HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 Eagle County General Election TABOR EnglishGENERAL ELECTION November 6, 2018 Eagle County, Colorado IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION Election Date: Tuesday, November 6, 2018 Election Type: Mail Ballot Election Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All active registered voters will be mailed ballots on October 15, 2018. The ballot issued to you will only contain those questions on which you are eligible to vote based on your place of residence listed on your voter registration. Voter registration changes can be made online by visiting www.GoVoteColorado.com. The last day to request a ballot to be mailed is October 29, 2018. Voters who make changes to their registration online after October 29, 2018 must visit a Voter Service and Polling Center to obtain a ballot. Services available at Voter Service and Polling Centers include voter registration up to and including Election Day, accessible voting, in-person voting, ballot drop off boxes and replacement ballots. VOTER SERVICE AND POLLING CENTERS: Locations Dates and Hours Eagle Clerk and Recorder’s Office 500 Broadway Eagle, CO 81631 970-328-8715 Weekdays: October 22 – November 5 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday: October 27 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday: November 3 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Election Day: November 6 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Avon Clerk and Recorder’s Office 100 W. Beaver Creek Boulevard Avon, CO 81620 970-328-9670 Weekdays: October 22 – November 5 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday: October 27 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday: November 3 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Election Day: November 6 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. El Jebel Clerk and Recorder’s Office 20 Eagle County Drive El Jebel, CO 81623 970-328-9570 Weekdays: October 22 – November 5 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday: October 27 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday: November 3 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Election Day: November 6 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Grand View Building Atop the Lionshead Parking Structure 395 S. Frontage Road West Vail, CO 81657 Friday: November 2 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday: November 3 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday: November 5 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Election Day: November 6 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. TO: ALL REGISTERED VOTERS ELECTION MATERIAL
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Regina O’BrienEagle County Clerk and RecorderP.O. Box 537Eagle, CO 81631
NONPROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
GLENWOOD SPGS, CO
PERMIT NO. 22
GENERAL ELECTION
November 6, 2018
Eagle County, Colorado
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION
Election Date: Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Election Type: Mail Ballot
Election Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
All active registered voters will be mailed ballots on October 15, 2018. The ballot issued to you will only contain those questions on which you are eligible to vote based on your place of residence listed on your voter registration. Voter registration changes can be made online by visiting www.GoVoteColorado.com. The last day to request a ballot to be mailed is October 29, 2018. Voters who make changes to their registration online after October 29, 2018 must visit a Voter Service and Polling Center to obtain a ballot. Services available at Voter Service and Polling Centers include voter registration up to and including Election Day,
accessible voting, in-person voting, ballot drop off boxes and replacement ballots.
VOTER SERVICE AND POLLING CENTERS:
Locations Dates and Hours
Eagle Clerk and Recorder’s Office
500 Broadway Eagle, CO 81631
970-328-8715
Weekdays: October 22 – November 5 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: October 27 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday: November 3 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Election Day: November 6 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Avon Clerk and Recorder’s Office 100 W. Beaver Creek Boulevard Avon, CO 81620
970-328-9670
Weekdays: October 22 – November 5 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: October 27 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday: November 3 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Election Day: November 6 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
El Jebel Clerk and Recorder’s Office
20 Eagle County Drive
El Jebel, CO 81623
970-328-9570
Weekdays: October 22 – November 5 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: October 27 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Saturday: November 3 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Election Day: November 6 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Grand View Building
Atop the Lionshead Parking Structure 395 S. Frontage Road West
Vail, CO 81657
Friday: November 2 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: November 3 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday: November 5 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Election Day: November 6 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. GENERAL ELECTIONNovember 3, 2020Eagle County, ColoradoIN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION Election Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2020 Election Type: Mail Ballot Election Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All active registered voters will be mailed ballots on October 9, 2020. The ballot issued to you will only contain those questions on which you are eligible to vote based on your place of residence listed on your voter registration. Voter registration changes can be made online by visiting www.GoVoteColorado.gov. The last day to request a ballot to be mailed is October 26, 2020. Voters who make changes to their registration online after October 26, 2020 must visit a Voter Service and Polling Center to obtain a ballot. Services available at Voter Service and Polling Centers include voter registration up to and including Election Day, accessible voting, in-per-son voting, ballot drop boxes and replacement ballots.ADA accessible voting machines are available at any Voter Service and Polling Center.The information contained in this notice was prepared by persons required by law to provide summaries of ballot issues and fiscal information.Eagle County Elections970-328-8715elections@eaglecounty.us24-Hour Ballot Box Locations - Open October 9Eagle Clerk and Recorder’s Office500 BroadwayEagle, CO 81631Edwards Mountain Recreation Field House450 Miller Ranch RoadEdwards, CO 81632Avon Clerk and Recorder’s Office100 W. Beaver Creek BoulevardAvon, CO 81620Town of Basalt101 Midland AvenueBasalt, CO 81621El Jebel Clerk and Recorder’s Office20 Eagle County DriveEl Jebel, CO 81623Dates and HoursVoter Service andPolling CentersEagle Clerk and Recorder’s Office500 BroadwayEagle, CO 81631Town of Avon Municipal Office (please note new location)100 Mikaela WayAvon, CO 81620El Jebel Clerk and Recorder’s Office20 Eagle County DriveEl Jebel, CO 81623The Grand View Atop the Lionshead Parking Structure395 S. Frontage Road WestVail, CO 81657Weekdays: Oct 19 – Nov 2 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.Saturday: Oct 31 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Election Day: Nov 3 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.Friday: Oct 30 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.Saturday: Oct 31 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Monday: Nov 2 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.Election Day: Nov 3 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
To: All REGISTERED VOTERS
NOTICE OF ELECTION ON A REFERRED MEASURE
EAGLE COUNTY
Election Date: November 3, 2020
Election Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Local Election Office Address and Telephone Number:
Eagle County Building 500 Broadway Eagle, CO 81631
Telephone: (970) 328-8604
Ballot title and text:
BALLOT ISSUE 1A - SUSTAINING EXISTING LEVELS OF COUNTY
REVENUE FROM FUTURE STATE IMPOSED REDUCTIONS IN
RESIDENTIAL ASSESSED VALUATION RATES DUE TO ARTICLE X,
SECTION 3 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION (GALLAGHER
AMENDMENT) OR SIMILAR STATE ACTION
WITHOUT RAISING THE MILL LEVY FOR THE 2021 TAX
COLLECTION YEAR, SHALL THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS FOR EAGLE COUNTY HAVE THE AUTHORITY
TO ADJUST THE COUNTY’S MILL LEVY RATE THEREAFTER AS
NEEDED FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF MAINTAINING REVENUES
THAT MAY OTHERWISE BE LOST AS A RESULT OF STATE
IMPOSED REDUCTIONS IN THE RATIO OF ASSESSED PROPERTY
TAX VALUATIONS SO THAT THE ACTUAL TAX REVENUES
GENERATED BY THE COUNTY’S MILL LEVIES ARE THE SAME
AS THE REVENUES THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN GENERATED
HAD THE STATE NOT IMPOSED SUCH REDUCTIONS, IN ORDER
TO ALLOW THE COUNTY TO SUSTAIN EXISTING LEVELS OF
SERVICES SUCH AS:
• EMERGENCY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE TO
WILDLAND FIRES AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS;
• PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE TO PANDEMICS AND OTHER
EMERGENCIES;
• NECESSARY ROAD REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE;
• OPEN SPACES AND NATURAL RESOURCE PRESERVATION;
• EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO OUR WORKERS AND RESIDENTS;
AND SHALL THE REVENUES GENERATED BY ANY SUCH
MILL LEVY INCREASE BE COLLECTED, RETAINED AND SPENT
NOTWITHSTANDING ANY LIMITS PROVIDED BY LAW?
___________YES/FOR ____________NO/AGAINST
Summary of Written Comments in SUPPORT of Ballot Issue 1A:
1A will protect essential services for our community—including
the county’s Open Space program, public safety, wildfire
mitigation, road maintenance and snow plowing—without
raising taxes. 1A will allow Eagle County to stabilize its current
property-tax revenues to maintain service levels.
1A is a local solution to protect our community from the
statewide problems created by the Gallagher Amendment. It
protects services for the entire county, from the Roaring Fork
Valley to the top of Vail Pass. 1A protects services that Eagle
County residents and businesses depend on and have supported
in previous elections, including the county’s Open Space
Program, road maintenance and snow plowing efforts, public
safety and law enforcement, and wildfire mitigation.
1A would allow the county to keep existing property tax
revenues at the same level moving forward, protecting critical
services from being cut during these uncertain times. This
situation is caused by the statewide Gallagher Amendment
and rapidly increasing property values and growth along the
Front Range.
Through no fault of Eagle County, our mountain towns, or fire
districts, the Gallagher Amendment forces reductions in the
statewide residential assessment rate to maintain a mandated
ratio between residential and commercial property taxes. It is
anticipated that the General Assembly will significantly reduce
the assessment rate in 2021, likely forcing Eagle County to slash
services by $3.7 million. By Voting Yes on 1A, the county would
be able to maintain existing revenue used specifically for public
safety, roads and bridges, wildfire mitigation, open space, and
other critical services.
If 1A is not approved and the state legislature makes the
mandated Gallagher reductions, Eagle County’s general fund
will likely be reduced by more than $2 million next year,
directly impacting critical services. Additional cuts would
include nearly $600,000 to the county’s Road & Bridge Fund—
reducing road paving, pothole repair, and snow plowing—
and another $650,000 to the Open Space Fund, a nearly 11
percent reduction to a program that Eagle County voters
overwhelmingly reauthorized in 2018. These cuts would
continue for years to come, hurting our community’s economic
recovery and ability to respond to emergencies like COVID-19
and wildfires.
Issue 1A is a local solution that prioritizes the services and
values in our community. Measures like this have been
overwhelmingly approved by Eagle County voters in six previous
elections, including for Colorado Mountain College, Greater
Eagle Fire Protection District, Gypsum Fire Protection District,
Basalt Rural Fire Protection District, Eagle County Health Service
(ambulance) District, and Eagle Valley Library District.
Summary of Written Comments in OPPOSITION of Ballot Issue 1A:
It’s simple. Eagle County wants to freeze the mill levy at the
current rate of 7.15% while under state law the rate will drop to
5.88%. Eagle County wants to circumvent the State Constitution
in order to generate more taxes. Which is a tax increase or they
wouldn’t be required by law to ask you to vote on it. In other
words, your taxes will be lower if this bill does not pass.
But there’s more. They also want to adjust the mill levy
“thereafter” for the same purpose with no end in sight.
For 2021 they will not raise the current mill levy, they will just
maintain the current rate of 7.15%. But read the next sentence.
“Thereafter” they are asking for the right to adjust the mill levy
to “maintain revenues” – whatever that means – and it does
not include a sunset date. So we are being asked to give them
this authority forever. This request is nothing more than Eagle
County asking for a blank check going forward for whatever
“maintaining revenues” means.
This is local government attempting to circumvent the State
Constitution. But even worse, there is no alternative plan in
place as to what’s next. It’s simply the old adage “I’m from the
government and I’m here to help so trust me.”
Removing this protection in this unstable economic
environment, when already 32% of homeowners are behind
in their mortgage payments, is an irresponsible solution to a
problem that can be fixed without increasing property taxes or
changing the basic structure of the current law.
So ask yourself one basic question. In good times, does the
government ever give you a refund? I think we all know the
answer to that.
If Amendment B passes, your tax rate will be 7.18%. If it is
defeated, your tax rate will be 5.88%. It’s a tax increase and it’s
that simple. Vote NO on 1A.
ALL REGISTERED VOTERS
TOWN OF EAGLE
EAGLE COUNTY, COLORADO
NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES ON A REFERRED
MEASURE
Election Date: November 3, 2020
Election Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Local Election Official/Office:
Jenny Rakow
Town Clerk Designated Election Official for the Town of Eagle
200 Broadway, PO Box 609 Eagle CO 81631, 970-328-9623 or
jenny.rakow@townofeagle.org
Ballot title and text:
Town of Eagle Ballot Issue 2A
SHALL TOWN OF EAGLE TAXES BE INCREASED $120,000 IN
THE FIRST FISCAL YEAR AND BY WHATEVER AMOUNTS ARE
RAISED ANNUALLY THEREAFTER, BY A CHANGE IN THE TOWN’S
LODGING TAX FROM $4.00 PER DAY PER OCCUPIED LODGING
ROOM OR ACCOMMODATION TO 6% OF THE COST OF THE
RENTAL FEE, PRICE OR OTHER CONSIDERATION PAID OR
RECEIVED FOR THE LODGING ON EACH FULL DOLLAR OF SAID
RENTAL FEE, COST OR OTHER CONSIDERATION PAID, WITH
THE TAX INCREASE COMMENCING ON JANUARY 1, 2021; WITH
50% OF THE REVENUES FROM SUCH TAX TO BE USED FOR: THE
PRESERVATION OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS; THE ACQUISITION,
MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF OPEN SPACE
BUFFER ZONES, TRAILS, WILDLIFE HABITATS AND WETLAND
PRESERVATION; CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF SOFT
PATH RECREATION TRAILS CONNECTING TO THE EXISTING
EAGLE AREA TRAILS SYSTEM; AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF
FACILITIES SUCH AS RESTROOMS, PARKING AREAS, AND OTHER
PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENTS THAT IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE
EXPERIENCE FOR USERS OF TOWN OPEN SPACE AND ADJACENT
LANDS; AND WITH 50% OF THE REVENUES FROM SUCH TAX
TO BE USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF GENERAL MARKETING AND
PROMOTION OF THE TOWN OF EAGLE AND THE MARKETING
AND PROMOTION OF TOWN OF EAGLE EVENTS; AND SHALL
THE REVENUES FROM SUCH TAX AND ANY INVESTMENT
EARNINGS THEREON BE COLLECTED AND SPENT BY THE TOWN
AS A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE, WITHOUT REGARD
TO ANY SPENDING, REVENUE-RAISING OR OTHER LIMITATION
CONTAINED IN ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO
CONSTITUTION OR ANY OTHER LAW?
____ YES / FOR ____ NO / AGAINST
Total Town of Eagle Fiscal Year Spending
Fiscal Year
2016 (actual) $5,579,934
2017 (actual) $6,107,297
2018 (actual) $6,486,594
2019 (actual) $7,466,230
2020 (estimated) $7,917,672
Overall percentage change from 2016 to 2020 41.90%
Overall dollar change 2016 to 2020 $2,337,738
First Full Fiscal Year Estimates
Estimate maximum dollar amount of the proposed tax increase
in 2021: $120,000
Estimate of 2021 spending without proposed tax increase:
$7,778,660.
Comments
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.
Ballot title and text:
Town of Eagle Ballot Issue 2B
WITHOUT RAISING THE MILL LEVY FOR THE 2021 TAX
COLLECTION YEAR, SHALL THE EAGLE TOWN COUNCIL HAVE
THE AUTHORITY TO ADJUST THE TOWN OF EAGLE’S MILL LEVY
RATE THEREAFTER AS NEEDED FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF
MAINTAINING REVENUES THAT MAY OTHERWISE BE LOST AS
A RESULT OF STATE IMPOSED REDUCTIONS IN THE RATIO OF
ASSESSED PROPERTY TAX VALUATIONS SO THAT THE ACTUAL
TAX REVENUES GENERATED BY THE TOWN’S MILL LEVIES
ARE THE SAME AS THE REVENUES THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN
GENERATED HAD THE STATE NOT IMPOSED SUCH REDUCTIONS,
IN ORDER TO ALLOW THE TOWN TO SUSTAIN SERVICES TO THE
EAGLE COMMUNITY?
____ YES / FOR ____ NO / AGAINST
Total Town of Eagle Fiscal Year Spending
Fiscal Year
2016 (actual) $5,579,934
2017 (actual) $6,107,297
2018 (actual) $6,486,594
2019 (actual) $7,466,230
2020 (estimated) $7,917,672
Overall percentage change from 2016 to 2020 41.90%
Overall dollar change 2016 to 2020 $2,337,738
First Full Fiscal Year Estimates
Estimate of increase in 2021 revenue if Ballot Issue 2B passes: $0
Estimate of 2021 fiscal year spending if Ballot Issue 2B fails:
$7,778,660
Comments
Summary of Written Comments FOR Ballot Issue 2B:
No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.
Summary of Written Comments AGAINST Ballot Issue 2B:
It’s simple. The Town of Eagle wants to freeze the mill levy at
the current rate of 7.15% while under State law the rate will
drop to 5.88%. The Town of Eagle wants to circumvent the
State Constitution in order to generate more taxes. Which is a
tax increase, or they wouldn’t be required by law to ask you to
vote on it. In other words, your taxes will be lower if this bill
does not pass.
2
But there’s more. They also want to adjust the mill levy
“thereafter” for the same purpose with no end in sight.
For 2021 they will not raise the current mill levy, they will just
maintain the current rate of 7.15%. But read the next sentence.
“Thereafter” they are asking for the right to adjust the mill levy
to “maintain revenues” - whatever that means- and it does not
include a sunset date. So, we are being asked to give them this
authority forever. This request is nothing more than the Town
of Eagle asking for a blank check going forward for whatever
“maintaining revenues” means.
This is local government attempting to circumvent the State
Constitution. But even worse, there is no alternative plan in
place as to what’s next. It’s simply the old adage “I’m from the
government and I’m here to help so trust me”.
Removing this protection in this unstable economic
environment, when already 32% of homeowners are behind
in their mortgage payments, is an irresponsible solution to a
problem that can be fixed without increasing property taxes or
changing the basic structure of the current law.
So, ask yourself one basic question. In good times, does
government ever give you a refund? I think we all know the
answer to that.
If Amendment B passes, your tax rate will be 7.18%. If it is
defeated, your tax rate will be 5.88%. It’s a tax increase and it’s
that simple.
Vote NO on 2B
NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES ON A
REFERRED MEASURE
Election Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Election Hours: 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Local Election Office Address and Telephone Number:
Town of Gypsum 50 Lundgren Blvd. Gypsum, CO 81637
Phone: (970) 524-7514
Ballot Title and Text:
TOWN OF GYPSUM BALLOT ISSUE NO. 2D:
SHALL THE TOWN OF GYPSUM TAXES BE INCREASED BY UP TO
$550,000 DOLLARS IN 2021 AND BY WHATEVER AMOUNTS
ARE RAISED ANNUALLY THEREAFTER BY THE IMPOSITION
OF A TOWN TAX TO REPLACE THE EAGLE COUNTY TAX ON
CIGARETTES, TOBACCO AND NICOTINE PRODUCTS, WHICH
WILL NOT RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN LOCAL TAXES ON
SUCH PRODUCTS, AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING JANUARY 1,
2021, THERE SHALL BE A NEW SALES TAX OF TWENTY CENTS
PER CIGARETTE OR FOUR DOLLARS PER PACK OF TWENTY
CIGARETTES SOLD; BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2021, THERE SHALL
BE A NEW SALES TAX OF 40 PERCENT ON THE SALES PRICE OF
ALL OTHER TOBACCO AND NICOTINE PRODUCTS; WITH THE
TERMS “CIGARETTE,” “TOBACCO PRODUCT” AND “NICOTINE
PRODUCT” HAVING THE SAME MEANINGS AS IN SECTION
18-13-121 OF THE COLORADO REVISED STATUTES; AND SHALL
THE TOWN OF GYPSUM COLLECT, RETAIN, AND EXPEND ALL
REVENUES OF SUCH TAXES AND THE EARNINGS THEREON,
NOTWITHSTANDING THE LIMITATION OF ARTICLE X, SECTION 20
OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION OR ANY OTHER LAW?
Total District Fiscal Year Spending:
2020 (estimated) $ 9,592,320
2019 (actual) $ 10,914,040
2018 (actual) $ 10,373,261
2017 (actual) $ 11,589,806
2016 (actual) $ 9,554,079
Overall percentage change from 2016 to 2020: .40%
Overall dollar change from 2016 to 2020: $38,241
Proposed District Tax Increase:
Estimated first full fiscal year maximum dollar amount of increase:
$ 550,000
Estimated first full fiscal year spending without the increase:
$9,592,320
Summary of Written Comments For the Proposal:
In 2019, Eagle County voters overwhelmingly approved a tax
on tobacco and nicotine products. The law that allows counties
to impose the tax on tobacco and nicotine products also allows
towns to seek voter approval to collect and use those taxes in
their own communities. Your “Yes” vote on Ballot Issue No. 2D
allows the collection of the taxes currently levied by the County
to be collected by the Town of Gypsum so that they may be
allocated and spent in the Town of Gypsum at the discretion
of the Gypsum Town Council. Taxes will not increase but your
tax dollars, collected in your community, will be able to work in
your community for the needs of your community.
Summary of Written Comments Against the Proposal:
No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.
To: All REGISTERED VOTERS
NOTICE OF ELECTION ON A REFERRED MEASURE
TOWN OF AVON
Election Date: November 3, 2020
Election Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Local Election Office
Brenda Torres, Town Clerk
Designated Election Official for the Town of Avon
Avon Town Hall 100 Mikaela Way Avon, Colorado 81620
Telephone: (970) 748-4000
Ballot title and text:
BALLOT ISSUE 2E - SUSTAINING EXISTING LEVELS OF COUNTY
REVENUE FROM FUTURE STATE IMPOSED REDUCTIONS IN
RESIDENTIAL ASSESSED VALUATION RATES DUE TO ARTICLE X,
SECTION 3 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION (GALLAGHER
AMENDMENT) OR SIMILAR STATE ACTION
WITHOUT RAISING THE MILL LEVY FOR THE 2021 TAX
COLLECTION YEAR, SHALL THE AVON TOWN COUNCIL HAVE
THE AUTHORITY TO ADJUST THE TOWN OF AVON’S MILL LEVY
RATE THEREAFTER AS NEEDED FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF
MAINTAINING REVENUES THAT MAY OTHERWISE BE LOST AS
A RESULT OF STATE IMPOSED REDUCTIONS IN THE RATIO OF
ASSESSED PROPERTY TAX VALUATIONS SO THAT THE ACTUAL
TAX REVENUES GENERATED BY THE TOWN’S MILL LEVIES
ARE THE SAME AS THE REVENUES THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN
GENERATED HAD THE STATE NOT IMPOSED SUCH REDUCTIONS,
IN ORDER TO ALLOW THE TOWN TO SUSTAIN SERVICES TO THE
AVON COMMUNITY?
___________YES/FOR __________NO/AGAINST
3
Summary of Written Comments in SUPPORT of Ballot Issue 2E:
Vote YES on 2E. Ballot Issue 2E would authorize, but not
require, the Avon Town Council to capture revenues lost due to
the Gallagher Amendment so the Town of Avon may maintain
its current level of services without having to raise taxes in
the future. Ballot Issue 2E 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 2E not only prevents revenue
losses now, but so long as the state continues to decrease the
RAR.
Ballot Issue 2E only authorizes the Avon 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 2E does not
authorize the Town to generate new revenue.
Passage of Ballot Issue 2E will allow the Town to avoid budget
cuts that would impact services and amenities we all value,
including the Rec Center, maintenance of Nottingham Park,
snowplowing, the summer concert series (including Salute to
the USA) and other basic Town functions.
Keep Avon great, and vote YES on 2E.
Summary of Written Comments in OPPOSITION of Ballot Issue 2E:
It’s simple. The Town of Avon wants to freeze the mill levy at
the current rate of 7.15% while under State law the rate will
drop to 5.88%. The Town of Avon wants to circumvent the State
Constitution in order to generate more taxes. Which is a tax
increase or they wouldn’t be required by law to ask you to vote on
it. In other words, your taxes will be lower if this bill does not pass.
But there’s more. They also want to adjust the mill levy
“thereafter” for the same purpose with no end in sight.
For 2021 they will not raise the current mill levy, they will just
maintain the current rate of 7.15%. But read the next sentence.
“Thereafter” they are asking for the right to adjust the mill levy
to “maintain revenues” -whatever that means- and it does not
include a sunset date. So we are being asked to give them this
authority forever. This request is nothing more than the Town
of Avon asking for a blank check going forward for whatever
“maintaining revenues” means.
This is local government attempting to circumvent the State
Constitution. But even worse, there is no alternative plan in
place as to what’s next. It’s simply the old adage “I’m from the
government and I’m here to help so trust me”.
Removing this protection in this unstable economic
environment, when already 32% of homeowners are behind
in their mortgage payments, is an irresponsible solution to a
problem that can be fixed without increasing property taxes or
changing the basic structure of the current law.
So ask yourself one basic question. In good times, does
government ever give you a refund? I think we all know the
answer to that.
If Amendment B passes, your tax rate will be 7.18%. If it is
defeated, your tax rate will be 5.88%. It’s a tax increase and it’s
that simple. Vote NO on 2E.
TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS
NOTICE OF ELECTION ON A REFERRED MEASURE
TOWN OF VAIL, COLORADO
This voter information sheet contains a referred question
appearing on the 2020 Town of Vail Municipal Election ballot.
The mailing and content of this notice is mandated by Article X,
Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution.
Election Date and Hours:
November 3, 2020, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Local Election Official:
Tammy Nagel, Town Clerk 75 South Frontage Road West
Vail, CO 81657 970-479-2136
Ballot Issue 2G:
Ballot Title:
Sustaining Existing Levels of Town Revenue from Future
State Imposed Reductions in Residential Assessed Valuation
Rates Due to Article X, Section 3 of the Colorado Constitution
(Gallagher Amendment) or Similar State Action
Ballot Text:
WITHOUT RAISING THE MILL LEVY FOR THE 2021 TAX
COLLECTION YEAR, SHALL THE VAIL TOWN COUNCIL HAVE
THE AUTHORITY TO ADJUST THE TOWN OF VAIL’S MILL LEVY
RATE THEREAFTER AS NEEDED FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF
MAINTAINING REVENUES THAT MAY OTHERWISE BE LOST AS
A RESULT OF STATE IMPOSED REDUCTIONS IN THE RATIO OF
ASSESSED PROPERTY TAX VALUATIONS SO THAT THE ACTUAL
TAX REVENUES GENERATED BY THE TOWN’S MILL LEVIES
ARE THE SAME AS THE REVENUES THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN
GENERATED HAD THE STATE NOT IMPOSED SUCH REDUCTIONS,
IN ORDER TO ALLOW THE TOWN TO SUSTAIN SERVICES TO THE
VAIL COMMUNITY?
YES/FOR NO/AGAINST
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Fiscal Spending (revenue):
2020 (estimated) $64,556,960
2019 (actual) $79,858,202
2018 (actual) $103,451,083
2017 (actual) $66,936,720
2016 (actual) $67,481,641
Overall percentage change from 2016 – 2020 -4.3%
Overall dollar change from 2016 - 2020 $(2,924,681)
Estimated fiscal year 2021 increase in revenue if Ballot Issue 2G passes:
$0
Estimated fiscal year 2021 spending if Ballot Issue 2G fails:
$62,500,987
Summary of written comments received FOR the referred
measure: Ballot Measure 2G will not increase residential
property taxes in Vail. Ballot Measure 2G simply provides for
local control of our residential property taxes rather than tying
our tax rates to an outdated statewide formula imposed by the
Gallagher Amendment. If passed, residential property owners
would forego a $30 per year reduction in local property taxes
on a home valued at $500,000. The automatic mechanisms
of the nearly thirty-year-old Gallagher Amendment have
arbitrarily altered the relationship between commercial and
residential property tax obligations. Measure 2G will stabilize
residential property tax burdens and make property taxes more
equitable between commercial and residential categories. Vital
Town services are funded by very few sources of tax revenue.
Arbitrary reductions in property tax revenue will negatively
impact the ability of the Town to provide services, including fire
and police protection, snow plowing, free bus service, public
works, library services, and special events, among others.
Approval of Ballot Measure 2G will prevent further erosion of
the Town of Vail mill levy, keep our community vibrant and safe,
and allow our community to continue to fund essential services
at current service levels.
Summary of written comments received AGAINST the referred
measure: It’s simple. The Town of Vail wants to freeze the mill
levy at the current rate of 7.15% while under the State law the
rate will drop to 5.88%. The Town of Vail wants to circumvent
the State Constitution in order to generate more taxes. Which
is a tax increase or they wouldn’t be required by law to ask you
to vote on it. In other words, your taxes will be lower if this bill
does not pass. But there’s more. They also want to adjust the
mill levy “thereafter” for the same purpose with no end in sight.
For 2021 they will not raise the current mill levy, they will just
maintain the current rate of 7.15%. But read the next sentence.
“Thereafter” they are asking for the right to adjust the mill levy
to “maintain revenues” - whatever that means- and it does not
include a sunset date. So we are being asked to give them this
authority forever. This request is nothing more than the Town
of Vail asking for a blank check going forward for whatever
“maintaining revenues” means. This is local government
attempting to circumvent the State Constitution. But even
worse, there is no alternative plan in place as to what’s next. It’s
simply the old adage “I’m from the government and I’m here
to help so trust me”. Removing this protection in this unstable
economic environment, when already 32% of homeowners are
behind in their mortgage payments, is an irresponsible solution
to a problem that can be fixed without increasing property
taxes or changing the basic structure of the current law. So ask
yourself one basis question. In good times, does government
ever give you a refund? I think we all know the answer to that.
If Amendment B passes, your tax rate will be 7.18%. If it is
defeated, your tax rate will be 5.88%. It’s a tax increase and it’s
that simple. Vote NO on 2G
I am a NO/AGAINST on Ballot Issue 2G.
To: All REGISTERED VOTERS
NOTICE OF ELECTION ON A REFERRED MEASURE
EAGLE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Election Date: November 3, 2020
Election Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Local Election Office Address and Telephone Number:
Melissa Gerard, DEO Eagle County School District
948 Chambers Ave. Eagle, CO 970-328-4805
Ballot title and text:
EAGLE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT BALLOT ISSUE 5B:
WITHOUT INCREASING TAXES, SHALL EAGLE COUNTY SCHOOL
DISTRICT RE50J BE PERMITTED TO EXTEND THE MILL LEVY
OVERRIDE APPROVED BY VOTERS IN 2016 FROM ITS CURRENT
EXPIRATION ON DECEMBER 31, 2023, TO CONTINUE TO FUND
THE FOLLOWING EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES:
• ATTRACT AND RETAIN QUALITY TEACHERS AND STAFF;
• MAINTAIN MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING;
• MAINTAIN PROGRAMS LIKE ART, MUSIC, TECHNOLOGY,
AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION;
• PROVIDE UPDATED LEARNING MATERIALS AND RELIABLE
TECHNOLOGY;
• CONTINUE TO PROVIDE QUALITY EDUCATION IN THE
CLASSROOM AND ONLINE;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT NO REVENUE SHALL BE UTILIZED
FOR SENIOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, AND PROVIDED
FURTHER THAT ALL SUCH REVENUES WILL BE MONITORED BY
A THIRD-PARTY AUDITOR, WITH AUDIT REPORTS AVAILABLE
TO THE PUBLIC; SUCH TAX EXTENSION TO BE AN ADDITIONAL
PROPERTY TAX MILL LEVY PURSUANT TO, AND IN ACCORDANCE
WITH SECTION 22-54-108, C.R.S, AS IT CURRENTLY EXISTS OR
MAY BE AMENDED, IN EXCESS OF THE LEVY AUTHORIZED FOR
THE DISTRICT’S GENERAL FUND; AND SHALL THE DISTRICT
BE AUTHORIZED TO COLLECT, RETAIN AND SPEND ALL
REVENUES FROM SUCH TAXES AND THE EARNINGS FROM THE
INVESTMENT OF SUCH REVENUES AS A VOTER APPROVED
REVENUE CHANGE UNDER ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE
COLORADO CONSTITUTION AND ANY OTHER LIMITS WHICH
MAY APPLY?
Summary of written comments received FOR the referred
measure: Voting Yes on 5B will help secure the future of
our students, families, and teachers in the Eagle County
School District by continuing the district’s 2016 Mill Levy
Override (MLO). The 2016 MLO required voters to approve
its continuation, and despite the pandemic, now is the time
for that vote. The district’s Board of Education unanimously
referred 5B to the ballot after thoughtful deliberation and
engagement with community members.
Without raising taxes, Issue 5B will allow the district to continue
collecting $8 million annually in stable, reliable funding. The
voter-approved MLO has been essential to offset losses in state
funding caused by the 2008 recession and will help ensure that
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the budget for our local schools remains stable during these
uncertain times.
Over the past decade, the state legislature has not provided
enough support to K-12 public education and has cut education
funding every year to balance the state budget. Local support
is the best way to ensure our schools remain vibrant, safe and
healthy throughout the coming years. In addition, the state
cannot take away a local increase in funding or reduce the state
share because of it.
With the COVID-19 pandemic and economic slowdown
impacting our community, the MLO provides even more stability
for our schools and students. Eagle County School’s budget was
reduced by more than $9 million this year because of cuts in the
state of Colorado’s budget due to the pandemic. These cuts are
completely out of the district’s control, and they are expected to
get worse over the next few years.
If approved by voters, the Issue 5B funds will be used to:
• Attracting and retaining quality teachers and staff;
• Maintain mental health counseling;
• Maintain programs like art, music, technology
and physical education;
• Provide updated learning materials and reliable
technology; and
• Continue to provide quality education in the classroom
and online.
Issue 5B includes several of the priorities that voters wanted the
district to focus on when they approved the 2016 MLO. Over the
past four years, the district has successfully used the MLO funds
to reduce class sizes, retain quality teachers, restore electives
like arts and technology, replace outdated learning materials,
expand preschool programs, and maintain school buildings and
the transportation fleet. An oversight committee and a third-
party auditor have confirmed that the school district has used
the MLO as stated in the 2016 ballot, and Issue 5B continues the
third-party audits to ensure accountability to taxpayers.
Our Eagle County community showed its support in 2016
when voters approved the Mill Levy Override. Now we have
an opportunity to reaffirm that support and to provide our
students, families and teachers some important budget stability.
Summary of written comments received AGAINST the referred
measure: Instead of tax relief in 2024, the Eagle County School
District is asking, not just extend, but to permanently apply
the mill levy override, approved in 2016, to Eagle County
taxpayers. In 2016, the override was approved by voters with a
sunset clause. The sunset allows voters to regularly review the
additional taxes, along with the intended purposes, on a regular
basis. It also allows voters to decide if the Eagle County School
District is being fiscally responsible with the taxes provided. In
Ballot Issue 5B, the intended purpose has changed from the
2016 ballot issue. Not included in 5B are reducing class size and
funding for maintenance and transportation. Maintaining taxes
at a higher level, not only affects property owners, but also
renters when landlords need to keep rent high to pay the taxes.
To: ALL REGISTERED VOTERS
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: Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Election Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
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 NO. 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?
Total District Fiscal Year Spending
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
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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.
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.
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