On the November ballot in Green Mountain Falls, Colorado, voters will decide on Ballot Issue 3A, a proposal to add a 0.5% sales tax to the town’s existing tax base. If approved, the tax would generate $58,684 in its first full fiscal year (2027) and continue to raise additional revenue each year through December 31, 2030.
Purpose of the Tax Increase
The revenue from the new sales tax is earmarked for two primary uses. First, it will fund the construction, operation, and maintenance of the town‑owned property at 10545 Ute Pass Avenue, known locally as the Old Town Marshal’s Building. Second, any surplus after covering those costs will be directed toward other capital improvement projects identified by town officials.
Financial Context
Town spending has risen steadily over the past several years. The estimated fiscal year 2026 budget stands at $331,000, up from $312,562 in 2025, $258,613 in 2024, $265,914 in 2023, and $262,011 in 2022. This represents a 26.33% increase in total spending from 2022 to 2026, or a dollar increase of $68,989.
Without the proposed tax, the town’s estimated 2027 spending would be $352,104. Adding the $58,684 from Issue 3A would bring the projected 2027 budget to roughly $410,788, allowing the town to move forward with the marshal’s office project without diverting funds from other services.
Public Input
The town received no written comments for or against the measure by the constitutional deadline, indicating a lack of organized opposition or advocacy on this specific issue.
What Voters Need to Know
- Tax amount: 0.5% sales tax increase, generating $58,684 in the first year.
- Duration: Effective January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2030.
- Use of funds: Restoration and upkeep of the Old Town Marshal’s Building; any excess directed to additional capital projects.
- Financial impact: The tax is expected to be modest for residents while providing a dedicated revenue stream for essential town infrastructure.
- Voting: Issue 3A appears on the November ballot; voters should consider the long‑term benefits of preserving a historic municipal building and supporting future improvements.
Town’s Rationale
Town officials argue that the dedicated tax ensures the marshal’s building can be restored and maintained without pulling resources from other critical services. By linking the tax to specific projects, the town aims to provide transparency and accountability to taxpayers.
Should the revenue from the 0.5% tax exceed the costs of the marshal’s office project, the surplus will be allocated to other capital improvements, further enhancing the town’s infrastructure and quality of life for families and businesses.
Conclusion
Ballot Issue 3A offers Green Mountain Falls residents a clear choice: approve a modest, time‑limited sales tax increase to preserve a historic civic building and fund future capital projects, or reject the measure and continue relying on the existing budget. Voters are encouraged to review the fiscal details and consider the long‑term benefits for the community before casting their ballots.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.