2018 Ballot Measure Summaries and League of Women Voters Pro-Con Statements
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To renew existing quality of life and public safety sales taxes.
Proposals are based on recommendations from a 33-member citizen committee.
BALLOT MEASURE #2O
RENEWAL OF QUALITY OF LIFE 0.30% TAX
Renewal of Quality of Life Tax This request is to renew the tax that was approved by the voters in 2002 for an additional 20
years for more Quality of Life projects. Effective January 1, 2019, it will include use of the monies for transportation capacity,
infrastructure projects, and facility maintenance.
- If approved, this will not increase taxes for Greeley residents.
- The Quality of Life tax funded a multitude of recreational and cultural projects and improvements
throughout the city.
- Gaining voter approval now for renewal in 2022 allows the City to plan and meet the needs of
Greeley residents.
- A citizen committee reviewed input from Imagine Greeley (comprehensive plan update), analysis of
current tax uses, and subject matter expertise.
- The committee recommended the definition of Quality of Life to include transportation capacity to
move goods, services, and people.
- The review focused on future recreation, park, transportation, and facility needs.
- The committee recommended it be placed on the 2018 ballot.
Major Projects funded 2002-to-present with Quality of Life Tax revenue
- New Recreation facilities including the Family Fun-Plex and Greeley Ice Haus
- Improvements to Greeley Museums
- New and Updated Neighborhood Parks
- Youth Sports Complex
If the Quality of Life Tax is renewed for an additional 20 years:
- The City will collect nearly $166 million from sales taxes for capital projects.
- Fund proposed projects totaling $191 million.
- Various fees, grants, and inter-governmental shared revenue will supplement collected tax revenue.
Proposed projects for funding if voters reauthorize the Quality of Life .30% Tax:
- Two significant interchanges in the city along US Highway 34 (partnership with the state)
- 83rd Avenue improvements
- Multiple traffic signal improvements and expansions
- 20th Street improvements (90th to 93rd)
- A new park in western part of Greeley
- Improvements to parks throughout the city
- Additional road and park expansions with resident involvement
Some in favor say:
- This is not an increase in taxes.
- This community continues to grow, and citizens and its elected officials should maintain a safe and
quality environment for everyone.
- US Highway 34 traffic and congestion makes moving around the city difficult and more prone to
accidents. Reauthorization of this tax allows city partnering with the state for matching funds to make
improvements for community safety.
Some opposed say:
- The City already has enough money to pay for these improvements, if reductions or adjustments are
made to other city services.
- With the increased cost of living and housing, this is not a good time to continue a tax. By voting no,
we can decrease our sales tax rate.
- 20 years before we can vote to discontinue this tax is too long. It limits flexibility on how funds can
be used.
BALLOT MEASURE #2P
RENEWAL OF PUBLIC SAFETY 0.16% TAX
Renewal of Public Safety Tax: A request is being made to renew an existing 0.16% sales and use tax (16 cents on a $100
purchase) approved by the voters in 2004 for an additional 20 years for years for public safety purposes. Effective January 1,
2019, it would include the use of the monies for construction, maintenance, and staffing of public safety facilities.
- If approved, this will not increase taxes for Greeley residents.
- In 2004, citizens adopted an additional sales and use tax of 0.16% for 20 years. These funds were used for
public safety facilities and staffing.
- Gaining voter approval now for renewal in 2024 allows planning for new facilities. New fire stations are
needed to effectively serve the new areas of the city without negatively affecting existing service.
- A citizen committee reviewed input from Imagine Greeley (comprehensive plan update), analyzed
current tax uses, and subject matter expertise. Reviewing that material illustrates that public safety is an
essential component of quality of life.
- The committee focused on public safety projects and needs for its residents to accommodate
community growth.
- The committee recommended the renewal of the Public Safety tax be on the 2018 ballot.
Significant Projects funded 2004-to-present with Public Safety Tax revenue
- New police station on 10th Street
- Operating costs for the police station
If Renewal of Public Safety Tax is approved for an additional 20 years:
- The City will collect nearly $91 million from sales taxes for capital projects and operational costs.
- Identified projects total $119 million.
- The City will use all available Development Fee revenue as appropriate to build and equip new fire
stations as permitted.
Proposed projects for funding if voters reauthorize the Public Safety .16% Tax:
- Rebuild and reposition Fire Station 2 for exit onto Reservoir Road instead of 23rd Avenue.
Thus, addressing safety and response times.
- As the city expands to the west, we need to build, staff, and equip a new fire station.
This ensures that the City continues to meet response times for our growing population.
- Provide updated safety equipment for police staff.
Some in favor say:
- This is not an increase in taxes, and we need to continue to build, maintain and staff public safety
facilities to address the increased number of 911 calls across all geographic sectors of the city.
- Since 2000, the number of people that first responders like firefighters and police serve has increased by
28,000 residents. This public safety funding could provide for better care and faster response times.
- Non-residents who shop and use services in Greeley will help defray the cost to make our community a
safe place to live and work.
Some opposed say:
- Development fees should be used to cover the costs of providing these services to the homes in those
areas, not a tax.
- The city needs to do a better job of managing its budget and make cuts to other programs and services to
focus on public safety.
- Waiting 20 years before we can vote to discontinue this tax is too long and limits flexibility on how these
funds can be used
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
League of Women Voters (LWV) Greeley-Weld County, Inc. has reviewed and given guidance to the City in preparation for this publication. The LWV is not responsible for the accuracy or fairness of the arguments of either side.
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
OF GREELEY-WELD COUNTY, INC.
Lwvgreeleyweldcounty.org