An easy one. We say “yes” to Proposition II because the $23.65 million the state collected from the sale of cigarettes, tobacco and nicotine products will be spent on preschool programs. If Prop. II fails, the money will be refunded to wholesalers and distributors of cigarettes, tobacco and nicotine products.
A big factor in our decision is that this $23.65 million has already been collected. It’s not a new tax, just a question as to whether to keep and spend it on preschool programs. If Prop. II passes, the state would maintain the current tax rate, rather than reduce rates, and keep and spend revenue on preschool programs.
Our workforce depends on reliable, safe preschool for little ones. This means, our state economy counts on it, too.
The Colorado Constitution requires that voters decide on this measure because the estimate of revenue exceeded what the state anticipated in the Blue Book. Apparently, the pandemic contributed to a dramatic increase in vaping in 2021, which means a fatter coffer. Locally, we’ve been down this road before when the city of Durango underestimated lodgers tax revenues.
Again, if Prop. II passes, cigarette tax in 2024 will be $1.94 per pack, which can’t be sold for less than $7 as mandated by Proposition EE.
The “no” argument is that it’s unnecessary government expansion. For us, the “yes” is more impactful to children. An enthusiastic endorsement.
We say absolutely “yes” to the Upper Pine River Fire Protection District’s Ballot Issue 7A, to extend a property tax of 1.46 mills passed 20 years ago, to build a new fire station – Station 61 – and urgent care clinic in Bayfield. The tax is set to sunset in 2024.
The fire department has already purchased a 2-acre lot at 297 Bayfield Center Drive, on the northeast corner of a traffic circle near the Eight Corners intersection at U.S. Highway 160 and County Road 501. Based on current values, residents would pay almost $50 per year on a $500,000 home. Not bad.
The plan is to partner with Durango Urgent Care. A fire station next to an urgent care clinic makes good sense with paramedics running over to assist in case of life-threatening emergencies.
Bruce Evans, chief of Upper Pine fire department, called this joint building “critical infrastructure,” to include four bays for fire and EMS equipment. The building could house up to 10 employees with quarters for urgent care and firefighting personnel, and would serve Bayfield, north to Vallecito, east to Yellow Jacket and west to the border with Durango.
Hundreds of new homes are in the works in Bayfield and we’re all expecting significant growth. Bayfield currently is at the forefront of locally developed housing, including for our workforce.
Another measure that’s easy to endorse.
The Durango Business Improvement District’s advocacy work was instrumental in two of our favorite projects. First, is the crosswalk with flashing lights on north Main Avenue, midway between 29th and 30th streets, allowing Mountain Middle School students to safely cross. Next, is the Durango Welcome Center at Main Avenue and Eighth Street, with images from our beloved Fort Lewis College filling the windows. A bold presence in the heart of downtown.
BID engaged in partnerships for these projects to happen; it didn’t do it alone. But these are a few examples of BID working behind the scenes for a wider range of residents.
For these reasons – and BID’s broad scope – we’re endorsing its request to continue the 2 mill levy, approved by eligible voters in 2025, for a second 15 years until 2040. A win for BID would mean continued, consistent funding of services that affect about 400 commercial properties in the Central Business District and the North Main District. On average, the mill levy has generated about $275,000 annually, according to BID Executive Director Tim Walsworth.
Property owners received (or will receive) ballots and know to vote. But any businesses with leases on these properties, some of which are multiple, are eligible to vote but may not realize this. This includes businesses on upper floors, and in nooks and crannies of buildings. Think about the Main Mall downtown alone with about 20 businesses.
BID estimates approximately 1,500 eligible voters but in 2010, only 356 people cast ballots. We know many more voices out there should weigh in, and we hope they do. This may seem obvious but only a “natural person” can vote, not an entity.
For those who wonder whether they’re eligible, Walsworth will personally hand-deliver ballots and can be reached at timw@downtowndurango.org or 375-5068.
Boundaries of the Central Business District – Camino del Rio to East Second Avenue – and the North Main District – from the Animas River north to Animas View Drive.
BID’s categories include marketing and promotions, communications for business owners, events, visitor info, beautification, capital projects and – our favorite – advocacy.
