Bayfield residents face two complementary ballot issues this November: Ballot Issue 2C, a proposal to establish a 4% accommodations (lodgers) tax, and Ballot Issue 2B, a 1% sales tax dedicated to parks and recreation. While distinct, these measures are closely linked to the town’s ability to maintain quality of life, manage rapid growth and support long-term economic vitality.
Support for 2C: A new economic engine
The Herald’s editorial board unequivocally supports 2C. This measure establishes a visitor-funded revenue stream for the first time, following successful models used by Durango and La Plata County. Revenue is projected at $20,000 annually – a modest amount, but it will be dedicated to “affordable and community housing, economic development, and other lawful municipal purposes.” This is a crucial tool for growth, especially after the closure of the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce.
This opportunity exists because of HB25-1247, bipartisan legislation signed in May, which tripled the maximum allowable municipal and county lodgers tax from 2% to 6% and expanded permissible uses. Bayfield’s proposed 4% rate is moderate – higher than La Plata County’s 2%, but below Durango’s 5.25%. With voter approval, the law also allows Bayfield to expand future uses to include infrastructure, public safety, and preservation, ensuring flexibility as community needs evolve.
This approach mirrors recent changes at the county level. In November 2024, La Plata County voters approved reallocating up to 70% of lodgers tax revenue to include affordable housing and child care, with 70% support. Bayfield’s 2C measure establishes a similar local mechanism, directing visitor-generated funds toward community priorities and laying a foundation for sustainable growth.
Caution on 2B: Parks and tax burden
Ballot Issue 2B proposes a 1% sales tax increase, projected to raise roughly $600,000 annually for 20 years. One penny of every dollar spent in Bayfield – mainly on discretionary items such as candy, alcohol and tobacco – would go directly to parks, recreation and related infrastructure, including Joe Stephenson Park, a park south of Schiller Street, park operations, a gymnasium, Los Pinos River access, trails, drainage upgrades and the Park Master Plan. Most essentials, like groceries, utilities and prescriptions, are exempt.
As some say, “Great towns have great parks.” New and improved recreational amenities are critical for children and adults alike. Bayfield is already at capacity for programs, and the indoor gymnasium, part of the school system, is aging. High-quality parks and recreation help retain families, attract residents and visitors, support local businesses, promote health, and strengthen community ties.
At the same time, voters must weigh this investment against the broader fiscal picture. Bayfield may face multiple new tax increases in November, including the La Plata County 1% sales tax increase (1A) and the Upper Pine River Fire Protection District 1% sales tax (7B), potentially pushing total sales tax to 10.9% – higher than neighboring Durango (8.4%, which could rise to 9.4% if 1A passes), Pagosa Springs (9.35%), and Silverton (9.8%). With major housing projects adding over 1,200 new units in the coming years, it would be understandable for voters to consider deferring 2B while recognizing its long-term benefits.
A balanced path forward
Even if voters defer 2B, a “yes” vote on 2C is essential. The modest, visitor-funded revenue will bolster Bayfield’s economy, support housing, and provide flexibility for future priorities. Parks and economic development are linked – strong amenities attract families and visitors, while a stable economy sustains them.
The need for parks remains, particularly for children and families, but given current tax pressures, voters may reasonably wait on 2B while approving 2C to establish Bayfield’s first-ever lodgers tax – laying the groundwork for balanced, long-term growth that helps the town retain residents, attract new families, and thrive in a rapidly expanding region.
