This past weekend was a powerful reminder of how deeply our county government touches our daily lives. When the waters rose, it was La Plata County’s Sheriff’s swift-water rescue teams, our Road and Bridge crews and our Emergency Services staff who stepped up to protect neighbors, homes and property.
These are the kinds of essential services we often take for granted – until the moment we need them. They are the backbone of a safe, functioning community.
Yet our county is still operating on a sales tax rate set more than 40 years ago. Despite years of cost-cutting, staff reductions and efficiency measures, the numbers no longer add up. Costs have risen dramatically, and the demand for services has only increased.
A 1% sales tax increase will allow La Plata County to maintain the critical services that safeguard us all – from public safety and emergency response to environmental protection and infrastructure maintenance. And because tourists contribute roughly 34% of all sales tax revenue, everyone shares the responsibility.
This is not about growing government – it’s about keeping vital services working when our community needs them most. Let’s invest in our safety, our resilience and our future.
Please join me in voting “yes” on 1A.
Erica Max
Hesperus
