La Plata County’s petition for a raise on property taxes to fund road and bridge maintenance will appear as follows on the Nov. 8 ballot:
“Shall La Plata County taxes be increased $4,500,000 in 2017 and by such amounts as may be raised annually thereafter from a mill levy of up to 2.4 mills to fund county road and bridge construction and maintenance, provided that this tax increase authorization shall be for a 10-year period ending Dec. 31, 2026; and shall the revenues, any related specific ownership taxes and the investment earnings be collected and spent notwithstanding any limitations provided by law?”
Simply put, the county is asking county citizens to vote “yes” on the item, which would increase a $400,000 homeowner’s property taxes by about $76 each year.
The measure is backed by all three county commissioners, who say the degrading quality of the county’s roads is a capital need that cannot wait. Other county officials support the item, including Planning Commissioner Jim Tencza, who also co-chairs an issues committee, “Yes to Roads and Bridges.”
Also, the Durango School District 9-R Board of Education and the Durango City Council passed resolutions in support of the measure. The 9-R board said poor roads are a safety issue for school buses.
The 2.4 mill increase would raise the rate from 8.5 mills to 10.9 mills. A mill is equal to $1 per $1,000 of assessed value.
A “Yes” vote will give the county power to adjust the mill levy each year until 2026, when the levy expires.
Revenue is expected to generate $40 million over 10 years to cover capital improvement projects throughout the county.
A “No” vote means that the mill levy will remain at 8.5 mills.
There isn’t an organized committee opposing the measure, but those planning to vote “No” say use taxes, impact fees and smarter budgeting on the county’s part are wiser alternatives than raising property taxes.
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