES BE INCREASED $1 MILLION ANNUALLY WITH FINANCIALLY TRANSPARENT EXPENDITURES TO BE PUBLICLY REPORTED ON THE DISTRICT'S WEBSITE TO PROVIDE FUNDS TO
· ATTRACT AND RETAIN QUALITY TEACHERS AND STAFF;
THROUGH A PROPERTY TAX OVERRIDE MILL LEVY TO BE IMPOSED AT A RATE SUFFICIENT TO PRODUCE THE AMOUNT SET FORTH ABOVE, TO BE DEPOSITED INTO THE GENERAL FUND OF THE DISTRICT, TO BE IN ADDITION TO THE PROPERTY TAXES THAT OTHERWISE WOULD BE LEVIED FOR THE GENERAL FUND AND TO CONSTITUTE A VOTER APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE?
YES/FOR _____
NO/AGAINST _____
FISCAL INFORMATION Actual Historical and Current Estimated Fiscal Year Spending
Year 2020-2021 (current year estimated) 2019-2020 (actual) 2018-2019 (actual) 2017-2018 (actual) 2016-2017 (actual) Overall percentage change in fiscal year spending over the five-year period from 2016-2017 to 2020-2021 Overall dollar change in fiscal year spending over the five-year period from 2016-2017 through 2020-2021:
Proposed District Tax Increase
Fiscal Year Spending $15,997,290 $17,646,223 $14,719,878 $13,005,920 $12,219,887
30.91%
$ 3,777,403
Estimated maximum dollar amount of proposed tax increase in first full fiscal year: Estimated first full fiscal year spending without the increase:
$ 1,000,000 $15,997,290
SCHOOL DISTRICT MEASURES East Grand School District No. 2
Continued
Summary of written Comments FOR Ballot Issue 4A:
Grand County has seen a rapid rise in cost of living over the past several years. State funding for schools has not kept pace with this. As a result, competitive pay for East Grand School District teachers and staff has suffered. East Grand's average teacher salary has fallen to more than $10,000.00 below the average cost of living in Grand County. The Mill Levy Override will allow teachers and staff to begin closing that gap. With current property tax rates, this issue will cost taxpayers approximately $10.42 per $100,000 of property value each year. Every year the district tries to hire teachers from the Front Range only to be turned down because of the salary difference. Likewise, we lose teachers to nearby districts so they can increase their salary. Non-teaching staff often choose to work elsewhere as well leaving the district short of employees. East Grand School District has consistently been a district rated as Accredited or Accredited with Distinction. In order to maintain a quality education for our students we need to provide competitive salaries and benefits to our employees. Many of our employees have to work second jobs in order to be able to live and work here. The district also has a large percentage of teachers who are eligible to retire in the next 5 years and will need to recruit quality candidates to fill those positions. This will require having competitive salaries with other districts.
Summary of written Comments AGAINST Ballot Issue 4A:
No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.
SPECIAL DISTRICT MEASURES
Kremmling Fire Protection District
Election Date:
November 3, 2020
Election Hours:
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Designated Election Official:
Alan N. Hassler, Designated Election Official
1320 Eagle Avenue, Kremmling, Colorado 80459
telephone number 970.724.3795 and 970.640.1374
Kremmling Fire Protection District
NOTICE OF ELECTION ON A REFERRED MEASURE
Kremmling Fire Protection District Ballot Issue 6A
WITHOUT RAISING TAXES AND IN ORDER TO STABILIZE REVENUES FOR OPERATING AND OTHER EXPENSES, SHALL THE KREMMLING FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT BE AUTHORIZED, BEGINNING IN 2021 AND ANNUALLY THEREAFTER, TO ADJUST ITS GENERAL OPERATING MILL LEVY RATE TO OFFSET ANY REVENUE LOSSES RESULTING FROM REFUNDS, ABATEMENTS, AND CHANGES IN THE LAW REGARDING, OR THE METHODS OF CALCULATING, THE RATIO OF VALUATION FOR ASSESSMENT (SECTION 3, ARTICLE X OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION, THE "GALLAGHER AMENDMENT"), BUT IN ANY EVENT AS NECESSARY TO RAISE NOT LESS THAN $457,895 ANNUALLY (THE AMOUNT ASSESSED TO BE COLLECTED IN 2020) AS ADJUSTED FOR ANNUAL INFLATION AND LOCAL GROWTH AS ALLOWED BY ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION, INCLUDING:
1.
MAINTAINING THE CURRENT LEVEL AND QUALITY OF RESPONSE,
2.
PROVIDING NECESSARY PROTECTIVE GEAR AND EQUIPMENT,
3.
MAINTAINING THE VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER BASE WITH CONTINUAL TRAINING, AND
4.
EXPANDING SERVICES NECESSARY TO KEEP UP WITH POPULATION GROWTH;
AND SHALL ALL DISTRICT REVENUES BE COLLECTED AND SPENT NOTWITHSTANDING ANY REVENUE LIMITS PROVIDED BY LAW?
YES/FOR _____
NO/AGAINST _____
Summary of written Comments FOR Ballot Issue 6A: No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.
Summary of written Comments AGAINST Ballot Issue 6A: No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.
SPECIAL DISTRICT MEASURES Fraser Valley Metropolitan Recreation District
Fraser Valley Metropolitan Recreation District
Election Date:
November 3, 2020
Election Hours:
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Designated Election Official:
Ann McConnell, Business Manager
1 Main Street, Fraser, CO 80442
PO Box 3348, Winter Park, CO 80482
Telephone: (970) 726-8968
NOTICE OF ELECTION ON A REFERRED MEASURE
Fraser Valley Metropolitan Recreation District Ballot Issue 6B
SHALL FRASER VALLEY METROPOLITAN RECREATION DISTRICT BE AUTHORIZED TO ADJUST THE DISTRICT'S MILL LEVY RATE UP OR DOWN BEGINNING IN 2021 AND ANNUALLY THEREAFTER IF NEEDED TO OFFSET REVENUE LOSSES RESULTING FROM STATE-MANDATED PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT METHOD CHANGES OR RATE REDUCTIONS (CAUSED BY THE "GALLAGHER AMENDMENT" OR RELATED LAW) IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN NECESSARY SERVICES?
YES/FOR _____
NO/AGAINST _____
Summary of written Comments FOR Ballot Issue 6B:
In November, the Fraser Valley Metropolitan Recreation District (FVMRD) will be asking voters to approve a revenue stabilization measure for the FVMRD. Ballot Issue 6B asks voters to allow the FVMRD to adjust its mill levy rate beginning in 2021, if needed, to offset revenue losses due to state-mandated changes in the residential assessment rate (RAR) due to the Gallagher Amendment. These State-mandated adjustments in the residential assessment rate are expected to reduce the RAR from 7.15 to 5.85 or 18% in 2021, eliminating nearly $150,000 from the FVMRD budget. Voting YES on Ballot Issue 6B will allow the FVMRD to stabilize revenue each year and continue to provide the recreational services our community has come to expect. I fully support the FVMRD's efforts to pass the ballot issue to assist in maintaining essential services to our community.
Summary of written Comments AGAINST Ballot Issue 6B:
No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.
SPECIAL DISTRICT MEASURES Colorado River Water Conservation District
NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES ON A REFERRED MEASURE
Colorado River Water Conservation District
Including all of Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Grand, Gunnison, Mesa, Moffat, Ouray, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, Routt, and Summit Counties, and those parts of Hinsdale and Saguache Counties lying west and north of the continental divide and within the drainage basin of the Gunnison river, and that part of Montrose County not included in the Southwestern Water Conservation District as set forth and described in section 37-47-103 of the Colorado Revised Statues.
Election Date:
November 3, 2020
Election Hours:
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Local Election Office Address and Telephone Number:
Colorado River Water Conservation District
201 Centennial Street, Suite #200, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Telephone: (970) 945-8522
Ballot Title and Text
Ballot Issue 7A:
SHALL COLORADO RIVER WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT, ALSO KNOWN AS THE COLORADO RIVER DISTRICT, TAXES BE INCREASED BY AN AMOUNT UP TO $4,969,041 IN 2021 (WHICH INCREASE AMOUNTS TO APPROXIMATELY $1.90 IN 2021 FOR EVERY $100,000 IN RESIDENTIAL HOME VALUE), AND BY SUCH AMOUNTS AS ARE GENERATED ANNUALLY THEREAFTER FROM AN ADDITIONAL PROPERTY TAX LEVY OF 0.248 MILLS (FOR A TOTAL MILL LEVY OF 0.5 MILLS) TO ENABLE THE COLORADO RIVER DISTRICT TO PROTECT AND SAFEGUARD WESTERN COLORADO WATER BY:
· FIGHTING TO KEEP WATER ON THE WEST SLOPE; · PROTECTING ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLIES FOR WEST SLOPE FARMERS AND RANCHERS; · PROTECTING SUSTAINABLE DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES FOR WEST SLOPE COMMUNITIES; AND · PROTECTING FISH, WILDLIFE, AND RECREATION BY MAINTAINING RIVER LEVELS AND WATER QUALITY;
PROVIDED THAT THE DISTRICT WILL NOT UTILIZE THESE ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING TO FALLOW IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE; WITH SUCH EXPENDITURES REPORTED TO THE PUBLIC IN AN ANNUALLY PUBLISHED INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL AUDIT; AND SHALL ALL REVENUES RECEIVED BY THE DISTRICT IN 2021 AND EACH SUBSEQUENT YEAR BE COLLECTED, RETAINED AND SPENT NOTWITHSTANDING ANY LIMITS PROVIDED BY LAW?
YES/FOR _____
NO/AGAINST _____
SPECIAL DISTRICT MEASURES Colorado River Water Conservation District
Total District Fiscal Year Spending
Continued
Fiscal Year
2020 (estimated)
$ 4,535,680
2019 (actual)
$ 3,741,037
2018 (actual)
$ 3,904,492
2017 (actual)
$ 3,949,075
2016 (actual)
$ 4,433,415
Overall percentage change from 2016 to 2020 2.3%
Overall dollar change from 2016 to 2020
$102,265
Proposed Tax Increase
District Estimate of the Maximum Dollar Amount of the Proposed Tax Increase For Fiscal Year 2021 (the First Full Fiscal Year
of the Proposed Tax Increases):
BALLOT ISSUE NO. 7A: $4,969,041
District Estimate of 2021 Fiscal Year Spending Without Proposed Tax Increase:
$4,554,680
Summary of Written Comments FOR Ballot Issue No. 7A:
Funding is needed so that the River District can continue protecting water supplies for the farmers and ranchers that put food on our tables. The District will use this funding to protect drinking water supplies on the Western Slope. The District has clearly demonstrated the need for new revenues to protect West Slope water and keep our water on the Western Slope. The District's mill levy is consistently one of the lowest levies on the West Slope. 7A is a modest increase of less than 1/4 of a single mill. The District developed a robust fiscal implementation plan that explains exactly how these revenues would be spent. Without additional resources, the District will be forced to reduce its workforce even more, and this will jeopardize its ability to protect the West Slope's water security. The District is accountable to taxpayers and undergoes regular independent audits to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. The District's Board members are appointed directly by County Commissioners in each of the 15 counties within the District, so every county has a say guiding the work of the River District.
My role as a water resources engineer has provided me with the opportunity to really understand the importance of investing more in the protection of West Slope water and agricultural, industrial, municipal, and environmental/recreational users. The River District's mission is to protect these resources and the challenges in front of us with changing climate, hydrology, and water quality only emphasize the critical nature of your role.
This effort is non-partisan and enjoys broad support from conservative and progressive communities -- agricultural associations, conservation organizations and chambers of commerce have all come together to support and to protect West Slope water. The increase in property taxes is very small but will go a long way towards protecting West Slope water and keeping our water on the Western Slope. The Colorado River District is accountable to taxpayers and has created internal safeguards within a Fiscal Implementation plan to describe exactly how the money will be spent. It is good that this measure does not include a sunset provision because the need for protecting West Slope water will not go away. Front Range cities are buying up water rights and drying up productive farmland on the West Slope - some of which has been in families for generations. The Colorado River District needs the resources to protect our water, keep local food production, and preserve healthy rivers that contribute to our quality of life and outdoor lifestyle. I support this because it would mean only $1.90 per year for each $100,000 in home value per year. That is a very modest amount.
SPECIAL DISTRICT MEASURES Colorado River Water Conservation District
Continued Summary of Written Comments AGAINST Ballot Issue No. 7A: Unlike most other districts with taxing authority, the River District is an appointed, not an elected board and does not have direct accountability to the taxpayers. The increase in mill levy does not have a sunset date and does not require the board to come back to the voters to prove they've used the money wisely in order to reauthorize the tax. There is no clear list of projects that this money will be used for. The River District refers to a Fiscal Implementation Plan but refused to bind the tax increase to this plan. As taxpayers, we don't have assurance that they will use the money as they say, and a future board could change the plan. The mill levy is a significant increase rather than something more incremental. The language of the measure is noble in its ambition but vague in its application. Please vote `NO' on Ballot issue 7A.
I hereby certify that this booklet contains all of the notices as provided by the various governmental entities pursuant to Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution.
Sara L. Rosene Grand County Clerk and Recorder This concludes the ballot issue notice required by Article X, Section of the Colorado Constitution.
GRAND COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER TY CSLAERRAKLARNODSERNEECORDER NE PO BOX 120
HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS, CO 80451-0120 R SPRINGS, CO 80451-0120
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED ERVICE REQUESTED
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID
HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS PERMIT NO.4
OFFICIAL BALLOT ENCLOSED
OFFICIAL BALLOT ENCLOSED
Voting and Mail Ballot Return Options
Ballots are mailed on October 9. Voters may either vote their mail ballot and return it (instructions included with the mail ballot packet), or visit a Voter Service and Polling Center to cast a ballot in person.
Voter Service and Polling Center (vote in-person or pick up ballot): Grand County Administration Building 308 Byers Avenue, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451
Monday through Friday (Oct. 19-Nov. 2) 8:30AM to 5:00PM
Saturday (Oct. 31) 8:30AM to 12:30PM
Tuesday, Nov. 3 (Election Day) 7:00AM to 7:00PM
Voter Service and Polling Centers open on Tuesday, November 3, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Election Day) only (vote in person or pick up ballot): · Granby Town Hall
Zero Jasper Avenue, Granby, CO 80446 · Grand Park Community Recreation Center
1 Main Street, Fraser, CO 80442
ADA accessible voting machines are available at all VSPCs listed above.
24-Hour Ballot Drop-off Boxes
24-hour Drop off location (County-controlled drop box)
· Grand County Administration Building 308 Byers Avenue, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451
Wednesday, October 1 at 8:30 am through Tuesday, November 3 (Election Day) at 7:00 pm
24-hour Drop off location (County-controlled drop box)
· CSU Extension Hall, Grand County Fairgrounds 210 11th Street, Kremmling, CO 80459
· Granby Town Hall Zero Jasper Avenue, Granby, CO 80446
· Grand Lake Town Hall 1026 Park Avenue, Grand Lake, CO 80447
· Grand Park Community Recreation Center 1 Main Street, Fraser, CO 80442
Monday, October 12 at 5:00 pm through Tuesday, November 3 (Election Day) at 7:00 pm
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