While Durango city councilors have officially voted to put a property tax increase question on the November ballot to fund an airport expansion, a formal vote won’t come from La Plata County commissioners until later.
On Tuesday, commissioners debated the ballot measure, as they have for months, and generally agreed with the city’s vote. However, county staff advised against a formal decision because of the Fair Campaign Practices Act. Once commissioners take a formal vote, the county would direct resources and time to the ballot measure. It then becomes difficult to comply with the law, which dictates that the campaign be grass-roots, with a $50 cap.
An $80 million expansion of the Durango-La Plata County Airport would require about a 50 percent match from the county and city, with the rest likely to come from a Federal Aviation Administration grant.
The city and county have debated whether to go with a property or sales tax increase. Officials have called the latter a volatile, regressive option that could deter consumer purchases and jeopardize the government’s ability to make debt-service payments.
The county also is considering again proposing a maximum 2.4 mill levy increase, which failed at the polls last fall, to fund roads and bridges.
The combination of a mill levy increase for roads and bridges and the airport would mean a 47 percent property tax increase.
Residents had varying opinions of the airport tax proposal on Tuesday. One resident said while a property tax increase may be more reliable, it does not tax all who use the airport, allowing tourists a “free ride.”
Others, including members of the La Plata County Economic Development Alliance, supported the increase.
“We have more momentum this year than I’ve seen in a long time,” said board member Emily Meisner. “I feel 100 percent you can get this passed with education.”
Though she supports both the airport and road and bridge ballot questions, Commissioner Julie Westendorff said she doesn’t like pressing voters with multiple tax requests in the same election. Commissioner Gwen Lachelt said, ideally, the ballot measures would be staggered, but commissioners have the responsibility to put them on the ballot and let voters decide.
“This question will be much more expensive in the years to come,” Commission Chairman Brad Blake said. “As a very conservative business person, I don’t want to spend the money – but I do.”
The board has until Sept. 9 to submit formal language to the county clerk.
jpace@durangoherald.com
