In the current election, Colorado Springs voters will decide on two ballot measures with enormous consequences for funding of city services. Every election season Citizens Project endeavors to provide the most accurate and accessible information to voters about candidates and ballot measures, with an eye toward protecting our nation's founding principles of equality, religious freedom and respect for diversity. We hope the following explanations help you understand the issues. You will find even more information and useful links (events, news reports, important dates, resources) on our election information page at www.citizensproject.org.

Proposed by Councilwoman Jan Martin, this measure was placed on the ballot by City Council to give citizens an option to maintain funding for city services that will otherwise have to be cut due to declining sales tax revenue. It raises property taxes by 10 mills over five years, starting with six mills in 2010 and adding one mill per year in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. For a home worth $100,000, one mill is $7.96, so for a house worth $200,000, the additional annual tax would be $159 after five years.

The city's current projected revenue shortfall for 2010 is $24.5 million, which follows $54 million in cuts made over the past 18 months. In order to reduce city expenses by this amount, the draft 2010 budget includes the following cuts: eliminate 35 Fire Department staff positions, 25 Police Department positions, 33 Parks and Recreation positions, close Pioneers Museum, close six community centers, close all seven city pools, close Rock Ledge Ranch, close five visitors centers, eliminate all city funded transit services including all evening, weekend, holiday, Shreiver and Ft. Carson service.

The tax increase is calculated to bring the city back up to 2009 funding levels.

This measure, proposed by anti-tax activist Douglas Bruce, was petitioned onto the ballot. It will phase out, over eight years, all payments in lieu of taxes from city owned enterprises to the city. Its author states that the measure will eliminate the Stormwater Enterprise, which assesses a fee to property owners to pay for city drainage infrastructure improvements to mitigate flooding. However, the City Attorney has suggested that the ballot language of measure 300, which does not mention the Stormwater Enterprise by name, could be subject to interpretation in a way that leaves the enterprise untouched. If the measure passes, we surmise the courts will be asked to make a determination. The measure is nearly identical to one rejected by voters last fall.

The city owns several enterprises including the airport, cemeteries, Colorado Springs Utilities, Stormwater Enterprise, Development Review Enterprise, Human Services Complex, Memorial Health System, Parking System, Patty Jewett Golf Course, and Valley Hi Golf Course.

Since these enterprises are government-owned they do not pay property taxes. Payments in lieu of taxes, from the enterprise to the city, are a commonly used substitute that ensures enterprises contribute toward the cost of government services. These payments also help defray the costs of shared services, such as legal, accounting and maintenance, which create efficiencies by eliminating duplication. The largest of these payments is from Colorado Springs Utilities, which pays an estimated $27 million annually in payments in lieu of taxes.

 

Citizens Project urges a yes vote on Measure 2C and a no vote on Measure 300. The projected reductions in city services could literally cut some citizens off from their jobs, family, and community. For many low income, senior, and disabled residents, bus service and community centers are not mere amenities for entertainment or convenience. These services are lifelines, making it possible for them to participate as full citizens in our community. These services guarantee a minimum standard of humanity necessary to the promise of equal opportunity and democracy.