Members of the Bayfield Town Board voted unanimously to endorse - or encourage voters to vote against - various state and local ballot issues. Mayor Matt Salka said he believes it's the board's job to let the citizens know their stances on state and local issues. The trustees voted on the endorsements during their Oct. 2 meeting.
Amendment 74The board recommends a no vote on Colorado Amendment 74.
"Resolution 406 is a resolution opposing Amendment 74, which is an attempt to amend the Colorado Consitution to limit state and local government services at a high cost to taxpayers," said Town Manager Chris La May. "This is referred to as the Takings Amendment."
Proposition 110La May stated that Proposition 110 is known as "Let's Go Colorado". This will impose an additional state sales tax, with portions being reallocated to local governments. Projections indicate that the town will receive approximately $88,000 in additional funding transportation system, if approved. The board endorsed this proposition.
Proposition 112La May said Proposition 112 is the proposed statute requiring a 2500-foot setback of oil and gas from any structure. Town trustees believe this will be detrimental to the local and state economy and opposes Proposition 112.
Proposition 109Commonly known as "Fix our Damn Roads," trustees are concerned this would cut other portions of the state budget, and there is no "shareback" with counties and towns. The board voted to oppose Proposition 109.
6A to support the Pine River LibraryThe board voted 6-0 to endorse the mill levy increase for Pine River Library. Ashleigh Tarkington, a trustee on the library board, recused herself.
7A to support Upper Pine River Fire Protection DistrictThe board passed a resolution supporting Measure 7A, seeking voter approval to increase or decrease the annual mill levy for Upper Pine River Fire Protection District to account for fluctuations in the residential assessment rate from the Gallagher Amendment.
2D and 2EThis resolution supports the two measures the board put on the November ballot to publish the text of legal notices on the town website. "This will allow staff to publish our approved ordinances by title only and to publish our monthly bills on the town website, substantially reducing the costs of publication," La May said.
The board did not vote on any resolutions regarding Bayfield Ballot Questions 2B and 2C, which would allow retail sales of marijuana in town limits.
