The Mancos Board of Trustees approved an ordinance Tuesday to present voters with a sales tax increase question on the November ballot.
Later this year, registered voters within town limits will decide whether to increase the town’s sales tax to 4.4% from the current 4%, applicable to sales of tangible goods and furnishing services. If approved by voters, revenue from the additional 0.4% would be dedicated to street and broadband improvements, operations and maintenance. Broadband powers high-speed internet.
The increase would go into effect in January 2027, generating an anticipated $325,000 for the stated purposes.
“The last time we had an increase was in 1994 and it’s probably time for us to do that,” Trustee Brent McWhirter said prior to the board’s vote. Now that the ordinance is approved, trustees cannot advocate for or against the proposed change.
During the meeting at Mancos Town Hall, Town Administrator Heather Alvarez reviewed a 2024 survey of 211 registered Mancos voters conducted by a Colorado public research firm. Voters were questioned on their support for a sales tax increase as well as their priorities for what it would fund.
Alvarez said the survey demonstrated “overwhelming support” for the ballot measure.
The survey asked residents if they would support an additional 0.3% sales tax – 0.1% lower than the actual proposed increase on the November ballot – to fund street paving and maintenance as well as broadband infrastructure. Seventy-two percent of those surveyed were in favor.
“Mancos needs to attract commerce that contributes to a healthy tax base. The things proposed will be of considerable help,” wrote one anonymous resident in the survey.
Many of the roads in Mancos are dirt roads. Thirty-five percent of residents rated the condition of their neighborhood streets poor and 41% said they did not believe Mancos had the financial resources to adequately maintain and repair roads.
Those who opposed the increase believed paving the town’s roads and funding broadband were unnecessary and expressed concerns about the cost to taxpayers and the effect on the town’s character.
“It is imperative that we keep the charm and rural aspects of Mancos that make it our home,” one respondent wrote. “If we wanted paved roads we would live in a city (or Durango). It’s a special quirk and integral to the town of Mancos.”
In the 2024 survey, broadband was ranked less important than the local economy, streets and roads, police and commercial planning. But last month, Clearnetworx began installing fiber-optic networks to provide broadband internet to Mancos residents.
“The town needs to keep up with the broadband. The streets need to stay in good repair. By paving, it will be a lot easier to maintain!” wrote another resident in the 2024 survey.
The election takes place Nov. 3. Ballots will also include Montezuma County commissioner and County Clerk races, among others.