Voters in Bayfield are being asked to consider a 1% increase in the town’s sales tax, which would bring the town’s tax rate up to 4%.
Mayor Ashleigh Tarkington said a planning process that began in 2018 revealed a “strong desire” from the town’s residents for more investment in parks and recreation.
The latest version of the plan, available on the town’s website, lists upgraded vehicle access, ADA improvements, river access and trail connectivity and improvements to accommodate a broader array of sports as the top recommendations based on the community survey.
“We did a bunch of community meetings, and there was a big desire to expand and better our parks,” Tarkington said. “We thought as a board that this would be the best way to fund it.”
The question, if passed, would raise an additional estimated $600,000 in the first year, and is worded such that the town could keep all revenues from the 1% increase until the tax’s scheduled sunset in 2043.
In accordance with an ordinance passed in September, the revenues from the tax would be directed to a special category in the general fund and be spent according to this breakdown:
- 40% on expanding Joe Stephenson Park and amenities, developing a park south of Schiller Street and creating recreational access to the Los Pinos.
- 40% on maintaining parks and trails.
- 5% on supporting equestrian and livestock arena improvements.
- 15% on assisting with the cost of cultural and community events, enhancing senior services at the Pine River Senior Center, and supplementing the cost of youth and adult recreation.
The money would be restricted and used only for the listed causes.
Given current funding restrictions, Tarkington said the town may face a lack of capacity to maintain any future development that could occur.
The 1% increase would bring Bayfield’s total sales tax rate, including state and county taxes, to 8.9%. By comparison, the city of Durango has a total sales tax rate of 8.4%.
Tarkington said she is unsure of how the measure will do on Election Day.
“I always think a tax question on the ballot is always iffy,” she said. “But we do have a lot of citizens that have been really on board. They’ve been really involved with the process.”
When asked about her one-sentence pitch for the measure, Tarkington responded, “great towns have great parks.”
Ballots have begun to arrive in mailboxes and must be returned 0 not postmarked – no later than 7 p.m. Nov. 7.
rschafir@durango herald.com
