STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-October 30, 2023-Four local ballot question referendums will be decided upon during the coordinated election on November 7, 2023, and the city is sharing factual summaries for 2F, 2G, 2H, and 2I.
The summaries share the tittle, description, and arguments for and against the four local ballot questions. Each factual summary is available on the city’s website at steamboatsprings.net/election or through the links below:
- 2F (Accommodations Tax Repurpose): Ballot Question 2F would expand the use of 1986 accommodations tax funds to support city parks, recreation, open space, and natural resources. Ballot question 2F would not create a new tax or increase existing taxes. If Ballot question 2F does not pass, the original 1986 ballot language would govern the use of accommodations tax funds.
- 2G (City Council Compensation): Ballot Question 2G would increase Council compensation to $20,000 for members, $22,500 for the President Pro Tem, and $25,000 for the President to take effect on Jan. 1, 2024, for Council members elected in November of 2023 and on Jan. 1, 2026, for Council members elected in November of 2025. The estimated annual cost to the city for the proposed increase in compensation is $64,000.
- 2H (Independent Audit Deadline Extension): Ballot Question 2H would approve an amendment to the City Charter to change the deadline from one hundred twenty days to six months after the end of the fiscal year.
- 2I (Brown Ranch STR Tax Commitment): Ballot Question 2I would approve a twenty-year commitment from the city in the Annexation Agreement to dedicate 75% of revenues from the City’s Short-Term Rental (“STR”) tax to YVHA to pay for the costs described above, subject to YVHA’s obligation to complete 420 units in six years and 1,100 units in twelve years. If the voters do not approve Ballot Question 2I, then the city would not be obligated to share any of the STR tax funds with YVHA unless the City Council chose to do so in the annual budget process. The City Council could also reduce the 9% STR tax rate at any time.
For information on the coordinated election, voter registration or polling locations, visit the Routt County Clerk and Recorder website. Ballots were mailed and early voting is current underway.
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Contact
Dan Foote, City Attorney, 970.879,2060 or email
Jennifer Bock, Assistant City Attorney, 970.879,2060 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email