Bayfield residents appeared to say “enough is enough” when it comes to new tax hikes, rejecting the town’s proposal to raise the sales tax by 1%.
Early results reported shortly after 7 p.m. showed the measure failing 58% to 42%.
Ballot measure 2B asked voters to approve a 1% sales tax increase projected to generate about $600,000 annually. The measure included a sunset clause, remaining in effect through 2045.
According to the ballot language, revenue from the tax would have been dedicated to parks and recreation projects, including improvements to Joe Stephenson Park and the unnamed park south of Schiller Street, park operations, construction of a new gymnasium, trail maintenance, river access along the Los Pinos, and implementation of the Park Master Plan.
The measure specified that funds “shall be used solely” for those purposes, making it a dedicated tax. Although the revenue would have flowed into the town’s general fund, officials said the town would be legally bound to spend it only on the listed projects.
“Like all the governments around here, we’re dealing with revenues that aren’t as plentiful as they’ve been in the past,” Town Manager John Waters said, explaining the reasoning behind the proposal.
Similar to La Plata County, Bayfield’s draft 2026 budget reflects declining revenues and a smaller operating budget. Proposed operating expenditures total about $1.1 million – roughly $72,000 less than the 2025 adopted budget. Some of that tightening, Waters said, stems from a decrease in available grant funding.
Bayfield had more combined ballot initiatives this November than any other La Plata County municipality. If all had passed, the combined sales tax for town residents would have been the highest in the county – about 10.9% on most goods and services.
But voters stood firm in their opposition, echoing concerns about affordability and economic strain in a time when many residents are struggling to make ends meet.
Regardless of the outcome, Waters said Tuesday before results started trickling in that the town will persevere and continue operating within a tightened budget.
“We will continue to provide services in the best and most efficient way we can,” he said.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
