HomeMy WebLinkAboutR17-070 Supporting Ballot Issue 1A - Funding Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner C.4t4 JDt42.. - 4..e...41L t moved adoption
of the following Resolution:
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY OF EAGLE, STATE OF COLORADO
RESOLUTION NO. 2017 - 01 b
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING BALLOT ISSUE 1A—FUNDING MENTAL HEALTH
AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES IN EAGLE COUNTY THROUGH THE
TAXATION OF RETAIL MARIJUANA
WHEREAS,the Board of County Commissioners ("County") has submitted to the
registered, qualified electors of Eagle County, at the general election to be held on November 7,
2017, a question authorizing a sales and excise tax increase for the purpose of funding mental
health and substance abuse services in Eagle County; and
WHEREAS, C.R.S. §1-45-117(1)(b)(III) allows any political subdivision to pass a
resolution in support and otherwise take a position of advocacy on this issue and report the
passage of the same through established, customary means; and
WHEREAS, the County desires to encourage our constituents to vote yes on Ballot Issue
1A; and
WHEREAS, our citizens have faced a persistent problem of having no treatment
facilities or funding for mental health and substance abuse issues. For those in Eagle County
needing mental health or substance abuse services the closest existing facilities are located in
Grand Junction and Frisco; and
WHEREAS,mental health and substance abuse issues impact a large sector of our
population:
• 1 in 4 adults experience a mental health or addiction crisis in a given year
• 18% of adults live with anxiety disorders
• 60%with a mental illness don't receive treatment
• 20% of 13-18 year olds live with a mental health condition
• 50% of youth ages 8-15 don't receive treatment
• 37% students with mental health conditions dropout of high school-highest rate of any
disability group
• Eagle County has already seen 10 individuals commit suicide in 2017 and is on pace to
set a record for annual suicides; and
WHEREAS,the marijuana industry has created an opportunity to help resolve the
funding and treatment problem. This is the first year counties have the statutory ability to
impose both a sales and excise tax on retail marijuana;
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WHEREAS,Ballot Issue lA applies only to retail marijuana and will not impact the sale
or growing of medical marijuana in Eagle County; and
WHEREAS,the County worked with our local marijuana industry to garner its support
and mitigate impacts of Ballot Issue 1 A. Accordingly, the tax will be phased in over a 6 year
time period, beginning at 2.5% and increasing .5% each year thereafter until a 5% limit is
achieved.
WHEREAS, recent State changes to the calculation of the average market rate of
marijuana between unaffiliated parties has effectively lowered the excise tax rate paid by many
growers. The current State excise tax rate coupled with Ballot Issue lA will still be lower than
the tax rate growers unaffiliated with a retail marijuana store had paid in previous years; and
WHEREAS, if approved, a significant portion of the resulting tax revenue - $1.2 million
dedicated minimum-would be immediately used to create programs for prevention of mental
health and treatment of substance abuse issues. The longer term the vision calls for creation of
an in-county facility; and
WHEREAS, if approved, a community advisory board shall be created consisting of
those with expertise in behavioral health services, with proportionate representation from both
the Eagle River and Roaring Fork valleys, to make recommendations for expenditure of the
dedicated revenues in the most effective manner,taking into consideration the needs of the
community, available resources,population, and equitable distribution of resources over time;
and
WHEREAS,revenue in addition to the first $1.2 million will be either dedicated to
further mental health and substance abuse services or will otherwise be reinvested in the
community to meet outstanding needs.
NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS FOR EAGLE COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO:
That, Eagle County would like to join our municipalities, health care providers, local law
enforcement agencies, school district, and other community partners in supporting the passage of
Ballot Issue 1A—Funding Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in Eagle County
through the Taxation of Retail Marijuana.
That, the registered, qualified electors of Eagle County are encouraged to vote yes on Ballot
Issue 1A.
COUNTY OF EAGLE, STATE OF
COLORADO, By and Through Its
ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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* * F
Clerk to the Board of J /an H. Ryan, Chai/
County Commissioner
V.3%-i . 0' /
„ IA &. .4it /Ay,
'athy if andler-Henry, Corn ission-6
01f
(J . nne McQueeney,i# missioner
Commissioner -r7b--• seconded adoption of the foregoing resolution. The roll
having been called, the vote was as follows:
Commissioner Ryan I4-t, M
Commissioner Chandler-Henry `
Commissioner McQueeney �,,,
This Resolution passed by l0, vote of the Board of County Commissioners of
the County of Eagle, State of Colorado.
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