La Plata County is seeking a 1-cent sales tax increase. I encourage you to vote by Nov. 4 to keep the county services that are necessary to protect and improve safety. The last increase to our sales tax was in 1982. The county can't continue the necessary services in 2025 – 2026 on 1982 revenue. Some services will inevitably have to be cut if we don't approve the 1-cent sales tax increase. And the commissioners have already cut the budget, trimmed and stretched every dollar.
I think we want a county that will plow the roads when necessary, respond quickly to floods and wildfires, protect public health and food safety, manage elections, ensure air and water quality protection, ensure that the most vulnerable among us are protected and cared for, and so much more.
This small increase will see big results. The increase is fair because everyone contributes, not just property owners. Every dollar stays local, and tourists cover about 33% of all sales tax revenue. Spend a little to make a big difference. This 1-cent sales tax increase will, on average, only cost us about $23/month, so please vote for 1A. It's the only way to have the county services we need.
John Schrage
Durango
