All the tax increase proposals on the ballot are scary. A story (Herald, Sept. 28) explained the impact if all pass.
To paraphrase, in Bayfield with a $280,000 home, $50,000 per year salary, one would pay an additional $2,153 in taxes. In Durango with a $500,000 home, $100,000 per year salary, one would pay an additional $3,957.
Business property, at a higher rate, would be taxed much more than residential properties. If ColoradoCare passes, my yearly payroll taxes on 18 employees would increase, by over $30,000. Neither the airport tax nor ColoradoCare set a mill levy; more money may well be needed for the astronomical costs of a state-run health care system. Investments, rentals and all non-payroll income will be taxed at 10 percent. Self-employed will pay federal income taxes (20 percent to 28 percent for most) plus 15.3 percent self-employment tax and 15 percent Colorado income tax, totaling over 50 percent of income added to sales, property, vehicle taxes, etc.
Seniors will pay for Medicare supplemental insurance through ColoradoCare, though they might prefer another company. Workman’s Comp and out-of -state treatments are major concerns.
Businesses will charge customers more to cover new taxes. Will salaries or staff have to be cut to pay the taxes? This level of taxation creates a difficult, hostile environment for existing businesses and discourages new business. Will lots of people come here for marijuana and free health care (after one year) while others with more income move away? We will have the highest income taxes in the U.S.
These two issues negatively affect so many people. I urge voting against the airport tax and ColoradoCare. I agree that the proposed airport is designed to bring growth to the area and costs much more than is necessary. I doubt that voters want more traffic congestion and development. All need to work or have investments that let them live here: Added taxation is not kind to either scenario.
Carolyn Brown
Bayfield
