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Home My WebLink About2016 General Election Eagle County Roaring Fork TABOR Noticea FAGI F rC)t 1NTY Teak J. Simonton Eagle County Clerk and Recorder P.O. Box 537 Eagle, CO 81631 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED TO: ALL REGISTERED VOTERS *OFF � * 1r 4LECTI _ N MAIL �- Au"rrmebv IYe US. 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Yes No Total Eagle County Fiscal Year S ep ndiM Fiscal Year 2012 $83,453,186 2013 $83,353,205 2014 $85,034,511 2015 $89,227,997 2016 (estimated —without proposed tax increase) $110,519,106 Overall percentage change from 2012 to 2016 32.43% Overall dollar change 2012 to 2016 $27,065,920.47 Proposed Tax Increase: Estimated First Full Fiscal Year Maximum Dollar Amount of Increase for Ballot Issue 1 A $5,400,000 Estimated First Full Fiscal Year Spending Without Proposed Tax Increase $110,519,106 Summary of Written Comments in SUPPORT of Ballot Issue 1A: 1) Eagle County faces a gap in availability of ownership and rental housing that is affordable for local residents. Residents are burdened by high housing payments. Employees must commute long distances. According to the annual workforce survey, employers believe that the availability of workforce housing is a critical or major problem in Eagle County. The Eagle County Housing Assessment shows a shortfall of 4,500 units to meet current needs. 2) Workforce and affordable housing has long been an issue in Eagle County. The difference today is the demographic data clearly shows an increased need for more affordable housing options for the current and future Eagle County workforce. Addressing our affordable housing issue is essential to the continued success and growth of our business community across industry sectors. 3) In the current Eagle County housing market (2015 full year sales data), the median sales price has risen to $575,000, close to pre -recession levels. In the four year time period from 2012 to 2016, the area median income (AMI) level has risen 4% while the median home sales price in Eagle County rose 35%. When we look at the current affordability gap we see a $234,310 gap for that 100% AMI family, and even at 140% AMI, there is still a $97,600 gap. These new affordability gap numbers point to the increased need for more affordable housing options. A yes vote ensures our community can remain competitive to keep locals local, creating a funding source much like other resort communities including Summit County, Pitkin County, and Teton County, and addresses housing accessibility throughout Eagle County through a variety of affordable housing programs including down payment assistance and public-private partnerships. 4) County and Town governments and most of the community collective, including Eagle County schools personnel, have agreed that housing needs are significant and should be an issue receiving priority action. Comparisons of income and housing costs and availability of housing stock have been independently tabulated and confirmed to be inadequate. To address near- term critical shortages, especially for civil servants such as teachers and fire fighters, much of the early cash flow can be used to provide interest free down payment home purchase assistance or to pay for the upfront costs of securing long-term rentals. Later, funds could be used to build more permanent housing stock. The tax should be used to employ a myriad of approaches to address the needs of the community, especially our public servants, school teachers and health challenged persons. This is a broad- based sales tax to address the shortage of affordable and accessible housing needs across the board and transparency and accountability measures must be adopted from the outset to ensure equitable access with an emphasis on income qualified need and accommodation to those most vulnerable to keep a roof over their heads. Summary of Written Comments in OPPOSITION of Ballot Issue 1 A: 1) There seems to be a consensus that there is a lack of affordable, workforce housing in Eagle County. If one agrees with this statement, then actions should be taken to build more housing units that can be purchased or rented by people who are working in Eagle County. Paying for these housing units is a big question. Eagle County is asking for $5.4M per year in new taxes to support workforce housing but only lists in generalities as to how the money will be spent; not specifics. 2) If the Eagle County Commissioners were serious about addressing the workforce housing shortage, they would figure out how to do more with less. Could they approve zoning changes that would allow higher densities and different land uses near employment centers? Could they provide property tax incentives? Could they bring together employers, landowners and developers and get everyone to make compromises in the short term to achieve long term goals? The answers are probably yes. 3) The sales tax increase is premature because the county has no specific plan to support affordable housing. Developing a significant project with the cooperation of Vail Resorts, Towns of Vail & Avon, Forest Service and Eagle River Water & Sanitation District should come first before asking the voters for a tax increase. Basically, the County is asking the taxpayer just to trust them to spend additional revenues wisely. 4) Why should voters raise taxes for affordable housing, and thus raise the cost of living, when we can first try options to allow for more affordable housing without tax increases? There are a number of options to pursue before a tax increase. Let us first try to get dormitories built at the ski areas to house seasonal employees to live on the ski mountains. Taxpayers own the land and can work to provide that land free for ski area operators to use. Raising taxes flies in the face of trying to make Eagle County more affordable for our people. We have options that do not raise the cost of living. Try those first. Vote no to raise our taxes for affordable housing, before we try options without tax increases. 5) The sales taxis not favorable because: it is regressive and will negatively impact the very people affordable housing is supposed to help; housing is a long term investment, which should be supported by long term borrowing; and interest rates are currently low and if borrowing is to be pursued, it should be done when interest rates are low. 6) Vote no on the 0.3% sales tax increase unless the commissioners guarantee the tax will be applied to reduce targeted taxes (a tax that only a few people pay once in a while) on local real estate. Ballot title and text: BALLOT ISSUE 1B SHALL EAGLE COUNTY'S DEBT BE INCREASED BY NO MORE THAN $19.95 MILLION WITH A MAXIMUM REPAYMENT COST OF NO MORE THAN $32.7 MILLION, WITHOUT IMPOSING ANY NEW TAX OR INCREASING ANY EXISTING TAX RATE; WITH SUCH DEBTTO BE ISSUED FORTHE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE COSTS OF ACQUIRING AND CONSTRUCTING IMPROVEMENTS TO AND EXPANSION OF THE EAGLE VALLEY TRAIL FROM VAIL PASS TO DOTSERO AND OTHER RELATED IMPROVEMENTS, AND SHALL DEBT BE EVIDENCED BY BONDS, NOTES, LOAN AGREEMENTS OR OTHER FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS THAT MAY MATURE, BE SUBJECTTO REDEMPTION, AND BE ISSUED AT SUCH TIME OR TIMES AND IN SUCH MANNER AND CONTAINING SUCH TERMS, NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THIS QUESTION, AS EAGLE COUNTY MAY DETERMINE, AND BE REPAID FROM REVENUES DERIVED FROM EAGLE COUNTY'S TRANSIT SALES TAX, OPEN SPACE MILL LEVY, AND OTHER LEGALLY AVAILABLE REVENUES AS EAGLE COUNTY MAY DETERMINE; AND SHALL EAGLE COUNTY BE AUTHORIZED TO REFUND THE DEBT IN THIS QUESTION, PROVIDED THAT SUCH REFUNDING DEBT DOES NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM PRINCIPAL LIMITS OR REPAYMENT COSTS AUTHORIZED BY THIS QUESTION; AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH: (1) SHALL THE EXPIRATION OF THE OPEN SPACE MILL LEVY EQUAL TO 1.5 MILLS APPROVED BY THE VOTERS IN 2002 BE EXTENDED FOR AN ADDITIONAL FIFTEEN (15) YEARS TO NOW EXPIRE IN 2040, WITH: • TWENTY PERCENT (20%) OF SAID OPEN SPACE MILL LEVY REVENUES USED TO PAY SUCH DEBT AUTHORIZED BY THIS QUESTION AND THE COSTS OF ACQUIRING, CONSTRUCTING, IMPROVING, OPERATING AND MAINTAINING PAVED TRAILS THROUGHOUT EAGLE COUNTY, • FIVE PERCENT (5%) OF SAID OPEN SPACE MILL LEVY REVENUES USED TO PAY FOR ACQUIRING, CONSTRUCTING, IMPROVING, OPERATING AND MAINTAINING UNPAVED TRAILS THROUGHOUT EAGLE COUNTY; • AND THE REMAINDER OF SAID OPEN SPACE MILL LEVY REVENUES TO BE USED FOR WATER QUALITY PROTECTION EFFORTS AND FOR THE PURPOSES AUTHORIZED BYTHE VOTERS IN 2002, INCLUDING ACQUIRING, MAINTAINING, OR PERMANENTLY PRESERVING OPEN SPACE IN EAGLE COUNTY TO PRESERVE WILDLIFE HABITAT, PROTECT WETLANDS AND FLOODPLAINS, CONSERVE SCENIC LANDSCAPES AND VISTAS, AND PROVIDE PUBLIC ACCESS POINTS TO RIVERS; AND (II) SHALL THE PROCEEDS OF THE DEBT, THE REVENUES FROM THE OPEN SPACE MILL LEVY AND ANY OTHER REVENUES USED TO PAY THE DEBT, AND ANY EARNINGS FROM THE INVESTMENT OF SUCH PROCEEDS AND REVENUES BE AUTHORIZED TO BE COLLECTED AND SPENT BY EAGLE COUNTY WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY SPENDING, REVENUE -RAISING OR OTHER LIMITATION CONTAINED WITHIN ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION, OR ANY OTHER LAW AS IT CURRENTLY EXISTS OR AS IT MAY BE AMENDED IN THE FUTURE AND WITHOUT LIMITING IN ANY YEAR THE AMOUNT OF OTHER REVENUES THAT MAY BE COLLECTED AND SPENT BY EAGLE COUNTY? Yes No Total Eagle County Fiscal Year S eg_nding Fiscal Year 32.43% 2012 $83,453,186 2013 $83,353,205 2014 $85,034,511 2015 $89,227,997 2016 (estimated -without proposed tax increase) $110,519,106 Overall percentage change from 2012 to 2016 32.43% Overall dollar change 2012 to 2016 $27,065,920 Proposed bonded debt: Principal amount of proposed debt $19,950,000 Maximum annual repayment cost of proposed debt $1,650,000 Total repayment cost of proposed debt $32,700,000 Information on Eagle County's Current Debt: Principal balance of total current Eagle County bonded debt $0 Maximum annual and remaining total repayment cost for current debt $0 Summary of Written Comments in SUPPORT of Ballot Issue 1 B: 1) This proposal has no tax increase impact to current taxpayers in the form of any increased dedicated mill levy and is currently a nominal amount compared to other mill levies imposed by local governments and school districts. 2) This initiative uses previously authorized dedicated open space mill levies to expand the use of monies to add soft and hard trails (5% and 20% of annual revenues, respectively), to grant Eagle County government with bonding authority to raise funds for an expedited completion of the countywide Eagle Valley Trail and for extending the sunset provision of this tax beyond its current 2025 expiration date to expire in 2040. 3) A quicker completion of the Eagle Valley Trail will complete a desirable county asset for use by all residents and become an attractive additional tourist amenity further enhancing Eagle County's already established reputation as a highly desirable tourist destination. Some of these funds may be helpful in producing greenspaces around potentially higher density, more affordable housing and for promoting green tree -of -life cemeteries, dedicated dog parks, and community agrihoods with greenhouses. Ultimately, with more green growing things and less paved surfaces surrounding our homes, our air and water quality will be better and our communities will be more sustainable. 4) Eagle County's population is expected to grow by 77% in the next 25 years, and we need to plan ahead to protect our lands and waters, and ensure that our recreation infrastructure grows with the population. We must make sure we protect those reasons that drew us here, and why we continue to call Eagle County home. 5) Voting yes for open space, rivers and trails will: conserve lands that preserve water quality in rivers like the Eagle, Colorado and Fryingpan; conserve wildlife habitat and wetlands; protect and preserve agricultural land, keeping farmers and ranchers on the land; expedite the creation of the Eagle Valley Trail; protect views, vistas and ridgelines; protect quality of life; and construct, improve and maintain paved and unpaved trails throughout Eagle County. 6) Our original 2002 investment in the open space program has improved residents' high quality of life and provides visitors with the exceptional experiences at the heart of our recreation and tourism economies. And it does so responsibly - funds have been and will continue to be spent wisely in all corners of the county, and solely on land and water conservation and recreation. 7) There is the opportunity to continue protecting our water, wildlife, and way of life, with a renewed focus on ensuring the recreation economy continues to grow. This measure does not increase taxes, and will allow Eagle County to get its fair share of state lottery monies for open space and trails by providing matching funds. 8) Most of the obvious open space parcel development rights have been acquired, many of which support river recreation. Extending these funds to trail construction seems appropriate to achieve a comprehensive trail system. Summary of Written Comments in OPPOSITION of Ballot Issue 1 B• 1) The proponents of a tax increase for trail construction should have been more transparent by either asking for a separate tax increase for trails or by asking that the original open space tax increase be allowed to include expenditures on trails, and then ask for a renewal based on more specific information of the amount of money needed, if any, to compete a detailed trails program. 2) Approving this new tax increase in this manner lacks any specific details as to how 15 more years of tax money will be spent. In other words, this bond issue, to ensure the creation of a public serving River park. Purchase would allow them a blank check to spend any way they want to. Until this of the former Pan and Fork Trailer Park will create an urban riverfront part is corrected, a vote of no is mandatory. unmatched in the Roaring Fork Valley. 3) Going too far with development restrictions on more and more land in Eagle County makes the building of affordable housing that much more difficult. Do not extend the sunset date. 4) Vote no on increasing Eagle County taxes an extra 15 years. If the proponents of spending open space tax dollars on trails had only asked to allow open space tax money to be spent on trails, this tax change might be ripe for approval. The original open space tax increase was originally designed to expire in 2025. Unfortunately, the tax increase proponents are trying to extend additional taxes on us for an extra 15 years. Since the original tax increase was barely passed by a 51% to 49% margin, this is a slick manner to more than double the term of the original tax increase, by simply allowing some of the money to be spent on trails. This is regrettable. ALL REGISTERED VOTERS TOWN OF BASALT EAGLE COUNTY, COLORADO NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES AND TO INCREASE DEBT ON TWO REFERRED MEASURES Election Date and Hours: November 8, 2016, 7:OOa.m. - 7:00 p.m. Local election office address and phone number: Designated Election Official: Pamela Schilling, Basalt Town Hall, 101 Midland Avenue, Basalt, Colorado 81621; telephone number (970) 927-4701 Ballot Issue 2F. Incur Debt and Raise Taxes to Acquire Property Actual historical and current estimated fiscal year spending information: Year 2012 (actual) 2013 (actual) 2014 (actual) 2015 (actual) 2016 (current year estimated) Overall percentage change in fiscal year spending from 2012 through 2016: Overall dollar change in fiscal year spending from 2012 through 2016: Fiscal Year Spending $5,386,013 $5,404,924 $10,466,838 $10,409,989 $10,799,990 Passage of 2F will protect previous investments made by the town in the Pan and Fork. Although it will temporarily extend the annual property taxes associated with the Pan and Fork, taxes are not anticipated to rise above the amounts now being paid annually by each property owner. If approved, one acre of the 2.3 acres of land must be made available for development. The proposal for an improved park plus the proposed hotel development will be a great addition to the town core. It could expand the downtown core from Riverside to the RMI. The park can create an interest for residents as well as workers. Just a small time outside will promote good mental health. The proposed park offers opportunities for both summer and winter recreation, as well a proposed uses including restaurant, retail, hotel, brew pub, and other amenities. The public has consistently required our leaders to provide and improve our parks and rivers. The public previously passed a $5 million bond issue to remove the trailers, stabilize the site and improve the water front to bring more vitality to Historic Basalt. Interest rates are low. It is an excellent chance to do something for the residents of the town that will have lasting community benefits for years. Issuance of a new bond for purchase of this parcel is an investment the town can afford to make at this time. Purchase of this property will realize the identity of Basalt as the"Confluence of Rivers, Recreation and Culture" The River Park provides the opportunity to distinguish Basalt itself as a dynamic "river town" with core values of conservation and sustainability while maintaining a physical, visual, and emotional connection to the river. The setting, just downriver from the confluence of two gold medal rivers, constitutes a natural town square. Public space in downtown cores prioritizes people and builds community. The town -owned park adjacent to this site and passively mitigates the flood plain. An active park complements this area by providing a place for recreation, citizen -driven events and the coming together of residents and visitors. 100.52% Preserving public access to the river corridor is on the Downtown Area Advisory Committee's top -five priorities for this site. Downtown Basalt will have unsurpassed access to the river, creating a gateway to the outdoors $5,413,977 and cementing its reputation as the pre-eminent river town. Estimated 2017 fiscal year spending without taking into account the tax increase authorized by the ballot issue: $9,250,000 Estimated 2017 tax increase authorized by Ballot Issue 2F: $710,000 Information regarding bonded debt proposed by Ballot Issue 2F: Principal amount: $3,100,000 Maximum annual repayment cost: $710,000 Maximum total repayment cost: $3,800,000 Information regarding current bonded debt: Principal balance: $5,615,000 Maximum annual repayment cost: $ 848,631 Remaining total repayment cost: $6,105,236 The following summaries were prepared from comments filed b persons AGAINST Ballot Issue 2F: We are a small tow n and the size of the proposed park is too large and too costly. An effective and attractive park demands better design and an operating budget that has not been addressed. There is a lot of confusion regarding the ballots. Money allocated to 2F should be used to insure a better, yet slightly smaller park with appropriate maintenance, not to purchase more land. The town has earned a negative view from proposed developers. If this fails, we risk not getting interested developers to look at the Clark Market site. The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by The town has many needs expressed. We will be saddled with too much tax persons FOR Ballot Issue 2F: increase to allow other very needed projects. The purchase of the CDC parcel by the town is the first step of this two- part A better use of the money could be to enliven our existing Midland corridor. Stronger pedestrian amenities including new sidewalks, better lighting, improved landscape and graphics. Linking the cost of minimal park improvements in 2G to the approval of the bond to purchase land in 217, ignores the public good. The community has already invested over $6 million. Together the two measures represent an increase in debt up to $1.6 million per year. Extending our taxes over a longer time (to 2026) is a tax increase. This equates to an increase in rents or costs of goods and services purchased in Basalt. This is due to the disproportionate increase in commercial property taxes on businesses in Old Town, Willits and Southside (7.96% versus 29% for commercial). An owner of a home valued at $500,000 pays $146 per year for eight additional years as a result of the 2013 bond, while the owner of a business of the same value pays $533 per year. Passage of this measure supports a plan which discourages investment and revitalization of downtown and we will have fallen far short of completing the park improvements originally proposed. To do so will require another request for tax payer support. If 2F fails, the burden would be placed back on the present owners of the CDC property, our council and P & Z and a developer, to achieve a resolution favorable to the town and the developer, and not pass this on to the taxpayer. Basalt's downtown core is approximately 12 acres. Dedicating nearly 25% of that to "open space" ignores the potential for well thought out design, and shrinks the commercial core's capacities to respond to an increasing population. The increase in indebtedness discourages new business, makes present businesses less competitive and makes affordable/attainable housing further out of reach. This "investment" would take money from working families while adding little to the spark needed to reignite Old Town Basalt. It ignores town planning efforts of the last twenty years and fails to bring much needed revenues to "Greater Basalt" while draining revenues from our Willits commercial core for the benefit of the few for only six months of the year. Ballot Issue 2G: Incur Debt and Raise Taxes to Improve Property Actual historical and current estimated fiscal year spending information: Year Fiscal Year Spending 2012 (actual) $5,386,013 2013 (actual) $5,404,924 2014 (actual) $10,466,838 2015 (actual) $10,409,989 2016 (current year estimated) $10,799,990 Overall percentage change in fiscal year spending from 2012 through 2016: 100.52% Overall dollar change in fiscal year spending from 2012 through 2016: $5,413,977 Estimated 2017 fiscal year spending without taking into account the tax increase authorized by the ballot issue: $9,250,000 Estimated 2017 tax increase authorized by Ballot Issue 2G: $890,000 Information regarding bonded debt proposed by Ballot Issue 2G: Principal amount: $4,120,000 Maximum annual repayment cost: $890,000 Maximum total repayment cost: $5,050,000 Information regarding current bonded debt: Principal balance: $5,615,000 Maximum annual repayment cost: $848,631 Remaining total repayment cost: $6,105,236 Summaries of written comments filed with the election officer: The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by ersons FOR Ballot Issue 2G: Passage of 2G will complete the public investment needed for the Pan and Fork River Park complex, making the planned park"event ready" quickly, for the lowest cost. It will enhance the value and attract the most advantageous development proposals for the 1 acre development parcel to be owned by the town, with the park portion beautifully improved and landscaped from proceeds of this bond issue. It is projected that the property tax levy associated with the "Pan and Fork" will not rise above tax amounts now being paid annually by each property owner. Some or all of the taxes property owners pay should be offset when the park and related development is completed and begins to provide a perpetual base of economic stimulus with accompanying sales tax revenue to Basalt. Approval of a bond up to $4.12 million for River Park improvements supports the Parks and Open Space (POST) Advisory Committee's vision for connectivity from the downtown area to an active waterfront park. Trails, facilities, landscaping, and infrastructure along with long -sought-after improvements to Two Rivers Road are an integral part of ensuring the vitality of the River Park. The improvements proposed by POST provide community amenities and build on the hundreds of comments submitted through the Our Town Planning process. A thoroughly vetted park plan will secure Basalt's reputation as the river town of the Western Slop, the only downtown area park at the confluence of two gold medal rivers. With low interest rates, it is an excellent chance to do something with lasting community benefits. As developers bring more employees to town, it is important to have places to relax from the stress of work, traffic and even crowded grocery stores. Even condo living could promote stress. A small amount of time outside will promote good mental health. The Roaring Fork river frontage plus open space in front of the library could create one of the greatest parks in Colorado. The proposal for an improved park plus the proposed hotel development would be a great addition to the town core. With 150 new people working in Basalt yet not living here, it can create an interest both mid-day and after work. The proposed park offers opportunities for residents, visitors, children and seniors in both summer and winter recreation, as well as potential restaurant, retail, hotel, and other amenities. The public has consistently required our leaders to provide and improve our parks and rivers. The development can expand our downtown core from Riverside to the RMI. The public previously passed a $5 million bond for removal of trailers from the flood plain, stabilize the site, and improve the water front to bring more vitality to Historic Basalt. The fo owing summaries were prepared from comments filed by ersons AGAINST Ballot Issue 2G: The proposed park is too large and costly for a small town. The proposed park demands better design and an operating budget that has not been addressed. The public does not trust the leadership to purchase the entire parcel and then control the development. This distrust was born out of the failed follow thru with the $5m bond previously passed. There is confusion regarding the ballots. A new park should not be the priority. Money used for a new park should deal with the park property along the river and use the funds to insure a better, slightly smaller park with less maintenance. We will be saddled with too much tax to allow other needed projects. The money could be better used to enliven the existing Midland corridor with better pedestrian amenities like improvements to sidewalks, lighting, landscape and graphics. Making the cost of minimal park improvements in 2G contingent on approval of the bond to purchase the land in 2F, ignores the public good. The community has already invested over $6 million. Together the two measures represent an increase of debt up to $1.6 million per year. Extending our taxes over a longer time (to 2026) is a tax increase. This equates to an increase in rents or cost of goods and services purchased in Basalt. Commercial property taxes are higher than residential (29% versus 7.96%). A home valued at $500,000 pays $146 tax per year while a business of the same value pays $533 per year for an additional 8 years as a result of the 2013 bond. Passage of this measure supports a plan that discourages investment and revitalization of our downtown, and we will have fallen far short of completing the park improvements originally proposed, and to do so will require yet another request for tax payer support. If 2G fails, the burden would be placed back on the present owners of the CDC property, our council and P & Z to work out a solution with a developer favorable to the town and the developer and not pass this on to the taxpayer. Dedicating nearly 25% of our downtown core to "open space" ignores the potential for well thought out design and shrinks the commercial core's capacities for responding to an increasing population. This increase in indebtedness discourages new businesses from locating here, makes our present businesses less competitive and makes affordable/ attainable housing further beyond reach. This"i nvestment" would take money directly out of the pockets of working families while adding little to the spark needed to reignite Old Town Basalt. It ignores town planning efforts of the last twenty years and fails to bring much needed revenues to "Greater Basalt" while draining revenues from our Willits commercial core for the benefit of the few for only six months of the year. TO: ALL REGISTERED VOTERS BASALT REGIONAL LIBRARY DISTRICT EAGLE COUNTY, COLORADO NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES ON A REFERRED MEASURE Election date: November 8, 2016 Election hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Deadline for receipt of ballots: November 8, 2016 7:00 p.m. Local election office address and phone number: Designated Election Official: Barbara Milnor, Basalt Regional Library District, 14 Midland Avenue, Basalt, CO 81621; telephone number (970) 927-4311 Coordinated Election Official: Teak J. Simonton, Eagle County Clerk and Recorder, P.O. Box 537, 500 Broadway, Suite 101, Eagle, CO 81631; telephone number (970) 328-8729 Ballot title and text: BALLOT ISSUE 4A SHALL BASALT REGIONAL LIBRARY DISTRICT TAXES BE INCREASED $350,000 ANNUALLY FOR A LIMITED SEVEN-YEAR PERIOD (WITH SUCH VOTER AUTHORIZATIONTO EXPIRE AFTERTAX COLLECTION YEAR 2023),THROUGH A TAX LEVY IMPOSED AT A RATE SUFFICIENTTO PRODUCE THE AMOUNT STATED ABOVE, WHICH TAXES SHALL BE USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUSTAINING AND MAINTAINING DISTRICT OPERATIONS AND SERVICES, AND BUILDING RESERVES FOR SCHEDULED CAPITAL MAINTENANCE? Yes No Actual historical and current estimated fiscal year spending information: Year Fiscal Year Spending' 2012 (actual) $1,815,531 2013 (actual) $1,897,519 2014 (actual) $1,824,386 2015 (actual) $1,750,807 2016 (current year estimated) $2,032,366 Overall percentage change in fiscal year spending over the five year period from 2012 through 2016: 11.9% Overall dollar change in fiscal year spending over the five year period from 2012 through 2016: $216,835 Estimated 2017 fiscal year spending without taking into account the tax increase authorized by Ballot Issue 4A: $1,966,381 Estimated 2017 tax increase authorized Ballot Issue 4A: $350,000 ' Fiscal year spending includes amounts expended by District for bonded debt service. Summaries of written comments filed with the election officer: The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons FOR Ballot Issue 4A: 1) The Basalt Regional Library is a symbol of all that is good about Basalt and the mid -valley. It is one of the most highly -utilized, modern, efficient, and well-maintained buildings and operations in the mid -valley. 2) In 2006, the Basalt Regional Library District (BRLD) residents passed two ballot measures: the first to build a new Library and pay for the associated construction bonds and the second to fund Library operations and maintenance. Library operations are funded by a mill levy whose proceeds rise and fall according to property valuations. Funds collected for bond payments for the building cannot be used for operations. 3) After several years of diminishing tax revenues used to fund operations, Library management responded with drastic budget cuts, followed by minimal budget increases (under 1%/year) between 2011 and 2016. While it is true that some monies have accumulated in reserve, most of these funds are not eligible for operation of the Library. Therefore, beginning in 2017, the Library's operational mill levy income will be inadequate to support current levels of materials, services, and programs. Drastic cuts will again be necessary, including Library closure for at least one day a week. 4) The Library Board is proposing to provide a sustainable funding mechanism for the next several years to maintain its high level of service and to maintain a fiscally conservative and responsible reserve fund. The BRLD is asking the voters to approve a fixed increase of $350,000 per year, equating to approximately a 0.91 -mill levy increase in today's values. For each $100,000 of a home's value, the cost will be $7.24/year, or $0.60/month. (The property tax bill for seniors who qualify and apply for the Homestead Exemption will be reduced by 50% on the first $200,000 of value.) The $350,000 being asked is needed to stabilize library funding, maintain services at current levels, and cover maintenance and upkeep. This supplemental funding will end in 7 years, at the end of 2023. 5) Library use is strong and growing, but its funding based on property values has not kept pace. Community use shows that the Library is important to our population. Since 2010, the number of library cardholders has more than doubled. The Library is a center of year-round community vitality, with over 10,000 yearly program attendees (classes and events) and high demand for computers, meeting spaces, and services. A declining fund balance from pre -recession reserves and slow economic recovery will prevent BRLD from maintaining its current level of materials, services, free programs, free education classes and seminars, and business services beyond 2016 without additional funding. 6) Strong, properly funded libraries have a major positive impact on a community's economic development and quality of life. BRLD's successful offerings of materials and media, strong programming, and high quality of services have established the Library as a model of community vitality. BY VOTING YES ON BALLOT MEASURE 4A the community will insure that this treasured asset continues to thrive. The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons AGAINST Ballot Issue 4A: 1) The Basalt Regional Library District is in excellent financial shape. Based on the 2016 published budget it has $1,657,353.13 in reserve funds available for future years. $844,037.60 of this is in the General Operating Fund. It has no specific dollar need for improvements or operating expenses. It will receive a large increase in dollar revenue from the annual reassessment of real estate property within the district on August 1, 2017. It will receive this again every two years as required by Colorado law. The proposed real estate tax increase will do nothing more then increase the already adequate reserves being maintained by the district. The taxpayer should say no to this increase specifically designed to pad the reserves at their expense.