HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024 - RESO 46 - Support Jeffco initiative 1ACITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
RESOLUTION NO. 46
Series of 2024
TITLE: A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR JEFFERSON COUNTY
BALLOT MEASURE 1A TO ALLOW JEFFERSON COUNTY TO RETAIN
AND SPEND REVENUES IN EXCESS OF LIMITATIONS IMPOSED BY
THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION WITHOUT INCREASING TAXES
WHEREAS, the Colorado Constitution, Article X, Section 20, commonly known as the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR), imposes certain limitations on the ability of local governments to collect and retain revenues; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson County, like many other counties in Colorado, faces significant challenges in funding essential services such as transportation, infrastructure, and public safety due to these revenue limitations; and
WHEREAS, on July 8, 2024, the Jefferson County Commissioners unanimously approved placing a ballot question before the voters of Jefferson County, referred to as Measure 1A, which would authorize the county to collect, retain, and spend the full revenues from authorized sources beginning in Fiscal Year 2024 without increasing the tax rate or mill levy rate; and
WHEREAS, the revenues retained under Measure 1A would be used to address critical needs in transportation and infrastructure, including building and maintaining roads, bridges, and other county infrastructure, as well as public safety, including wildfire and flood mitigation, addiction and mental health programs, and crime prevention; and
WHEREAS, Measure 1A includes provisions for regular audits to ensure that the funds are spent solely on the purposes of transportation, infrastructure, and public safety, ensuring
accountability and transparency; and
WHEREAS, failure of Measure 1A could result in Jefferson County making approximately $20 million in budget cuts in the coming year, severely impacting the quality of essential services provided to residents; and
WHEREAS, supporting Measure 1A aligns with the City of Wheat Ridge’s commitment to ensuring the well-being, safety, and quality of life for all residents within Jefferson County,
including those living in Wheat Ridge.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO:
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Wheat Ridge hereby expresses its full
support for Jefferson County Ballot Measure 1A, which will be presented to voters at the State General Election on November 5, 2024.
SECTION 2. The City Council encourages all registered electors within the City of Wheat
Ridge to vote YES on Measure 1A to ensure that Jefferson County can retain and spend the
necessary revenues to maintain and improve transportation, infrastructure, and public safety without increasing taxes.
SECTION 3. The City Manager is authorized and directed to forward a copy of this Resolution to the Jefferson County Commissioners and to take all necessary actions to communicate the City Council's support for Measure 1A to the residents of Wheat Ridge.
DONE AND RESOLVED by the City Council this 23rd day of September 2024.
______________________
Bud Starker, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Margy Greer, Sr. Deputy City Clerk