La Plata County voters face a substantive slate of local and statewide measures this election. These decisions will shape the strength of our emergency services, schools, roads, and children’s access to food.
La Plata County Ballot Issue 1A: Fund essential services
La Plata County’s revenues have fallen sharply as natural gas income declines and state-mandated assessment cuts reduce property-tax collections. Without action, the county projects a $14 million deficit in 2026.
1A would increase the county sales tax by 1% – the first in over 40 years – raising about $18 million annually to sustain law enforcement, road and bridge, emergency management, and human services. Visitors would cover roughly one-third of collections, and essentials such as groceries, prescriptions, utilities and farm supplies remain exempt. This modest, broad-based measure keeps core departments functioning together and avoids deep service cuts. Vote YES on 1A. (Herald, Oct. 8).
Fire district measures: Strengthening a countywide network
La Plata County’s emergency response system operates as a network. When one district strengthens, the whole county and region benefits. The Durango Fire Protection District (2A and 7A) and Upper Pine River Fire Protection District (7B) seek funding to strengthen their own and maintain the shared capacity.
Durango Fire requests $5.8 million annually to build and staff a new Three Springs station and to offset $2.5 million in annual losses from state property-tax cuts. The district covers 325 square miles and answers more than 6,400 calls each year.
Upper Pine River Fire serves 20,000 residents across 292 square miles. Its 1% sales tax (7B) would raise $490,000 per year for staffing, gear, and equipment, helping EMTs and firefighters live locally.
Each measure strengthens the network’s reliability, reduces response times, and protects both residents and responders. Vote YES on 2A, 7A, and 7B. (Herald, Oct. 5).
Durango School Board: Keep experience and progress
The Durango School Board’s incumbents – Erika Brown, Rick Petersen and Andrea Parmenter – have provided steady governance. They’ve managed resources responsibly, supported educators and maintained collaboration with Superintendent Karen Cheser.
Recent voter-approved bonds have rebuilt schools, funded long-deferred maintenance and are creating workforce housing. Continued experience ensures fiscal stability and progress for students and staff. Vote Brown, Petersen and Parmenter. (Herald, Oct. 10).
Bayfield Measures: 2C yes, 2B with caution
Bayfield’s 2C (4% lodgers tax) would create a visitor-funded revenue stream – about $20,000 annually – for housing and economic development. It’s a practical, low-impact tool for growth.
2B (1% sales tax) would generate $600,000 per year for parks and recreation, but given multiple countywide tax proposals, voters may reasonably wait. Vote YES on 2C; consider 2B carefully. (Herald, Oct. 19).
Durango Hills: 6A
Issue 6A is not a tax increase. It simply lets the Durango Hills Road Improvement District keep the revenue it already collects by removing a 5.25% state-imposed cap – similar to what part of the Durango Fire proposal does. This restores full funding for grading and snow removal, about $100 per household annually – to preserve safe roads and property values. Vote YES on 6A. (Herald, Oct. 17).
Statewide Measures LL and MM: Healthy School Meals for All
With SNAP benefits set to end Nov. 1, many families will struggle to feed their children. LL and MM ensure Colorado’s Healthy School Meals for All program remains fully funded, providing free breakfast and lunch to every student.
Funded by modest deduction limits for households earning over $300,000, LL would allow the state to retain an additional $100 million, while MM raises $95 million more to close funding gaps, improve wages for cafeteria staff and expand local food sourcing. These measures fight hunger, support learning and strengthen rural economies. LL and MM strengthen rural economies by funding food sourcing from local producers, school kitchen upgrades and fair wages for school nutrition workers – keeping state dollars circulating in Colorado communities. Vote YES on LL and MM. (Herald, Sept. 17).
Before you vote
Not all voters will see every measure. Statewide election information on LL and MM is available at bit.ly/4nuGf1m. Election and local ballot issue information appears in the 2025 Coordinated Election TABOR Notice at lpcgov.org/services/elections. The deadline to vote is Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.
