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CORRECTION FOR CHARTER AMENDMENT NOTICE

FOR BALLOT QUESTION 2D – INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM

PLEASE NOTE: an administrative error was made in the City of Fort Collins Charter Amendment Notice for the November 5, 2024 Ballot.

This correction relates to Ordinance No. 096, 2024, of the Council of the City of Fort Collins submitting to a vote of the registered electors of the City of Fort Collins proposed Charter Amendment No. 3 repealing and reenacting Article X of the City Charter relating to initiative and referendum. This appears on the ballot as Question 2D.

In the text of the proposed Charter, Article X, Section 2(3)(e)(1), in some instances the published language incorrectly stated the time for obtaining initiative petition signatures. The correct provision is as follows (emphasis added):

(1) To be valid, the initiative petition must be filed no more than sixty-three (63) days after the City Clerk’s approval of the form for circulation.

Notice of Charter Amendments#

NOTICE OF PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENTS FOR

A SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024, IN FORT COLLINS, COLORADO

I, Delynn Coldiron, City Clerk of the City of Fort Collins in the County of Larimer and the State of Colorado (herein the “Clerk”, the “City”, the “County”, and the “State”, respectively), under and by virtue of the authority vested in me as such officer by the Constitution and laws of the State and the Charter of the City,

DO HEREBY CALL AND GIVE PUBLIC NOTICE of a Special Municipal Election in the City to be held on Tuesday, the 5th day of November 2024 (herein the “Election”).

Persons desiring to vote in said Election must meet the following qualifications: be at least eighteen (18) years of age, be a citizen of the United States, be a resident of the State of Colorado for at least twenty-two (22) days before the Election, and be duly registered to vote within the Fort Collins city limits.

At such Election, three (3) City-initiated amendments to the City Charter will be submitted to the voters.

PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT NO. 1

The proposed amendments to Article VIII of the City’s Charter include the following:

Clarify the usage of the term “shall” by replacing with “will,” “must” or other appropriate language;
Modernize the language to be more inclusive by removing he/she language;
Remove requirement that Chief Deputy City Clerk serve on the Board of Election and allow the City Clerk to designate the lead election expert;
Eliminate vague language for challenging nominations and qualifications of candidates (substituting the Municipal Election Code process); and
Add rules for computation of time and add consistent deadline timeframes.

Following is the proposed language for Article VIII of the Charter:

ARTICLE VIII. ELECTIONS

Section 1. Applicability of state constitution.

The Council will provide by ordinance for the manner of holding city elections. All ordinances regarding elections must be consistent with the provisions of this Charter and the state Constitution. For any matter regarding elections not covered by the state Constitution, this Charter or ordinance of the Council will be governed by the laws of the State of Colorado relating to municipal elections, or coordinated municipal elections, as applicable.

Section 2. City elections.

A regular city election will be held on the first Tuesday in November of every odd-numbered year. All other municipal elections will be known as special city elections and will be called by ordinance and must be held in accordance with the provisions of this Charter and any ordinances adopted pursuant thereto. All municipal elections must be nonpartisan.

In order to implement a change of regular city elections from April of each odd-numbered year to November of each odd-numbered year, the term of the Mayor and each Councilmember will be extended to such time as a successor elected in November of the appropriate odd-numbered year (consistent with Article II, Section 1(b)) takes office, unless otherwise ended due to an event of vacancy or recall. Such change in term length will have no effect on the number of terms any such officer may be elected under the applicable term limits.

Section 3. Nomination; withdrawal from nomination.

Any person who is qualified at the time of nomination for the office to be filled may be nominated for the elective office by petition. A nominating petition for the office of Mayor must be signed by not less than twenty-five (25) registered electors. A nominating petition for District Council office must be signed by not less than twenty-five (25) registered electors residing in that District. A registered elector may sign one (1) petition for each office for which the elector is entitled to vote at the election. If an elector should sign more petitions than entitled, said elector's signature will be void as to all petitions which the elector signed.

Nominating petitions must be filed with the City Clerk. The Council will enact an ordinance specifying the time frame for circulation and submittal of nominating petitions and the deadline for withdrawal from candidacy for municipal office. Such time frame must not be changed within one hundred eighty (180) days immediately prior to the election. No nominating petition may be accepted unless the candidate completes a verified acceptance of the nomination certifying that they are not a candidate, directly or indirectly, of any political party, and that they meet the qualifications for office and will serve if elected.

A person who has been nominated may withdraw from candidacy by filing a written request to do so with the City Clerk before the deadline established by Council ordinance for such withdrawal, and no name so withdrawn may be placed upon the ballot.

Section 4. Petitions.

(a) Form; circulation. The Council will prescribe by ordinance, upon recommendation of the City Clerk, the form for a nominating petition which must include such warnings and notices to signers as may be deemed appropriate by the Council, as well as the candidate's verified acceptance of nomination. The signatures on a nominating petition need not all be subscribed on one (1) page, but to each separate section of the petition there will be attached a signed statement of the circulator thereof, stating the number of signers on that section of the petition, and that each signature thereon was made in the circulator's presence and is the genuine signature of the person whose name it purports to be. When executed, such statement must be accepted as true until it may be proved false. If any portion is proved false, that portion of any petition must be disregarded. Following each signature on the petition of nomination must be written the printed name and the residence address of the signer, and the date of signing. All nominating papers comprising a petition must be filed as one (1) instrument.

(b) Sufficiency of petition. Upon receipt of a nominating petition, the City Clerk will forthwith examine the petition, and within five (5) business days after the filing of the petition, notify the candidate in writing of the results of the examination, specifying the particulars of insufficiency, if any. Within the regular time for filing petitions, an insufficient petition may be amended and filed again as a new petition, in which case the time of the first filing will be disregarded in determining the validity of signatures thereon, or a different petition may be filed for the same candidate. The petition for each candidate elected to office must be preserved by the City Clerk until the expiration of the terms of office for such person.

(d) The City adopts the applicable requirements and procedures outlined in the Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965, as amended, for objections to officer nominations.

Section 5. Board of Elections for City-administered elections.

There is hereby created a Board of Elections consisting of the City Clerk, the lead election expert in the City Clerk’s Office, as determined by the City Clerk, and Chief Judge. The Board will be responsible for any election duties specified in this Charter and for such additional duties related to the conduct of elections by the City as may be established by the Council by ordinance.

Section 6. Appearance of names on ballot.

Every ballot must contain the names of all duly nominated candidates for offices to be voted for at that election, except those who have died or withdrawn. The names will be arranged in alphabetical order of surname for each office and may not contain any title or degree designating the business or profession of the candidate. The candidate's name may be a nickname but may not include any punctuation marks setting out the nickname.

Section 7. Certification of election results.

(a) No later than the date specified by Council by ordinance and, after verifying the total number of legal votes cast for each candidate and measure voted upon, the Board of Elections must complete a certificate declaring the results of the election. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes for a particular office, as determined pursuant to this Section 7, will be declared elected to that office. In event of a tie, the selection will be made by the Board of Elections by lot after notice to the candidates affected. The City adopts the applicable requirements and procedures outlined in the Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965, as amended, for contests to officers declared duly elected. In case the candidate elected is disqualified by court order after the date of issuance of the certificate of election, tabulation of results in that contest shall be rerun with the disqualified candidate being eliminated prior to any tabulation and the candidate with the resulting highest vote shall be elected. If there is no other elected successor who qualifies or if the vote tabulation can no longer be rerun, the office will be deemed vacant, and will be filled by appointment by the remaining members of the council, as provided in Article II, Section 18. In the event of a mandatory recount or recount by request in a City-administered election, the Board of Elections must complete an amended certificate declaring the results of the election by no later than five (5) business days after the completion of the recount.

(b) For coordinated city elections (which are not administered by the City), the election will be determined and certified, and any tie vote or recount will be administered, as provided in the applicable state law. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes for a particular office, as determined pursuant to Section 7(c), will be declared elected to that office.

(c) Ranked voting methods. Beginning in 2025, the candidate receiving the highest number of votes for a particular office will be determined using a ranked voting method.

(1) For a City-administered election, the ranked voting method will be in accordance with specifications adopted by the City Council by ordinance.

(2) For a coordinated election, the ranked voting method will be in accordance with, and as provided by, applicable state law.

Section 8. Campaign contributions.

The Council will act by ordinance to establish a limit on the amount that any person or entity may contribute in support of a candidate for Council on the ballot at any city election.

No political party or city employee, directly or indirectly, and no public service corporation, nor any other person, firm or corporation, owning, interested in, or intending to apply for any franchise or contract with the city may contribute or expend any money or other valuable thing, directly or indirectly, to assist in the election or defeat of any candidate.

Section 9. Corrupt practices.

Any person who violates at a city election any state law, provision of this Charter or ordinance of the city will, upon conviction thereof, be disqualified from holding any city position or employment for two (2) years, or any elective city office for four (4) years.

Section 10. Validity of City-administered elections.

No City-administered election may be invalidated if it has been conducted fairly and in substantial conformity with the requirements of this Charter.

Section 11. Computation of time.

(a) Except when business days are specified, all computations of time made under the provisions of this article will be based on calendar days.

(b) Except when computing business days, Saturdays, Sundays, City holidays and days City Hall is closed for business for a full or partial day due to inclement weather or other emergency circumstances will be included, but, if the time for any act to be done or the last day of any period is a Saturday, Sunday, City holiday or day City Hall is closed for business for a full or partial day due to inclement weather or other emergency circumstances, the period is extended to include the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or City holiday.

(c) In computing time for any act to be done before any regular or special election, the first day will be included, and the last or election day will be excluded.

(d) If the time for an act to be done under this article is referred to in business days, the time will be computed by excluding Saturdays, Sundays, City holidays, and any day City Hall is closed for business for a full or partial day due to inclement weather or other emergency circumstances.

(e) If a provision requires doing an act in "not less than" or "no later than" or "at least" a certain number of days or "prior to" a certain number of days or a certain number of months "before" the date of an election, or any phrase that suggests a similar meaning, if that period would end on a Saturday, Sunday or City holiday, it will instead shift to end on the prior business day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or City holiday. If the period ends on a day City Hall is closed for business for a full or partial day due to inclement weather or other emergency circumstances, the period will end on the next business day on which City Hall is open for business.

(f) Except when otherwise specified, an act must be completed by 5:00 p.m. Mountain time on the last day for that action.

Section 12. Further regulations.

The Council may, by ordinance, make such further rules and regulations as are consistent with this Charter and the Colorado Constitution in order to carry out the provisions of this Article.

At said Election, this proposed amendment shall be submitted in the following language:

CITY-INITIATED

PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT NO. 1

(General Election Provisions)

Shall Article VIII of the Charter of the City of Fort Collins, regarding City elections, be amended to:

Clarify the usage of the term “shall” by replacing with “will,” “must” or other appropriate language;
Modernize the language to be more inclusive by removing he/she language;
Remove requirement that Chief Deputy City Clerk serve on the Board of Election and allow the City Clerk to designate the lead election expert;
Eliminate vague language for challenging nominations and qualifications of candidates (substituting the Municipal Election Code process); and
Add rules for computation of time and consistent deadline timeframes?

______ Yes/For

______ No/Against

PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT NO. 2

The proposed amendments to Article IX of the City’s Charter include the following:

Clarified the usage of the term “shall” by replacing with “will,” “must” or other appropriate language.
Modernized the language to be more inclusive by removing he/she language.
Revised and reorganized to make the description of the process and requirements flow better so they are easier to follow. The process for a recall petition is set out chronologically and is consistent with the other Charter petition processes.
Retained the same percentage requirements for signatures (based on first-choice votes with ranked choice voting) and increased timeframes for circulation of a recall petition, including an additional increase in the time to circulate a petition to recall the mayor.
Updated the timeframe allowed for the City Clerk to examine petitions because volumes (such as numbers of petition signatures to review) have increased since these current provisions were adopted. The new timeframes are more in line with the examination periods in state statutes.
Simplified the Petition Review Process (“Cure” Provisions) to eliminate the time for correction of technical deficiencies after submission of a petition.
Updated the Protest process for consistency with the process for filing and deciding protests of other types of petitions, allowing more time for setting of the protest hearing and tightening timeframes for completion of the hearing and decision.
Updated time for conduct of an election on a successful petition so they work with new election process timing and requirements. For a successful recall petition, the measure would be set for the next Tuesday for which all election deadlines can be met. If the earliest meetable date is less than 77 days before an upcoming November election, the recall issue must go to that election. However, if the recall election will be on the upcoming November ballot or later, and the office held by the subject of the recall is on that November election, the recall process terminates.
Added computation of time provisions to clarify how deadlines are interpreted and setting updated deadlines based on business days (in increments of five) for actions the City must complete and calendar days (in increments of seven) for actions to be completed by others.

Following is the proposed language for Article IX of the Charter:

ARTICLE IX. RECALL

Section 1. The recall.

(a) Power. Any elective officer of the city may be recalled from office, through the procedure and in the manner provided herein, by the registered electors entitled to vote for a successor of such incumbent officer. The procedure to affect a recall will be as provided in this Article.

(1) For purposes of this Article, in the case of recall of the Mayor, the words “registered elector” will be construed to mean persons residing within the city who are registered to vote as of the date they signed the petition for recall.

(2) For purposes of this Article, in the case of a proposed recall of District Council representatives, the words "registered elector" will be construed to mean persons who are registered to vote within the particular affected Council District of the city as of the date they signed the petition for recall of the District Council representative.

(3) No recall petition may be circulated or filed against any officer until the officer has actually held office for at least one (1) year in the officer's current term, nor within six (6) months of the end of such term.

(b) Commencement of proceedings; affidavit. One (1) or more registered electors may commence recall proceedings by filing with the City Clerk an affidavit of not more than two hundred (200) words stating the reasons for the recall of the officer sought to be removed. A separate affidavit must be filed for each officer sought to be recalled.

(1) Within two (2) business days after the filing of the affidavit, the City Clerk will mail a copy by certified mail to the affected officer. The City Clerk will also promptly provide the affidavit to the City Council by electronic mail.

(2) No later than seven (7) days after the date of the City Clerk’s mailing, the affected officer may file with the City Clerk a sworn statement of not more than three hundred (300) words in defense of the charges.

(3) The affidavit and the response are intended for the information of the registered electors, who will be the sole and exclusive judges of the sufficiency of the ground or grounds assigned for the recall and said ground or grounds will not be open to judicial review.

(4) Within seven (7) days after the date by which any statement in defense must be filed, the petitioner must submit to the City Clerk a petition for recall of the officer for City Clerk review in accordance with Section 2(b) of this Article. The petition must be circulated, signed, verified and filed in the manner provided in Section 2 of this Article.

(5) If no petition for recall has been submitted to the City Clerk for approval of its form within the time period specified above, the recall proceedings will be terminated.

Section 2. Petitions.

(a) Separate petitions required. A separate petition must be circulated and filed for each officer sought to be recalled.

(b) Form and content.

(1) Adoption of form. The Council must prescribe by ordinance, upon recommendation of the City Clerk, a general form of petition which will contain warnings and notices to signers as necessary and meet the requirements of this Article.

(2) Approval of form. No petition may be circulated until the City Clerk has approved the form for circulation. The City Clerk must determine whether to approve the form of petition no later than five (5) business days after submittal. The City Clerk must first determine that the petition form contains all matters required under this Article and only the matters required by this Article.

(3) Scope of approval. The City Clerk's approval under this Section does not constitute an approval of the content of the petition or its legality, but rather, starts the running of the time periods provided for circulation and filing of petitions for recall.

(4) Statement of purpose. The petition must contain or have attached to each section throughout its circulation a copy of the charges set forth in the affidavit on file with the City Clerk, and if requested by the person sought to be recalled, a copy of the statement in defense.

(5) Petition representatives. Each petition must designate by name and address three (3) registered electors who will represent the signers of the petition in all matters affecting the petition.

(6) Signatures. Only registered electors may sign the petitions authorized under this Article. Each signer must sign their own signature and each signature must be followed by the printed name of the signer, the street and number address of their residence, and the date of signing.

(7) Petition sections. Each section of the petition must be individually numbered and must contain no less than thirty (30), and no more than one hundred (100) signature lines.

(1) To be valid, the petition must be circulated and signed in sections with each section consisting of one (1) or more sheets securely fastened at the top, and each section must contain a full and accurate copy of the text of the petition and the names and addresses of the designated representatives for the petition.

(2) All sections must be filed with the City Clerk as one (1) instrument.

(3) Only persons eighteen (18) years of age or older may circulate the petition for signatures.

(4) The circulation of any petition by any medium other than personally by a circulator is prohibited.

(5) No person may receive any compensation whatever for signing a recall petition.

(6) No person may knowingly sign an initiative petition more than once.

(7) In the event that the signature of any person appears more than once on a petition authorized under this Article, the first signature verified will be counted and all other signatures of that person will be rejected.

(d) Affidavit of circulator. For each petition section, the circulator of the petition section must sign under oath before a notary public the affidavit of circulator attached at the end of the petition section. The affidavit must state the following:

(1) the circulator's address of residence;

(2) that the circulator is eighteen (18) years of age or older;

(3) that they personally circulated the section;

(4) that each signature was affixed in the circulator's presence on the date stated with such signature;

(5) that to the best of the circulator's knowledge and belief each signer was at the time of signing a registered elector of the city

(6) that to the best of the circulator's knowledge and belief each signature is the genuine signature of the person whose name it purports to be;

(7) that each signer had an opportunity before signing to read the full text of the petition; and

(8) that the circulator has not paid or offered to pay any money or other thing of value to any signer for the purpose of inducing or causing the signer to affix their signature to the petition.

A petition verified by the valid affidavits of its circulators in each of its sections will be prima facie evidence that the signatures thereon are genuine and true.

(e) Number of signatures required.

(1) First recall attempt. The petition must be signed by registered electors equal in number to at least twenty-five (25) percent of the total of votes cast at the last preceding regular city election for the office to which the incumbent sought to be recalled was elected.

(2) Subsequent recall attempts. After one (1) recall petition and election, a recall petition filed against the same officer during the same term for which elected must be signed by registered electors equal in number to at least fifty (50) percent of the total of first choice votes cast at the last preceding regular city election for the office to which the incumbent sought to be recalled was elected.

(f) Petition deadlines; submittal.

(1) For the recall process to proceed, petitions for recall must be filed with the City Clerk as follows:

a. For a District Council representative, no later than thirty-five (35) days after the City Clerk's approval of the form for circulation;

b. For a Mayor, no later than forty-nine (49) days after the City Clerk’s approval of the form for circulation.

(2) All petition sections must be filed with the City Clerk together at the same time and will collectively constitute the petition.

(3) A recall petition must be filed with the City Clerk within the requisite time, or it will be deemed null and void.

(g) Examination of petition.

(1) Within fifteen (15) business days of the filing of a petition the City Clerk will ascertain by examination of the petition and the registration books whether the petition is signed by the requisite number of registered electors and contains the required particulars and affidavits.

(2) Any petition section the City Clerk reasonably determines has been disassembled, whether or not it has been reassembled, will be deemed invalid.

(3) Upon submittal of a petition, the Clerk shall not remove the signature of an elector from the petition.

(4) The Clerk will issue publicly and provide to the petition representatives the Clerk’s initial determination of petition sufficiency. If the petition is insufficient, the City Clerk will so certify and forthwith notify all of the designated petition representatives in writing, specifying the particulars of insufficiency.

(h) Protests.

(1) Registered electors desiring to protest a determination by the City Clerk that a petition is either sufficient or insufficient may file a written protest, under oath, in the office of the City Clerk within seven (7) days of the City Clerk’s initial determination as to sufficiency of the petition. The protest must set forth with particularity the grounds of protest and any signatures and related defects in form protested.

(2) Upon the filing of a protest, the City Clerk will send a copy of the protest to the designated petition representatives, the City Council and the City Manager. The City Manager will appoint a hearing officer, who, in conjunction with the City Clerk, will set a time for hearing such protest, which must be no more than ten (10) business days after the filing of a protest.

(3) At least five (5) business days prior to the hearing, the City Clerk will send a notice of the date, time and location for the hearing and a copy of the protest to all of the designated petition representatives, the person(s) who filed the protest, and the City Council.

(4) All protest hearings will be before a hearing officer appointed by the City Manager. The hearing officer will have the power to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents.

(5) All records and hearings will be public, and all testimony must be under oath.

(6) The hearing will be summary in nature and concluded no later than twenty (20) business days after the protest was filed.

(7) The hearing officer must decide and certify the results of the hearing no later than five (5) business days after the hearing is concluded, and no further protest regarding the petition may be filed.

(8) The City Clerk will make any final determination regarding the sufficiency or insufficiency of a petition and must base such determination on the protest hearing results issued by the hearing officer.

(9) A petition for recall that has been deemed insufficient after protest may not be amended or circulated further and no further protest regarding the petition may be filed.

(i) Certification and presentation to Council. When and if a petition is deemed sufficient, whether following the initial sufficiency determination by the City Clerk in the absence of a protest, or following protest proceedings, the City Clerk will so certify and present the certified petition to the Council at the next regularly scheduled meeting or special meeting called for this purpose. The City Clerk's certificate constitutes the final determination as to the sufficiency of the petition.

Section 3. Action by Council.

(a) A recall election will be for the dual purposes of voting on the recall of the officer sought to be removed and the election of a successor.

(b) Upon the City Clerk’s presentation of a petition certified as sufficient for recall, the Council must set a date for the election to be held on a Tuesday at the earliest possible election date that allows the City Clerk sufficient time to meet all legal, logistical and technical requirements applicable to the conduct of an election. The City Clerk will advise the Council of said election date in connection with Council’s call of the recall election.

(c) If the earliest possible election date determined by the City Clerk is less than seventy-seven (77) days prior to an upcoming November regular municipal election or November General Election conducted by the Larimer County Clerk and Recorder, the recall election must be consolidated with such other election date.

(d) If a recall election must be consolidated with a November regular municipal election pursuant to subsection (c) or cannot be set until a date after a November regular election, and if the Council office held by the officer for whom a recall is sought will be on such November ballot, the recall process must be deemed terminated and the regular election for that Council office will proceed as part of the November regular municipal election.

(e) If the officer subject to a recall petition resigns before ballots for the recall election are mailed to the voters, the recall process must be deemed terminated and the vacancy must be filled by appointment. If a vacancy occurs after the ballots for the recall election have been mailed to the voters, the election to fill the vacancy under Section 4, below, must nevertheless proceed

Section 4. Recall elections.

(a) Generally. Recall elections must be conducted in the same manner as provided generally for regular or special city elections in this Charter. All Charter provisions related to nomination and qualification of candidates apply to recall elections.

(b) Nominations on recall. Anyone desiring to become a candidate at the recall election must do so by nominating petition as required in Article VIII of this Charter. The deadline for filing a nominating petition for a recall election will be as established by ordinance of the Council. If more than one (1) officer is sought to be recalled, then the nominating petition must specify which incumbent the candidate seeks to succeed. The name of the person against whom the recall petition is filed is barred from appearing on the ballot as a candidate for the office.

(c) Ballots. The official ballot must include, as to every officer whose recall is to be voted on, the statement of grounds and, if requested by the affected officer, the officer's statement in defense followed by the words, "Shall (name of person against whom the recall petition is filed) be recalled from the office of (__________)?" Following such question must appear the words, "Yes" indicating a vote in favor of the recall and "No" indicating a vote against such recall. On such ballots, under each question, there must also be printed the names of those persons who have been nominated as candidates to succeed the person sought to be recalled.

(d) Election results. If a majority of those voting on the question of the recall of any incumbent from office votes "No," the incumbent continues in office. If a majority votes "Yes" for the incumbent's removal, the incumbent will thereupon be deemed removed from their office upon the taking of the oath of office by their successor. If the officer is recalled, the candidate for succession receiving the highest number of votes at the election determined in accordance with Article VIII, will be declared elected for the remainder of the incumbent's term.

(e) Elected replacement. The candidate elected will take office upon taking the oath of office, which must occur as the first order of business at the next regular or special Council meeting after certification of the election results.

(f) Disqualification from office. No person who has been recalled or has resigned after the City Clerk's presentation to Council of a certified, sufficient petition for recall of such person may serve the city in any elected or Council-appointed capacity within two (2) years after such removal or resignation.

Section 5. Computation of time.

(a) Except when business days are specified, all computations of time made under the provisions of this article will be based on calendar days.

(c) In computing time for any act to be done before any regular or special election, the first day will be included, and the last or election day will be excluded.

(f) Except when otherwise specified, an act must be completed by 5:00 p.m. Mountain time on the last day for that action.

Section 6. Further regulations.

The Council may, by ordinance, make such further rules and regulations as are consistent with this Charter and the Colorado Constitution in order to carry out the provisions of this Article.

At said Election, this proposed amendment shall be submitted in the following language:

CITY-INITIATED

PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT NO. 2

(Recall)

Shall Article IX of the Charter of the City of Fort Collins, regarding the recall process, be repealed and reenacted in the form set forth in Ordinance No. 095, 2024, which makes edits for clarity and consistency and:

Clarifies the usage of the term “shall” by replacing with “will,” “must” or other appropriate language;
Modernizes the language to be more inclusive by removing he/she language;
Revises and reorganizes Article IX to be simpler, easier to follow and clearer;
Retains the same percentage requirements for signatures (based on first-choice votes with ranked choice voting) and increases timeframes for circulation of a recall petition, with an additional increase in the time to circulate a petition to recall the mayor;
Simplifies review process and removes the allowance for time for “cure” of technical errors and omissions;
Tightens timeframe for protest hearing and decision;
Requires Council to set recall measure for vote for the next Tuesday for which all election deadlines can be met and if that earliest meetable date is within 77 days of a November election, it must go on that ballot.
Clarifies that if the office held by the subject of the recall is on the next November election ballot and the election on the recall would be at that election or later, the recall process terminates; and
Adds rules for computation of time and consistent deadline timeframes?

______Yes/For

______No/Against

PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT NO. 3

The proposed amendments to Article X of the City’s Charter, which do not reduce the time for circulation of petitions nor change the signature percentages required, include the following:

Clarified the usage of the term “shall” by replacing with “will,” “must” or other appropriate language.
Modernized the language to be more inclusive by removing he/she language
Revised and reorganized to make the description of the process and requirements flow better so they are easier to follow. The full process for initiatives and the full process for referenda are set out chronologically, rather than having a third section that combined some of the process requirements.
Updated method for setting the form of initiative and referendum petitions so that the Clerk is responsible for preparing a general statement of purpose, in consultation with the City Attorney, to fairly and accurately summarize the initiated measure or ordinance to be referred.
Removed the requirement that the entire ordinance be presented with each section of the petition when the referred ordinance exceeds two pages in length, instead the Clerk will prepare a summary of it.
Updated the timeframe allowed for the City Clerk to examine petitions because volumes (such as numbers of petition signatures to review) have increased since these current provisions were adopted. The new timeframes are more in line with the examination periods in state statutes.
Simplified the Petition Review Process (“Cure” Provisions) to conform to the Municipal Election Code, which does not allow for correction of technical deficiencies after submission of a petition.
Updated the Protest process for consistency between the two types of petitions, allowing more time for setting of the protest hearing and tightening timeframes for completion of the hearing and decision.
Updated the time for conduct of an election on a successful petition so they work with new election process timing and requirements. For a successful initiative petition, the measure would be set for the next November election the City is able to coordinate with the County. For a successful referendum petition, the measure would be set for the earliest regular or already called special election for which election deadlines can be met, unless Council opts to call an earlier special election.
Added computation of time provisions to clarify how deadlines are interpreted and setting updated deadlines based on business days (in increments of five) for actions the City must complete and calendar days (in increments of seven) for actions to be completed by others.

Following is the proposed language for various sections of Article VIII and IX of the Charter

ARTICLE X. INITATIVE AND REFERENDUM

Part I

Initiative

Section 1. The initiative.

(a) Power. The registered electors of the city have the power at their option to propose ordinances or resolutions to the Council, and, if the Council fails to adopt a measure so proposed, to adopt or reject such ordinance or resolution at the polls. The procedure for initiative must be as provided in this Article.

(b) Commencement of proceedings; notice. One (1) or more registered electors may commence initiative proceedings by filing with the City Clerk a written notice of intent to circulate an initiative petition. The notice commencing proceedings must contain the full text of the proposed ordinance or resolution and state whether a special election is requested.

Section 2. Petitions.

(a) Separate petitions required. A separate petition must be circulated and filed for each measure sought to be initiated.

(b) Form and content.

(1) Adoption of form. The Council will prescribe by ordinance, upon recommendation of the City Clerk, a general form of petition which will contain warnings and notices to signers as necessary.

(2) Petition content.

a. The petition must be addressed to Council.

b. An initiative petition must contain a general statement of purpose prepared by the City Clerk in consultation with the City Attorney to fairly and accurately summarize the proposed ordinance or resolution, without argument or prejudice, and indicating that the petition is to be circulated in support of the initiated ordinance or resolution and specifying whether a special election is requested.

c. The petition must designate by name and address three (3) registered electors who will represent the signers of the petition in all matters affecting the petition.

d. The petition must contain a full and accurate copy of the text of the initiative.

e. Each section of the petition must be individually numbered and contain no less than thirty (30), and no more than one hundred (100) signature lines

f. For each petition section, the circulator of the petition section must sign under oath before a notary public the affidavit of circulator attached at the end of the petition section. The affidavit must state the following:

(i) the circulator's address of residence;

(ii) that the circulator is eighteen (18) years of age or older;

(iii) that they personally circulated the section;

(iv) that each signature was affixed in the circulator's presence on the date stated with such signature;

(v) that to the best of the circulator's knowledge and belief each signer was at the time of signing a registered elector of the city;

(vi) that to the best of the circulator's knowledge and belief each signature is the genuine signature of the person whose name it purports to be;

(vii) that each signer had an opportunity before signing to read the full text of the petition; and

(viii) that the circulator has not paid or offered to pay any money or other thing of value to any signer for the purpose of inducing or causing the signer to affix his or her signature to the petition.

(3) Approval of form for circulation.

a. No petition may be circulated until the City Clerk has approved the form for circulation.

b. In considering whether to approve the form of a petition, the City Clerk will evaluate whether the petition form contains all matters required under this Article and only the matters required by this Article.

c. The City Clerk's approval under this Section does not constitute an approval of the content of the petition or its legality, but rather, starts the running of the time periods provided for circulation and filing of petitions.

(1) To be valid, the petition must be circulated and signed in sections with each section consisting of one (1) or more sheets securely fastened at the top, and containing all required elements as described in Section 2(b)(2) of this Article.

(2) Only persons eighteen (18) years of age or older may circulate the petition for signatures.

(3) The circulation of any petition by any medium other than personally by a circulator is prohibited. No person may receive any compensation whatever for signing an initiative petition.

(4) Only registered electors may sign the petitions authorized under this Article.

(5) Each signer must sign his or her own signature and each signature must be followed by the printed name of the signer, the street and number address of his or her residence, and the date of signing.

(6) No person may knowingly sign an initiative petition more than once.

(d) Number of signatures required.

(1) The petition must be signed by registered electors of the city equal in number to at least ten (10) percent of the total ballots cast in the last regular city election.

(2) If a special election is requested by the petitioners, the petition must be signed by registered electors equal in number to at least fifteen (15) percent of the total ballots cast in the last regular city election.

(e) Petition deadlines and submittal.

(1) To be valid, the initiative petition must be filed no more than seventy-seven (77) days after the City Clerk's approval of the form for circulation.

(2) To be valid, all petition sections must be filed with the City Clerk together at the same time and those sections submitted together will collectively constitute the petition.

(3) Any petition section the City Clerk reasonably determines has been disassembled, whether or not it has been reassembled, will be deemed invalid.

(4) Upon submittal of a petition, the Clerk must not remove the signature of an elector from the petition.

(5) An initiative petition must be filed with the City Clerk within the requisite time or it will be deemed null and void.

(f) Examination of petition; protest; presentation.

(2) Any petition section the City Clerk reasonably determines has been disassembled, whether or not it has been reassembled, will be deemed invalid.

(3) Upon submittal of a petition, the Clerk must not remove the signature of an elector from the petition.

(5) Protests.

a. Registered electors desiring to protest a determination by the City Clerk that a petition is either sufficient or insufficient may file a written protest, under oath, in the office of the City Clerk within seven (7) days of the City Clerk’s initial determination as to petition sufficiency. The protest must set forth with particularity the grounds of protest and any signatures and related defects in form protested.

b. Upon the filing of a protest, the City Clerk will send a copy of the protest to the designated petition representatives, the City Council and the City Manager. The City Manager will appoint a hearing officer, who, in conjunction with the City Clerk, will set a time for hearing such protest, which must be no more than ten (10) business days after the filing of a protest.

c. At least five (5) business days prior to the hearing, the City Clerk will send a notice of the date, time and location for the hearing and a copy of the protest to all of the designated petition representatives, the person(s) who filed the protest, and the City Council.

d. All protest hearings will be before a hearing officer appointed by the City Manager. The hearing officer will have the power to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents.

e. All records and hearings will be public, and all testimony must be under oath.

f. The hearing will be summary in nature and concluded no later than twenty (20) business days after the protest was filed.

g. The hearing officer must decide and certify the results of the hearing no later than ten (10) business days after the hearing is concluded, and no further protest regarding the petition may be filed.

h. The City Clerk will make any final determination regarding the sufficiency or insufficiency of a petition and must base such determination on the protest hearing results issued by the hearing officer.

(6) Certification and presentation to Council. When and if a petition is deemed sufficient, whether following the sufficiency determination by the City Clerk in the absence of a protest, or following protest proceedings, the City Clerk must so certify and then present the certified petition to the Council at the next regularly scheduled meeting or special meeting called for this purpose. The City Clerk's certificate will be the final determination as to the sufficiency of the petition.

Section 3. Action by Council.

(a) Upon presentation of an initiative petition certified as sufficient by the City Clerk, the Council must within twenty-five (25) business days either (1) adopt the proposed ordinance or resolution without alteration, or (2) submit such proposed measure, in the form petitioned for, to the registered electors of the city as provided in this subsection.

(1) For a proposed measure that requires voter approval in advance under Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution, the Council must submit the measure to a vote of the registered electors. If the initiative petition proposing such a measure requests a special election, the proposed measure must be submitted to a vote of the registered electors on the first possible date permitted by Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution. If a special election is not requested, the proposed measure must be submitted to a vote of the registered electors at the next regular city election or at the Council’s option, may be submitted to a vote at an earlier special election that meets the constitutional requirements.

(2) For a proposed measure that does not require voter approval in advance under Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution, if not adopted by the Council under alternative (1) above, the Council must submit the measure to a vote of the registered electors at no later than the next regular or special city election scheduled for any other purpose for which election process requirements can be met. Alternatively, the Council may opt to call an earlier special election for the specific purpose of submitting the initiated measure to the voters.

(3) If the initiative petition proposing such measure requests a special election, the Council must submit the proposed measure to a vote of the registered electors at the next November election for which the City is able to coordinate an election with the Larimer County Clerk and Recorder, whether a special election or regular City election.

(b) All ordinances submitted to the Council by initiative petition and adopted by Council without the vote of the electors are subject to the referendum in the same manner as other ordinances.

Section 4. Council use of initiative.

The Council may submit any question or proposed ordinance or resolution to the vote of the people at a regular or special election to be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Article VIII, Section 2 of the Charter.

Section 5. Repeal or amendment of initiated measure.

An initiated measure submitted to the registered electors of the city by the Council, with or without a petition therefore, and adopted by electoral vote cannot be repealed or amended except by a subsequent electoral vote. This provision does not apply to ordinances or resolutions adopted by the City Council and referred to the voters.

Part II

Referendum

Section 6. The referendum.

(a) Power. The registered electors of the city have the power at their option to approve or reject at the polls, any ordinance, or portion of ordinance, adopted by the Council, except ordinances making the annual property tax levy, making the annual appropriation, calling a special election, or ordering improvements initiated by petition and to be paid for by special assessments.

(b) Commencement of proceedings.

(1) One (1) or more registered electors may commence referendum proceedings by filing with the City Clerk no later than ten (10) days after final passage of the ordinance in question, a notice of protest against the going into effect of the ordinance. The notice must be brief and need not state any reasons, but must identify the ordinance or part thereof, or code section it proposes to have repealed.

(2) Within ten (10) days after the filing of the notice, the proponents must present to the City Clerk the final form for the referendum petition conforming to the requirements of the Article.

Section 7. Petitions.

(a) Separate petitions required. A separate petition will be circulated and filed for each measure sought to be initiated.

(b) Form and content.

(1) Adoption of form. The Council will prescribe by ordinance, upon recommendation of the City Clerk, a general form of petition which must contain warnings and notices to signers as necessary.

(2) Petition content.

a. The petition must be addressed to Council.

b. A referendum petition must contain a general statement of purpose prepared by the City Clerk in consultation with the City Attorney to fairly and accurately summarize the ordinance or part thereof sought to be referred, without argument or prejudice, and indicating that the petition is to be circulated in support of the referendum.

c. The petition must designate by name and address three (3) registered electors who will represent the signers of the petition in all matters affecting the petition.

d. The petition must contain a full and accurate copy of the of the ordinance sought to referred, without any exhibits that may be a part of said ordinance, clearly identifying the protested portions if only a partial repeal is sought. In the case of an ordinance exceeding two (2) pages in length, a fair and accurate summary of the ordinance, prepared by the City Clerk in consultation with the City Attorney will replace said ordinance.

e. Each section of the petition must be individually numbered and must contain no less than thirty (30), and no more than one hundred (100), signature lines.

(i) the circulator's address of residence;

(ii) that the circulator is eighteen (18) years of age or older;

(iii) that they personally circulated the section;

(iv) that each signature was affixed in the circulator's presence on the date stated with such signature;

(v) that to the best of the circulator's knowledge and belief each signer was at the time of signing a registered elector of the city;

(vi) that to the best of the circulator's knowledge and belief each signature is the genuine signature of the person whose name it purports to be;

(vii) that each signer had an opportunity before signing to read the full text of the petition; and

(3) Approval of form for circulation.

a. A petition must not be circulated until the City Clerk has approved the form for circulation.

b. The City Clerk will first determine that the petition form contains all matters required by this Article and only the matters required by this Article.

c. The City Clerk's approval under this Section does not constitute an approval of the content of the petition or its legality, but rather, will start the running of the time periods provided for circulation and filing of a referendum petition.

(1) The petition may be circulated and signed in sections with each section consisting of one (1) or more sheets securely fastened at the top, and containing all required elements as described in Section 2(b)(2) of this Article.

(2) Only persons eighteen (18) years of age or older may circulate the petition for signatures.

(3) The circulation of any petition by any medium other than personally by a circulator is prohibited. No person may receive any compensation whatever for signing a referendum petition.

(4) Only registered electors may sign the petitions authorized under this Article.

(6) No person may knowingly sign a referendum petition more than once.

(d) Number of signatures required. The petition must be signed by registered electors of the city equal in number to at least ten (10) percent of the total ballots cast in the last regular city election.

(e) Petition deadlines and submittal.

(1) The petition must be filed no more than twenty-one (21) days after the City Clerk's approval of the form for circulation.

(2) All petition sections must be filed with the City Clerk together at the same time and will collectively constitute the petition.

(3) Any petition section the City Clerk reasonably determines has been disassembled, whether or not it has been reassembled, will be deemed invalid.

(4) Upon submittal of a petition, the Clerk must not remove the signature of an elector from the petition.

(5) A referendum petition must be filed with the City Clerk within the requisite time or it will be deemed null and void.

(f) Examination of petition; protest; presentation.

(2) Any petition section the City Clerk reasonably determines has been disassembled, whether or not it has been reassembled, will be deemed invalid.

(3) Upon submittal of a petition, the Clerk must not remove the signature of an elector from the petition.

(5) Protests.

a. Registered electors desiring to protest a determination by the City Clerk that a petition is either sufficient or insufficient may file a written protest, under oath, in the office of the City Clerk within seven (7) days of the City Clerk’s initial determination as to sufficiency of the petition. The protest must set forth with particularity the grounds of protest and any signatures and related defects in form protested.

e. All records and hearings will be public, and all testimony must be under oath.

f. The hearing will be summary in nature and concluded no later than twenty (20) business days after the protest was filed.

Section 8. Action by Council.

(a) The City Clerk's certification of a petition as sufficient for referendum automatically suspends the operation of the ordinance in question, or portion sought to be repealed, pending repeal by Council or final determination by the electors.

(b) Following receipt of the City Clerk’s certification of a petition as sufficient for referendum, the Council must either refer the ordinance or portion thereof that is the subject of the petition to the voters, as set forth below, or reconsider the ordinance at the next regular meeting of the Council, or at an earlier special meeting of the Council called for this purpose, and adopt an ordinance to repeal the ordinance in question, or part sought to be repealed, on first reading, with second reading at the next regular meeting.

(c) If the ordinance, or that part sought to be repealed, is not repealed, the Council must refer the same to a vote of the registered electors at no later than the next regular or special city election scheduled for any other purpose for which election process requirements can be met. Alternatively, the Council may opt to call an earlier special election for the specific purpose of submitting the referred measure to the voters.

Section 9. Council use of referendum.

The Council may refer any adopted ordinance or resolution to the vote of the people at a regular or special election to be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Article VIII of the Charter.

Part III

In General

Section 10. Elections.

(a) Generally. Elections on initiative and referendum measures must be conducted in the same manner as provided generally for regular or special city elections in this Charter.

(b) Ballot text. Upon ordering an election on any initiative or referendum measure, the Council must, after public hearing, adopt by resolution a ballot title and submission clause for each measure. The ballot title must contain information identifying the measure as a city initiated or referred measure or a citizen initiated or referred measure. The submission clause must be brief, must not conflict with those selected for any petition previously filed for the same election, and must unambiguously state the principle of the provision sought to be considered. The official ballot used when voting upon each proposed or referred measure must have printed on it the ballot title and submission clause and contain the words, "Yes/For" and "No/Against" in response to each measure.

(1) Initiative. An initiated measure being considered for adoption by Council must be published as part of the appropriate Council meeting agenda in like manner as other proposed ordinances and resolutions. If the initiated measure is submitted to a vote of the people, the City Clerk must publish a notice of election in conformity with the laws of the State of Colorado relating to municipal elections, together with the ballot title, submission clause and full text of the proposed ordinance or resolution. The text of a successful initiative measure need not be published in full after the election.

(2) Referendum. If the referred measure is to be submitted to a vote of the people, the City Clerk must publish a notice of election in conformity with the laws of the State of Colorado relating to municipal elections, together with the ballot title, submission clause and full text of the referred ordinance, specifying the portion to be referred if only a portion of the ordinance has been referred. If the ordinance in question exceeds two (2) pages in length, the summary from the petition may be published in place of the full text. The City Clerk will make the full text of a referred ordinance, together with all exhibits, generally available to the public. The full text of an ordinance passed on referendum need not be published after the election.

(d) Election results. If a majority of the registered electors voting on the initiated measure vote in favor, the measure is adopted as an ordinance or resolution of the city upon certification of the election results. If a majority of the registered electors voting on a referred ordinance, vote in favor of the referred ordinance, or referred portion of the ordinance, such referred ordinance or portion thereof will go into effect without further publication upon certification of the election results, or at such later date as may be set forth in the ordinance itself. If the provisions of two (2) or more proposed or referred measures adopted or approved at the same election conflict, the measure receiving the highest affirmative vote will become effective.

(e) Frequency of elections. Any number of proposed ordinances or resolutions or referred ordinances may be submitted at the same election.

Section 11. Computation of time.

(a) Except when business days are specified, all computations of time made under the provisions of this article will be based on calendar days.

(c) In computing time for any act to be done before any regular or special election, the first day will be included, and the last or election day will be excluded.

(f) Except when otherwise specified, an act must be completed by 5:00 p.m. Mountain time on the last day for that action.

Section 12. Further regulations.

The Council may, by ordinance, make such further rules and regulations as are consistent with this Charter and the Colorado Constitution in order to carry out the provisions of this Article.

At said Election, this proposed amendment shall be submitted in the following language:

CITY-INITIATED

PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT NO. 3

(Initiative and Referendum)

Shall Article X of the Charter of the City of Fort Collins, regarding the initiative process and referendum process, be repealed and reenacted in the form set forth in Ordinance No. 096, 2024, which makes edits for clarity and consistency and:

Clarifies the usage of the term “shall” by replacing with “will,” “must” or other appropriate language;
Modernizes the language to be more inclusive by removing he/she language;
Revises and reorganizes Article X to be simpler and easier to follow;
Makes the City Clerk responsible for preparing a general statement for inclusion in a petition and limits requirement to include entire ordinance in each petition section;
Increases time for City Clerk petition review and scheduling protests;
Simplifies review process and removes technical “cure” provision to conform to Municipal Election Code;
Tightens timeframe for protest hearing and decision;
Requires Council to set initiative measures for vote at next timely November election;
Requires Council to set referendum measure for vote no later than next regular or special municipal election; and

Adds rules for computation of time and consistent deadline timeframes? ______Yes/For

______No/Against

Published at Fort Collins, Colorado this 1st day of September, 2024.

Delynn Coldiron

City Clerk

TABOR Notice#

LARIMER COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDERNOTICE OF ELECTIONGENERAL ELECTION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 20247:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Tina Harris, Larimer County Clerk and Recorder

Elections Office

200 W Oak Street, Suite 5100

PO Box 1547, Fort Collins, CO 80522 Phone: (970) 498-7820

Fax: (970) 498-7847

Website: vote.larimer.gov

Normal Business Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

LOCAL BALLOT ISSUES

This Notice of Election was prepared in accordance with Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution and the Colorado Uniform Election Code of 1992, as amended. The information contained in this Notice was prepared by persons required by law to provide summaries of ballot issues and fiscal information.

This Notice is mailed to each address with one or more active, registered electors. You may not be eligible to vote on all issues presented in this Notice.

The Larimer County Clerk and Recorder does not warrant, verify, or confirm the accuracy or truth of the ballot titles, issues, text, and summaries of comments as presented, nor is it responsible for errors in spelling, grammar, or punctuation in the materials presented.

For information or clarification concerning any of the following ballot issues, contact the respective Designated Election Official as indicated herein.

Ballot issues for the State will be mailed separately via the State’s “Blue Book.”

Further, this Notice does not contain ballot issues for those jurisdictions conducting separate elections. A separate Notice will be mailed to the appropriate voters within the jurisdictions conducting an election by mail or polling place. Voters may receive additional materials from other jurisdictions conducting independent elections.

A General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, between the hours of 7 AM and 7 PM.

The election will be conducted as a mail ballot election. Ballot materials will be mailed beginning October 11, 2024, to every active, registered voter.

Voted ballots may be returned by mail (postage is 73 cents) or hand delivered to a designated ballot drop box location or a Voter Service and Polling Center. After October 28, 2024, it is recommended that voters personally deliver their ballot to any of the drop box or Voter Service and Polling Center locations listed in the following pages of this Notice.

Ballots must be RECEIVED at the Larimer County Elections Office, a designated ballot drop box location or a Voter Service and Polling Center by 7 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Ballots received after 7 PM on Election Day will not be counted. Postmarks do not count as a received date.

‌Visit our website at vote.larimer.gov or call (970) 498-7820 to verify your ballot was received by the Larimer County Elections Office.

BALLOT DROP BOX LOCATIONS

(Open October 11 - November 5)

Drop off your voted ballot 24 hours a day at a ballot drop box location listed below. Ballots will be accepted in these boxes until 7 PM Election Night:

Bellvue Area

Ted's Place (Hwy 14/287)

92 Poudre Canyon Rd

Berthoud Area

Berthoud Community Library

236 Welch Ave

Estes Park Area

Estes Park Municipal Building

170 MacGregor Ave

Estes Park Vehicle Licensing Office

1601 Brodie Ave

Fort Collins Area

Colorado State University

1101 Center Ave Mall, Lory Student Center

Elks Lodge

1424 E Mulberry St

Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC)

1801 Riverside Ave

Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity ReStore

4001 S Taft Hill Rd

Fort Collins Police Services

2221 S Timberline Rd

Fort Collins Senior Center

1200 Raintree Dr

Fort Collins Traffic Operations

626 Linden St

Harmony Library

4616 S Shields St

Larimer County Administrative Services

200 W Oak St

Larimer County Human Services

1501 Blue Spruce Dr

Northside Aztlan Community Center

112 E Willow St

South Transit Center

4915 Fossil Blvd

Laporte Area

Overland Foods

3333 County Road 54G

Loveland Area

Loveland Habitat for Humanity ReStore

5250 N Garfield Ave

Loveland Police & Courts

810 E 10th St

Loveland Public Library

300 N Adams Ave

Loveland Vehicle Licensing Office

200 Peridot Ave

Red Feather Lakes Area

Red Feather Lakes Community Library

71 Fire House Ln

Timnath Area

Timnath Public Works Building

4800 Goodman St

Wellington Area

Wellington Public Library

3800 Wilson Ave

VOTER SERVICE AND POLLING CENTERS (VSPC)

At a Voter Service and Polling Center, voters can vote in-person, obtain a replacement mail ballot, deliver their voted mail ballot, register to vote, change their address, or vote on an ADA accessible voting machine.

Visit any VSPC only during dates and times listed below.

Voter Service and Polling Centers Open: October 21 – November 5 Monday thru Friday, October 21 – November 1 (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Saturday, November 2 (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Monday, November 4 (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Tuesday, Election Day, November 5 (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM)

Larimer County Administrative Services, 200 W Oak St, Fort Collins

Loveland Police & Courts, 810 E 10th St, Loveland

Colorado State University, 1101 Center Ave Mall, Lory Student Center, Fort Collins

Voter Service and Polling Center Open: October 28 – November 5 Monday thru Friday, October 28 – November 1 (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Saturday, November 2 (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Monday, November 4 (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Tuesday, Election Day, November 5 (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM)

Estes Valley Community Center, 660 Community Dr, Estes Park

Voter Service and Polling Centers Open: November 1 – November 5 Friday, November 1 (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Saturday, November 2 (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Monday, November 4 (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Tuesday, Election Day, November 5 (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM)

Council Tree Covenant Church, 4825 S Lemay Ave, Fort Collins

Crossroads Church, 5420 N Taft Ave, Loveland

Elks Lodge, 1424 E Mulberry St, Fort Collins

Fort Collins Country Club, 1920 Country Club Rd, Fort Collins Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins Group Publishing Inc, 1515 Cascade Ave, Loveland

King of Glory Lutheran Church, 2919 Wilson Ave, Loveland

Timnath Town Center, 4750 Signal Tree Dr, Timnath

Voter Service and Polling Centers Open: November 4 – November 5 Monday, November 4 (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Tuesday, Election Day, November 5 (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM)

American Legion, 2124 County Road 54G, Fort Collins Brookside Weddings & Events, 619 E County Road 8, Berthoud Club Tico, 1599 City Park Dr, Fort Collins

Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave, Fort Collins

Front Range Community College, 4616 S Shields St, Longs Peak Student Center, Fort Collins

Red Feather Lakes Community Association, 58 Fire House Ln, Red Feather Lakes

The Ranch, 5280 Arena Cir, Loveland

Trailhead Activity Center, 6557 Buttercup Dr, Unit 5, Wellington

TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO

NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES ON A REFERRED MEASURE

Election Date: November 5, 2024 Election Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Local Election Office Address: Tina Harris, Designated Election Official, 200 W Oak St, PO Box 1547, Fort Collins, CO 80522

Telephone Number: (970) 498-7820

‌Ballot Title and Text:

‌BALLOT ISSUE 1A

SHALL LARIMER COUNTY TAXES BE INCREASED $17,200,000 ANNUALLY (ESTIMATED FIRST FISCAL YEAR DOLLAR INCREASE IN 2025), AND BY WHATEVER ADDITIONAL AMOUNT AS MAY BE RAISED ANNUALLY THEREAFTER, FOR A PERIOD OF 15 YEARS BY IMPOSING A 0.15% (15 CENTS ON 100 DOLLARS) COUNTYWIDE TRANSPORTATION SALES AND USE TAX FOR THE PURPOSES OF:

IMPROVING ROADWAY, BRIDGE, AND INTERSECTION SAFETY, SUCH AS PEDESTRIAN CROSSING, SIGNAGE AND SIGNALING, LANE IMPROVEMENTS, AND BICYCLE TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS;
IMPROVING RESILIENCE OF TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AGAINST NATURAL DISASTERS;
REPAIRING, REPLACING, IMPROVING, MAINTAINING, AND CONSTRUCTING ROADS, BRIDGES, SIDEWALKS, BICYCLE LANES AND PATHS, AND OTHER TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE;
IMPROVING TRAVEL CORRIDORS BETWEEN COMMUNITIES IN LARIMER COUNTY FOR SAFER AND MORE EFFICIENT COMMUTING, RECREATING, AND DELIVERY OF GOODS AND SERVICES;
SUPPORTING INCREASED ACCESS TO COMMUNITY TRANSIT SERVICES AND OTHER MOBILITY OPTIONS;

AND SHALL THE COUNTY BE AUTHORIZED TO COLLECT, RETAIN AND SPEND ALL PROCEEDS OF SUCH TAX WITHOUT LIMITATION BY ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION, ALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' RESOLUTION REFERRING THIS BALLOT ISSUE APPROVED SEPTEMBER 3, 2024?

‌Actual Historical and Current Estimated Fiscal Year Spending Information: Year Fiscal Year Spending

2024 (Estimated)

$ 396,490,000

2023

$ 328,437,342

2022

$ 304,095,093

2021

$ 287,336,748

2020

$ 275,623,020

Overall percentage change from 2020 through 2024 (estimated):

43.9%

Overall dollar change from 2020 through 2024 (estimated):

$ 120,866,980

Estimated 2025 fiscal year spending without proposed tax increase:

$ 436,139,000

Estimated 2025 maximum tax increase authorized by the Ballot Issue:

$ 17,200,000

Summaries of written comments filed with the election officer:

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons FOR Ballot Issue 1A:

Generating an expected $22M annually, this new revenue will be dedicated to improving the county-wide transportation network, including roads, bridges, pedestrian, cycling and transit

infrastructure. This 15-year tax would fund approximately $330M in projects including local match for state and federal opportunities. The most recent 2017 study identified unfunded needs of

$645M over 15-years. Key reasons to support this tax:

Northern Colorado is an integrated economy. Studies suggest 70% of residents routinely travel outside their home community for employment, shopping, entertainment, education and recreation.
We can no longer rely upon traditional road and bridge layouts. Many different vehicle types share the road with increased numbers of semi-trailers, cyclists, pedestrians and future transit modes. As such, roadways must evolve beyond 10-foot travel lanes and minimal shoulder to assure safe and efficient travel.
Our transportation system is exposed to escalating environmental threats. Fire, floods and extreme weather are becoming more prevalent with greater impact to our growing economy. The cost to ensure the network functions properly will increase over time
Property taxes aren’t enough. Transportation is one of few discretionary budget categories, exposing it to fiscal demands of other County services. Also, property tax earmarked for transportation must be shared with other local governments.
Larimer County does not have current resources to match or complement state or federal monies that might be available. Transportation improvements can only be funded through partnership of local, county, state and federal monies. Creating a resource to be part of this financial stack is vital to our future success.

Larimer County’s transportation needs exceed available funding. This .15% sales tax would satisfy the County’s strategic objective for dedicated funding to improve road safety.

Larimer County’s current sales taxes of 0.80% can only be used for:
Open Lands (0.25%)
Fairgrounds & Event Center (0.15%)
Behavioral Health (0.25%)
Jail Expansion (.015%)

No sales taxes go toward maintaining or improving County roads. Larimer County maintains approximately 767 miles of County roads and approximately 101 miles of subdivision roads outside city limits. The average road maintenance cost over the past 10 years was approximately $22 million annually. Current funding sources to maintain County Roads, including bridges, are the specific ownership tax (vehicle purchases) and motor vehicle registrations, federal and state gas tax, and a small portion of property tax.

However, County Road improvements have limited funding through federal and state gas tax, capital expansion fees (new development), and outside grants and contributions.

Larimer County only has approximately $7 million annually for bridge replacement and roadway improvements. In 2017 Larimer County identified $750 million in immediate and future road and bridge needs through 2040, with high and medium-priority projects totaling over $280 million in 2017 dollars. Without other funding sources, only about 14% of the total need, or 38% of high and medium priority needs could be funded.

Visit https://www.larimer.gov/transportation-funding for a list of roads and bridges this tax would help fund.

This small tax would help address road and infrastructure needs in Larimer County. Vote yes on 1A.

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons AGAINST Ballot Issue 1A:

No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.

TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS CITY OF FORT COLLINS LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO

NOTICE OF ELECTION TO EXTEND A TAX ON A REFERRED MEASURE

Election Date: November 5, 2024 Election Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Local Election Office Address: Delynn Coldiron, Designated Election Official, City Clerk’s Office, 300 LaPorte Ave, P.O. Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522

Telephone Number: (970) 416-2995

‌Ballot Title and Text:

‌BALLOT ISSUE 2A

CITY-INITIATED BALLOT ISSUE NO. 1

WITHOUT RAISING ADDITIONAL TAXES, SHALL THE CITY’S EXISTING 0.25% SALES AND USE TAX (25 CENTS ON A $100 PURCHASE) FIRST APPROVED BY THE VOTERS IN 2005 FOR THE STREET MAINTENANCE PROGRAM BE EXTENDED FROM ITS CURRENT EXPIRATION AT THE END OF DECEMBER 31, 2025, THROUGH THE END OF DECEMBER 31, 2045; PROVIDED THAT THE REVENUES DERIVED FROM SUCH TAX EXTENSION SHALL BE USED TO PAY THE COSTS OF PLANNING, DESIGN, RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITION, INCIDENTAL UPGRADES AND OTHER COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH:

THE REPAIR AND RENOVATION OF CITY STREETS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, CURBS, GUTTERS, BRIDGES, SIDEWALKS, PARKWAYS, SHOULDERS AND MEDIANS, AND TRAFFIC CONTROL INFRASTRUCTURE;

AND FURTHER PROVIDED THAT THE FULL AMOUNT OF REVENUES DERIVED FROM THE TAX EXTENSION MAY BE RETAINED AND EXPENDED BY THE CITY NOTWITHSTANDING ANY STATE REVENUE OR EXPENDITURE LIMITATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE LIMITATION CONTAINED IN ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION?

‌Actual Historical and Current Estimated Fiscal Year Spending Information: Year Fiscal Year Spending

2024 (Estimated)

$ 309,436,816

2023

$ 298,157,244

2022

$ 259,404,271

2021

$ 255,438,629

2020

$ 222,453,636

Overall percentage change from 2020 to 2024 (estimated):

39.10%

Overall dollar change from 2020 to 2024 (estimated):

$ 86,983,180

Estimated 2026 fiscal year spending without proposed tax extension:

$ 350,232,675

Estimated 2026 maximum tax amount authorized by the tax extension Ballot Issue:

$ 12,591,275

Summaries of written comments filed with the election officer:

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons FOR Ballot Issue 2A:

This sales tax has been a proven resource for maintaining our local streets system. Key reasons to support the renewal of this .25% City Sales Tax:

Safety – As our community has grown, so to have the challenges of providing a safe, efficient transportation network. Businesses demand that employees, customers and vendors are provided safe passage to their door. With an expanding array of transportation modes, higher traffic counts,

and the relentless proliferation of distractions, the safety of all users declines. The design, installation and maintenance of protective features to ameliorate this effect add to the overall cost of our streets program.

Maintenance is Cheaper than Replacement – Road building is not only highly disruptive, but very expensive. Once a road is complete, every $1 spent to conduct routine, proactive maintenance saves as much as $16 in recovering a road that has been allowed to fully degrade. Under the prevailing program, our roads are routinely monitored and rated along an A to F declining scale. Ideally, the overall network is held to a “B” standard – good condition, though not necessarily brand new.

Increased System Demands – With increased population density and evolving modes of travel, additional strains are placed on the existing network. Density itself facilitates greater pedestrian, bicycle and public transit usage, while electric and alternately-powered vehicles tend to be much heavier than the prevailing rolling-stock. This, in turn, requires the system to accommodate a broader array of users that results in greater wear-and-tear on roadways.

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons AGAINST Ballot Issue 2A:

No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.

TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS CITY OF LOVELAND

LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO

NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES ON A REFERRED MEASURE

Election Date: November 5, 2024 Election Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Local Election Office Address: Angie Sprang, Designated Election Official, City of Loveland, Colorado, City Clerk’s Office, 500 E. 3rd Street, Suite 230, Loveland, CO 80537

Telephone Number: (970) 962-2322

‌Ballot Title and Text:

BALLOT ISSUE 2E

AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF LOVELAND TO IMPOSE AN ADDITIONAL 1.00% SALES TAX WITH THE REVENUE GENERATED BY SUCH TAX TO BE USED FOR MUNICIPAL PURPOSES

SHALL CITY OF LOVELAND TAXES BE INCREASED $22 MILLION ANNUALLY IN THE FIRST FULL FISCAL YEAR AND BY WHATEVER ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS AS ARE GENERATED ANNUALLY THEREAFTER FROM THE IMPOSITION OF AN ADDITIONAL 1.00% SALES TAX WITH THE REVENUE GENERATED BY SUCH ADDITIONAL SALES TAX TO BE USED FOR ANY MUNICIPAL PURPOSE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ENABLING THE CITY TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE VALUABLE CITY SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE; AND SHALL THE CITY BE AUTHORIZED TO COLLECT, RETAIN, AND SPEND ALL REVENUES FROM SUCH TAXES AND THE EARNINGS FROM THE INVESTMENT OF SUCH REVENUE AS A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE UNDER ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION OR ANY OTHER LAW?

BALLOT ISSUE 2F

AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF LOVELAND TO IMPOSE AN EXCISE TAX OF 5% ON THE SALE OF RETAIL MARIJUANA AND RETAIL MARIJUANA PRODUCTS WITHIN THE CITY, WITH THE REVENUES FROM SUCH TAX TO BE USED FOR MUNICIPAL PURPOSES

SHALL CITY OF LOVELAND TAXES BE INCREASED $5 MILLION ANNUALLY IN 2025 (THE FIRST FULL FISCAL YEAR) AND BY WHATEVER ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS AS ARE GENERATED ANNUALLY THEREAFTER FROM THE IMPOSITION OF AN EXCISE TAX AT THE RATE OF 5.00% ON THE SALE OF RETAIL MARIJUANA AND RETAIL MARIJUANA PRODUCTS SOLD WITHIN THE CITY, WITH THE TAX REVENUES RECEIVED FROM SUCH TAX TO BE SPENT ON ANY LAWFUL MUNICIPAL PURPOSE; AND SHALL THE CITY BE AUTHORIZED TO COLLECT, RETAIN, AND SPEND ALL REVENUES FROM SUCH TAXES AND THE EARNINGS FROM THE INVESTMENT OF SUCH REVENUE AS A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE UNDER ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION OR ANY OTHER LAW?

BALLOT ISSUE 2G

AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF LOVELAND TO COLLECT, RETAIN AND SPEND EXCESS REVENUES FOR POLICE AND FIRE, STREET CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE, AND PARKS CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE.

WITHOUT CREATING OR IMPOSING ANY NEW TAX OR INCREASING THE RATE OF ANY EXISTING TAX, SHALL THE CITY OF LOVELAND, COLORADO BE PERMITTED FOR A TWELVE-YEAR PERIOD BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2025, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2036, TO COLLECT, RETAIN, AND SPEND ALL CITY REVENUES IN EXCESS OF THE SPENDING, REVENUE AND OTHER LIMITATIONS IMPOSED BY ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION, WITH SUCH EXCESS REVENUES TO BE USED FOR POLICE AND FIRE, STREET CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE, AND PARKS CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE?

‌Total City Fiscal Year Spending *

Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Spending

2024 (estimated)

$ 121,000,000

2023 (actual)

$ 127,707,767

2022 (actual)

$ 122,992,468

2021 (actual)

$ 108,562,032

2020 (actual)

$ 95,941,496

Overall percentage change from 2020 to 2024:

26.12%

Overall dollar change from 2020 to 2024:

$ 25,058,504

‌Proposed Tax Increase

City Estimate of the Maximum Dollar Amount of the Proposed Tax Increases For Fiscal Year 2025 (the First Full Fiscal Year of the Proposed Tax Increases):

BALLOT ISSUE 2E:

$ 22,000,000

BALLOT ISSUE 2F:

$ 5,000,000

City Estimate of 2025 Fiscal Year Spending Without the Proposed Tax Increases:

$ 124,600,000

* Under TABOR, “fiscal year spending” means revenue, including all general fund, capital reserve fund, insurance fund, and other revenues. Excluded from fiscal year spending are refunds, gifts, federal funds, collections for another government, pension contributions by employees and pension fund earnings, reserve transfers or expenditure of reserves, damage awards, property sales, Colorado lottery proceeds, or expenditures of enterprises so characterized for TABOR purposes.

Summaries of written comments filed with the election officer:

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons FOR Ballot Issue 2E:

2E is asking voters to increase sales tax revenue by 1% on non-food items to prevent loss of City services. Sales tax revenue goes into the General Fund and composes the majority of the General Fund. The General Fund provides funding for city departments that provide services to residents such as Parks and Recreation, Fire, Cultural Services, Library, Police, Transportation, Economic Development, Community Partnership, and Public Works. The General Fund also funds infrastructure projects, general government services, financial support services for nonprofits and small businesses, and residents in need.

After a citizen’s initiative, the City changed its charter to cease sales taxation of food for home consumption. Due to the loss of this tax on food for home consumption, the City experienced a loss of revenue that is impacting the General Fund. Current estimates slate this loss at between $10.5 – 13 million dollars annually. This revenue deficit means that General Fund departments will each experience significant budget decreases in 2025, limiting their ability to provide services to residents.

To make ends meet for 2024, we had to cut Millions of dollars in capital projects that were planned to be executed. These capital projects are permanently cut. We can't cut them again.

We can’t run our city out of our cash reserves or we will put ourselves in an untenable position. It is much better to address our budget shortfall before we run out of money.

Loveland currently has a 3% sales tax rate and does not tax food for home consumption. This rate has been unchanged since 1984. The population of Loveland increased by over 50,000 between 1984 and 2024. Loveland has the third lowest property tax levy in Northern Colorado at 9.564 mills.

Loveland has the lowest tax burden per person of any Town in Northern Colorado. Fort Collins currently has a sales tax rate of 4.35%, taxes food at 2.25%, and has a property tax mill of 9.797. Greeley has a sales tax rate of 4.11%, taxes food at 3.46%, and has a mill levy of 11.274.

Longmont has a sales tax rate of 3.53%, taxes food at 3.53%, and has a mill levy of 13.42.

Passing a 1% sales tax increase still leaves us with a lower per person tax burden than any town except for Timnath and Wellington.

Loveland also offers the highest level of city-provided services to its residents compared to other Northern Colorado cities.

A 1% increase would mean $0.01 on every $1 transaction. For example, at the current 3% sales tax, purchasing a non-food item for $7.99 would cost $8.23. With a 4% sales tax, the item would instead cost $8.31 – a difference of $0.08. This additional 8 cents in revenue would go to the General Fund, ensuring no service cuts or reductions to departments such as the library, parks, museum, police, and public works. Supporting 2E will ensure Loveland has the funding necessary to maintain its status as a great place to live and a competitive, sustainable full-service City.

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons AGAINST Ballot Issue 2E:

The City budget is not in trouble. State reports shows that taxable sales in Loveland increased by 5% and property tax collections increased by approximately 30% this year.

For its usual operations and maintenance, the City needs about $95 million. Property and other excise taxes pay for $20 million, leaving $75 million to be made up through sales and use taxes, which this year will be $77 million. So the City should have a balanced budget, able to fully fund all the City’s “community-facing” programs.

Despite having a balanced budget, City Hall threatens to slash spending for popular programs (the library, museum, parks & rec, police) pretending that it has to make up a $13M loss of the grocery tax (reduced now to $10.5M). The scenario that Loveland has a $13 million budget shortfall from elimination of sales tax on food is NOT A FACTUAL SUMMARY per state guidelines. This is a forecast promoted by the finance department. Actual food tax revenue cannot be known until February of 2025 by the city’s own accrual accounting practices.

There are budget cuts that need to be made - just not those City Hall is slashing. The City refuses to declare the revenue loss from fee waivers, incentive giveaways, program subsidies & TIF agreements from 22 metropolitan taxing districts in Loveland which have resulted in a “structural imbalance” in the city budget for years.

City revenue returns don’t match department of revenue figures, leaving millions of tax dollars “unaccounted for”. The citizens of Loveland should not pay an extra sales tax to adjust for the structural imbalance known to exist. 3.0% sales tax has proven more than adequate to pay for city services and provide a surplus for an unassigned fund balance.

So why another 1¢ in sales tax? Greed. And aggressive city planning.

City Hall is using the repeal of the grocery tax as an excuse for a fatter budget. City planners have been looking to accelerate growth, enticing more development with large incentives. One city councilor claims Loveland is tracking toward a population of 250,000, which others say will be achieved by 2050.

What would the additional 1% sales tax cost each resident? City Hall claims it would bring in $22 million/year. But State figures show that it would bring in a minimum of $27 million. That is almost

$350/year more for every adult and child. (City Hall claims up to 40% of sales tax is paid by non- residents, but that is only a guess, and one that does not seem realistic.)

2E also asks that City Hall be able to “collect, retain and spend” all excess revenues, without limitation, FOREVER.

2E is a money grab which continues multi-million dollar giveaways to developers and speculators. It wipes out the tax relief given by the repeal of the food tax, and strains the budgets of many

Lovelanders. It furthers the designs of special interests who want to triple the population of Loveland in the next 25 years.

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons FOR Ballot Issue 2F:

No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons AGAINST Ballot Issue 2F:

No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons FOR Ballot Issue 2G:

Here are my arguments in favor of tabor override.

It has allowed Loveland to do many municipal projects including:
The cost to Loveland residents is minimal, less than $20 per year on average. The expected TABOR excess for 2025 will be $15.71 per person. Each year, the amount changes, with some years being $0.
The cost of returning the small amount of money to each citizen will often outweigh the benefit to each resident. If checks were sent to each local tax paying resident, the cost to reimburse each person is around $2.50 per person. This is a substantial portion of the refund each year.
Tabor would hinder Loveland's ability to recover from a downturn. Growth caps reset to the lower levels when revenues drop substantially, and can only rebound over a longer period of time. (Drops can happen fast, but rebounds have to be slow with TABOR.)
Most municipalities in Colorado have overridden tabor (88% of municipalities and 94% of all counties.)
Loveland's ability to keep its local TABOR excesses doesn't effect the State's TABOR requirements. It only effects the city portion of Property and Sales Tax.
Loveland has twice voted to override TABOR for the city, in 2002 and 2012. Over the last two decades, of that $51 million, $37 million in local TABOR funds have been used by Loveland's Public Works Department and were invested into the Loveland Street Rehabilitation and Maintenance program, road construction and flood mitigation. TABOR funds have also been used to invest in Loveland's local park system with $7 million used to improve amenities such as Fairground Park and Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park. Another

$7 million in local TABOR funds have been used to support the purchase of public safety equipment, training facilities, and technology.
We are already at a budget deficit of at least $10MM. Without the TABOR excess funds, Loveland will have an even bigger budget shortfall in 2025.
This measure has a 12-year sunset, and uses the exact same language that Loveland voters approved in 2012.

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons AGAINST Ballot Issue 2G:

Loveland City Hall is trying, yet again, to get voters to allow it to keep the excess money it collects from taxing citizens. If ballot question 2G fails, City Hall would be finally required to live within its taxpayers’ means.

Ballot question 2G intends to continue doing away with the effective control voters can have over City spending as provided by Colorado’s Constitution for over 30 years now. Voter control has been constitutionally available as a right of Lovelanders during all that time, but has been systematically denied to them by their City Hall for most of that time.

The constitutional system is meant to be fair to taxpayers, and also ensure that City Hall is a trim ship – taxing just for what is agreed in advance, and spending no more than that. The Constitution allows our City Hall to increase its budget annually to meet demands by population growth and

price inflation, but additional taxes and spending beyond that requires additional voter approval. It’s a system that is orderly and works. People enjoy refund checks from the State for its over-taxation for instance.

But in Loveland, City Hall has avoided this reasonable way of governing by periodically convincing its citizens to vote away their rights – and the rights of their neighbors. (The Constitution does not provide for this, except for a very short number of years – up to four – and only in very narrow ways.) Such votes have become so infrequent – 12 years now – and no longer narrowly applied, that people here have become unaware that their rights to refunds from the State, which they jealously vote to preserve, is true for City government, too.

Our City Hall tries to make giving up refund checks attractive by earmarking the extra money for favored services: police, fire, streets, and parks & rec. But money is fungible, and “extra” money goes into the same pot as the rest, and like in a shell game, earmarking is illusory. Government spending by shell game is not accountable, and experience shows it frequently is not good government, either.

During the last 12 years, experience has shown that when Loveland City Hall has extra funds, it is likely to spend wantonly – notably giving huge subsidies to crony developers and increasing the size and reach of its function. (For example, the City recently spent over $500,000 on useless DEI staff training and another $500,000 on a silly pop psychology personality test for new staff.)

It seems City Hall has little concern for the many Lovelanders who are going through tight financial times, with property tax soaring, high utility bills, and ever-increasing food prices. Tax refund checks can be a very welcome event, or even better, consistently lower monthly bills. As one elderly citizen explained, “Every little bit helps.”

The last, best hope for having a responsive and responsible City Hall is a return to direct voter control over taxes and spending as provided by our state’s Constitution. To do that means defeating 2G.

TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS POUDRE SCHOOL DISTRICT R-1 LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO

NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES ON A REFERRED MEASURE

Election Date: November 5, 2024 Election Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Local Election Office Address: Autumn Aspen, Designated Election Official, Poudre School District R-1, 2407 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521-2297

Telephone Number: (970) 420-0682

‌Ballot Title and Text:

‌BALLOT ISSUE 4A

IN ORDER TO MAKE MORE GENERAL FUND REVENUES AVAILABLE FOR THE PURPOSES SET FORTH BELOW, SHALL POUDRE SCHOOL DISTRICT R-1 TAXES BE INCREASED BY UP TO $49,000,000 ANNUALLY COMMENCING IN TAX COLLECTION YEAR 2025, INCREASING WITH THE RATE OF INFLATION, FOR THE PURPOSES AUTHORIZED AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 22-54-108.7, C.R.S., (THE DEBT FREE SCHOOLS ACT), WITH THE EFFECT THAT MORE GENERAL FUND REVENUE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO IMPROVE AND MAINTAIN THE QUALITY EDUCATION INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

ATTRACTING AND RETAINING HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS AND STAFF BY MAINTAINING COMPETITIVE SALARIES AND PROVIDING NECESSARY CLASSROOM MATERIALS;
PROVIDING THE EDUCATION THAT TODAY’S STUDENTS NEED FOR TOMORROW’S JOBS AND CAREERS, INCLUDING CLASSROOMS FOR CAREER, TECHNOLOGY, AND SKILLED TRADES THAT PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH REAL WORLD JOB SKILLS AND PROVIDING BOOKS, TECHNOLOGY, FACILITIES AND OTHER MATERIALS NEEDED FOR STUDENTS TO DEVELOP THESE SKILLS;
SUPPORTING SMALL, NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE STUDENTS INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION AND THE GREATER SENSE OF COMMUNITY THEY NEED TO LEARN AND THRIVE;
MAINTAINING AND IMPROVING SCHOOLS AND FACILITIES TO ENSURE SECURE, HEALTHY AND COMPREHENSIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS BY REPLACING OUTDATED ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING AND HVAC SYSTEMS AND ADDRESSING REPAIRS AND RENOVATIONS TO EXTEND THE USEFUL LIFE OF BUILDINGS;
PROVIDING ARTS, MUSIC, LIBRARY, AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION SUPPLIES AND FACILITIES SO STUDENTS RECEIVE A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION;

AND SHALL SUCH ADDITIONAL REVENUE FROM THIS TAX BE DEPOSITED INTO THE SUPPLEMENTAL CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION, TECHNOLOGY AND MAINTENANCE FUND AND USED FOR ONGOING CASH FUNDING FOR CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION, NEW TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES, AND MAINTENANCE NEEDS OF THE DISTRICT; AND PROVIDED THAT EXPENDITURES WILL BE SUBJECT TO AN ANNUAL AUDIT AND CITIZEN OVERSIGHT; AND SHALL THE DISTRICT BE AUTHORIZED TO COLLECT, RETAIN AND SPEND ALL REVENUES FROM SUCH TAXES AS A VOTER APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE?

‌Total District Fiscal Year Spending

Year Fiscal Year Spending

2024-2025 (estimated)

$ 537,375,934

2023-2024 (actual)

$ 501,541,936

2022-2023 (actual)

$ 470,583,591

2021-2022 (actual)

$ 423,985,061

2020-2021 (actual)

$ 374,037,352

Overall percentage change from 2020-2021 to 2024-2025:

43.7%

Overall dollar change from 2020-2021 to 2024-2025:

$ 163,338,582

‌Proposed Tax Increase

District Estimate of the Maximum Dollar Amount of the Proposed Tax Increase For First Full Fiscal Year of the Proposed Tax Increase:

BALLOT ISSUE 4A:

$ 49,000,000

District Estimate of Fiscal Year Spending Without the Proposed Tax Increase:

$ 537,375,934

Summaries of written comments filed with the election officer:

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons FOR Ballot Issue 4A:

Vote YES on 4A and Protect Our Children’s Future!

Parents, community members, and taxpayers are calling on you to vote YES on 4A, the debt-free mill levy that will directly support increased staff pay and keep our neighborhood schools open. This initiative is essential for providing the operating funds our school district needs to retain talented educators, keep neighborhood schools open, and ensure quality education for all our students.

This debt-free mill levy is crucial for Poudre School District (PSD) to maintain high-quality education for all students. Without it, the district will face tough financial decisions that could impact our schools and staff.

This measure is more than just funding – it’s about ensuring teachers and staff are paid competitive wages, securing the future of our neighborhood schools, and strengthening our community. With 4A, we have a responsible, sustainable way to invest in our schools without taking on additional debt. This funding is critical for fair pay, keeping schools open, and expanding essential work-based learning opportunities for all students in our district.

PSD is committed to providing the best learning environments, and your YES vote on 4A will help make that possible. This funding will allow us to repair HVAC systems and install air conditioning in schools that urgently need it, bringing relief to thousands of students. A YES vote is an investment in our children’s futures and the vitality of our neighborhood schools.

With declining enrollment and national birth rates falling, we need this measure to ensure our schools remain open and vibrant. Without this critical fundings, PSD would have to consider other options, including staffing cuts or other drastic measures, which we are committed to avoiding at all costs. Our students, teachers, staff, parents, and community are counting on us to prevent these outcomes.

We understand that recent increases in property values have raised taxes for many in our district. However, this did not increase funding for our schools. In Colorado, when the local share of taxes increases, the state reduces its share of education funding. This means we still need to ask our local voters to support these much-needed investments in our schools and classrooms.

The future of our community is directly tied to the future of our schools. Strong schools mean a vibrant community, and our classrooms are the lifeblood of a healthy democracy. A YES vote on 4A is a vote for our children, our teachers, and the continued prosperity of our neighborhoods.

Every vote matters. This is a defining moment for our schools and our children. Help us secure a brighter future for all by voting YES on 4A. Let’s ensure our kids continue to thrive in this great community we all cherish!

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons AGAINST Ballot Issue 4A:

It’s hard for me to believe that the Poudre School District (PSD) has the audacity to ask for additional funding on this year’s ballot. I’m sure that after presenting a few facts you will be as incensed as I am.

According to a newspaper article, Larimer County property values increased 37- 69% from 2021 to 2023. PSD directly benefits from this increase.
Over half of all property tax revenue goes to PSD, mine is over 55%. There was no decrease in the mill levy meaning PSD received the 37-69% increase in funding from property tax revenues. What has PSD done with this windfall?
The current superintendent received an 18.7% pay raise – an increase of $43,000 dollars from 2023 to 2024 for a salary of $273,000.00. This salary increase is on top of the expense accounts and other perks of the position. One must wonder what wonderful and glorious things the superintendent has accomplished to deserve such a lavish raise? The superintendent’s salary is conveniently left off the 2023-2024 PSD Administrator and Professional Salary Schedule.
The top five positions on the superintendent’s staff received an average salary increase of 16% to an average salary of $165,000.
The PSD board of directors essentially fired the previous school superintendent, yet the board paid her a severance of $560,000. Is this good fiscal responsibility?
PSD touts a student/teacher ratio of 16 to 1 yet only 48% of PSD students are proficient in math and reading is only slightly better at 59%. These were failing grades where I came from, and you didn’t reward failure.
A PSD step “10” teacher has a salary range of $62,469 with a bachelor’s degree to

$74,010 with a PhD. Yet the LGBTQIA+ coordinator’s salary range is $78,511 -

$108,345 and the DEI coordinator's salary range is $80,866 - $111,595. It is obvious that PSD’s priority is NOT teaching children the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic.
There are 2.8 million acres in the Colorado school trust lands leased for income – none of the PSD financials I can find, show how much revenue PSD receives from these trust lands. Maybe some of these lands should be sold before PSD asks for additional funding from the public in these times of inflation and poor economy. Maybe they should budget like every working family must.
PSD spent $5 million dollars on the 127 acres of Wellington Middle/Highschool and another $130 million for the school building. All the while PSD has declining enrollment.
In 2016 PSD won a $375 million dollar bond issue and an 8-million-dollar mill override. In 2019 PSD received another mill levy override providing an additional

$18 million annually for support staff. What is PSD currently doing with this funding?

Bottom line: It’s not how much funding PSD receives, it how PSD spends that funding.

TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS THOMPSON SCHOOL DISTRICT R2-J LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO

NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES AND DEBT ON A REFERRED MEASURE

Election Date: November 5, 2024 Election Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Local Election Office Address: Laura Lee Ehlers, Designated Election Official, Thompson School District No. R2-J, 800 S Taft Ave, Loveland, CO 80537

Telephone Number: (970) 613-5013

‌Ballot Title and Text:

‌BALLOT ISSUE 5A

‌IN ORDER TO MAKE MORE GENERAL FUND REVENUES AVAILABLE FOR TEACHER AND OTHER STAFF COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS, RECURRING CAPITAL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR NEEDS, TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENTS, AND PROVIDING FOR THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF STUDENTS AND STAFF, TO BE MONITORED BY A CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, SHALL THOMPSON SCHOOL DISTRICT R2-J TAXES BE INCREASED UP TO $13 MILLION IN TAX COLLECTION YEAR 2025, WITH SUCH AMOUNT BEING ADJUSTED ANNUALLY THEREAFTER BY THE PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN INFLATION, BY LEVYING A PROPERTY TAX AT A RATE SUFFICIENT TO GENERATE SUCH AMOUNT; PURSUANT TO SECTION 22-54-108.7, C.R.S., SHALL SUCH ADDITIONAL REVENUES BE UTILIZED FOR ONGOING CASH FUNDING FOR CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION, NEW INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY, EXISTING TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES, AND MAINTENANCE NEEDS OF THE DISTRICT; AND SHALL SUCH TAX REVENUES BE DEPOSITED INTO THE SUPPLEMENTAL CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION, TECHNOLOGY AND MAINTENANCE FUND?

‌BALLOT ISSUE 5B

SHALL THOMPSON SCHOOL DISTRICT R2-J DEBT BE INCREASED $220 MILLION, WITH A REPAYMENT COST OF NOT TO EXCEED $395 MILLION, AND SHALL DISTRICT TAXES BE INCREASED NOT MORE THAN $32 MILLION ANNUALLY TO PAY SUCH DEBT, TO BE MONITORED BY A CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, ALL FOR THE PURPOSE OF:

CONSTRUCTING AND EQUIPPING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION SPACES AND INNOVATION SPACE UPGRADES TO ALLOW FOR PROGRAM EXPANSION;
EQUIPPING AND/OR FURNISHING SCHOOL BUILDINGS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY EQUIPMENT INCLUDING VESTIBULES, RADIO AMPLIFICATION SYSTEMS AND PHYSICAL SYSTEM UPGRADES;
ADDRESSING DEFICIENCIES IN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS BY UPDATING AND/OR EQUIPPING VARIOUS DISTRICT FACILITIES WITH HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR CONDITIONING AND OTHER AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS;
PROVIDING PRIORITY MAINTENANCE UPDATES AT VARIOUS SCHOOL BUILDINGS THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT;
CONSTRUCTING, RENOVATING AND/OR UPGRADING VARIOUS DISTRICT FACILITIES TO ACCOMMODATE GROWTH NEEDS;

AND FOR ACQUIRING, CONSTRUCTING OR IMPROVING ANY CAPITAL ASSETS THAT THE DISTRICT IS AUTHORIZED BY LAW TO OWN; AND SHALL THE MILL LEVY BE IMPOSED IN ANY YEAR WITHOUT LIMITATION AS TO RATE BUT ONLY IN AN AMOUNT SUFFICIENT TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL OF, PREMIUM, IF ANY, AND INTEREST ON SUCH DEBT OR ANY REFUNDING DEBT (OR TO CREATE A RESERVE FOR SUCH PAYMENT); SUCH DEBT TO BE EVIDENCED BY THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS TO BE SOLD IN ONE SERIES OR MORE, FOR A PRICE ABOVE OR BELOW THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF SUCH SERIES, ON TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND WITH SUCH MATURITIES AS PERMITTED BY LAW, INCLUDING PROVISIONS FOR REDEMPTION OF THE BONDS PRIOR TO MATURITY WITH OR WITHOUT PAYMENT OF THE PREMIUM OF NOT TO EXCEED ONE PERCENT?

‌Total District Fiscal Year Spending

Year Fiscal Year Spending

2024-2025 (estimated)

$ 267,537,662

2023-2024 (estimated)

$ 242,608,507

2022-2023 (actual)

$ 230,294,533

2021-2022 (actual)

$ 213,597,276

2020-2021 (actual)

$ 196,529,786

Overall percentage change from 2020-2021 to 2024-2025:

36.13%

Overall dollar change from 2020-2021 to 2024-2025:

$ 71,007,876

‌Proposed Tax Increase

District Estimate of the Maximum Dollar Amount of the Proposed Tax Increase For the First Full Fiscal Year of the Proposed Tax Increase:

BALLOT ISSUE 5A:

$ 13,000,000

BALLOT ISSUE 5B:

$ 32,000,000

District Estimate of First Full Fiscal Year Spending Without the Proposed Tax Increases:

$ 267,537,662

‌Information on District’s Proposed Debt

BALLOT ISSUE 5B:

Principal Amount of Proposed Bonds:

Not to exceed $ 220,000,000

Maximum Annual District Repayment Cost:

Not to exceed $ 32,000,000

Total District Repayment Cost:

Not to exceed $ 395,000,000

‌Information on District’s Current Debt *

Principal Amount Outstanding Debt:

$168,610,000

Maximum Annual Repayment Cost:

$ 19,070,000

Remaining Total Repayment Cost:

$ 237,013,719

* Excluded from debt are enterprise and annual appropriation obligations.

Summaries of written comments filed with the election officer:

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons FOR Ballot Issue 5A:

As a lifelong educator and a proud grandparent, I am writing to express my strong support for the Special Levy 5A, which proposes an investment of $13 million for our schools. This investment will focus on vital areas, including capital construction, upgraded technology, and a much-needed maintenance fund.

These funds will have a significant impact on the quality of education we can provide to our children and grandchildren. By investing in updated facilities and modern technology, we are creating a learning environment that will prepare students for the challenges of the future.

Additionally, a well-maintained school infrastructure ensures that our children can learn in a safe and supportive setting.

Beyond these immediate improvements, the levy will also free up funds that can be used for salaries, benefits, and other critical needs. The mill levy is just as crucial because it directly affects our ability to attract and retain quality educators. Competitive salaries and professional development opportunities are essential if we want to keep excellent teachers in our district— teachers who are dedicated to the success of every student. Continued investment in our schools

is not just about maintaining current successes; it’s about building on them to ensure that every student has the best possible chance for success.

As a community member and grandparent, I am deeply invested in the future of our schools and the children they serve. I urge you to vote “yes” for the Thompson School District Special Mill Levy measure 5A on November 5th. This is an investment not only in our schools but in the future of our entire community. Strong schools lead to a stronger, more vibrant place, and our grandchildren deserve the best education we can provide. There is a clear calculator on the website as a point of transparency to help determine the tax impact.

Thank you for your consideration and support. Together, we can ensure a bright future for our children and our community.

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons AGAINST Ballot Issue 5A:

This ballot measure raises TSD’s property tax by 7mills. This is in addition to the $9 million property tax windfall which the district got in this year’s property tax bills (5.75 mills next year).

Calling this a “debt free schools mill levy” disguises the real purpose of the measure, namely to shift the burden for some educational expenditures from the State to local taxpayers. The $13 million raised per year covers what the State could and should be paying to educate TSD’s school children.

To make matters worse, the $13 million is indexed each year for inflation. So taxpayers pay an inflation tax to TSD every year (on top of the same inflation they are already paying).

The decision to exploit Loveland property owners in this way is typical of the School Board’s disregard for taxpayers. It could have offset 5.75 mills of the 7 mills with a corresponding reduction in the district’s general mill levy to eliminate the property tax windfall for this year, reducing the increase to just 1.25 mills. The School Finance Act would have backfilled the loss in the general mill levy. (The St Vrain Valley School District is doing something similar in this election, so we know it can be done.)

The fact that the School Board is having its taxpayers pay 11.5 mills more than we should is reason enough for us to vote NO on 5A.

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons FOR Ballot Issue 5B:

As a voter in the Thompson School District, I’m writing to express my strong support for the proposed $220 million bond measure titled 5B on the ballot. Our district has seen consistent growth over the past five years, putting strain on our facilities and resources. The proposed bond will fund crucial improvements directed toward:

Maintenance, including roofing projects, heating/air conditioning equipment replacement, asphalt replacement, air quality projects, lighting fixtures, and fence repair.
Educational Enhancements include items designed to enhance academic offerings in our schools, including upgrades to career and technical education programs, repurposing outdated technological spaces, and enhancements of current learning infrastructure within the schools.
Safety and security projects will assist with critical safety needs in our district and provide a safe and secure environment for students, families, staff, and community members. Items include the continued construction of main entry vestibules at schools, enhancement to security radio systems, door replacement, and additional security cameras and fencing.
Building Additions indicate the proposed bond amount to design and complete a building addition that would allow for additional student capacity and higher efficiency within the school.

I’m particularly excited about the educational enhancements this bond will provide. It will allow for upgrades to career and technical education programs and repurposing of outdated technological spaces, ensuring our children have access to modern, relevant learning experiences.

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons AGAINST Ballot Issue 5B:

The expected annual repayment cost for the proposed bonds ($32 million) will increase the school district’s property taxes by more than 10 mills. That is a 32% increase! And that is on top of the hefty increase from the “revaluation” that hit district taxpayers this year. The School District has needs for sure, but obviously the School Board has no real sense of what its taxpaying community can afford. Taxpayers need to tell them to get real by voting NO this time!

TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS

ST. VRAIN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT RE-1J LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO

NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE DEBT ON A REFERRED MEASURE

Election Date: November 5, 2024 Election Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Local Election Office Address: Greg Fieth, Financial Operations Consultant, St. Vrain Valley School District RE-1J, 395 S. Pratt Parkway, Longmont, CO 80501

Telephone Number: (303) 682-7203

‌Ballot Title and Text:

‌BALLOT ISSUE 5C

WITHOUT IMPOSING ANY NEW TAX, SHALL ST. VRAIN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT DEBT BE INCREASED $739.8 MILLION, WITH A MAXIMUM TOTAL REPAYMENT COST OF NOT MORE THAN $998.9 MILLION FOR THE PURPOSES OF:
IMPROVING SAFETY AND SECURITY, INCLUDING SECURE ENTRY VESTIBULES, BUILDING ACCESS CONTROLS, FIRST RESPONDER COMMUNICATIONS, AND FIRE SPRINKLERS;
REPLACING OUTDATED ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, AND HVAC SYSTEMS, AND ADDRESSING OTHER REPAIRS AND RENOVATIONS TO EXTEND THE USEFUL LIFE OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS, REDUCE EMERGENCY REPAIRS, IMPROVE AIR QUALITY, AND ENHANCE ENERGY EFFICIENCY;
CONSTRUCTING A CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION CENTER TO ENHANCE AND EXPAND VOCATIONAL CLASSES AND PROVIDING ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONAL SPACE FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH (STEM) PROGRAMMING;
PROVIDING CLASSROOM ADDITIONS AND CONSTRUCTING AND EQUIPPING NEW SCHOOL BUILDINGS TO ADDRESS OVERCROWDING AND FUTURE ENROLLMENT INCREASES;

AND FOR ACQUIRING, CONSTRUCTING OR IMPROVING ANY CAPITAL ASSETS THAT THE DISTRICT IS AUTHORIZED BY LAW TO OWN;

AND SHALL THE TAXES AUTHORIZED AT THE DISTRICT’S BOND ELECTIONS IN 2002, 2008 AND 2016 BE EXTENDED AND AUTHORIZED TO BE USED TO PAY THE DEBT AUTHORIZED AT THIS ELECTION IN ADDITION TO THE DEBT AUTHORIZED AT SUCH PRIOR ELECTIONS;

SUCH DEBT TO BE EVIDENCED BY THE ISSUANCE AND PAYMENT OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, WHICH SHALL BEAR INTEREST, MATURE, BE SUBJECT TO REDEMPTION, WITH OR WITHOUT PREMIUM OF NOT TO EXCEED 3%, AND BE ISSUED, DATED AND SOLD AT SUCH TIME OR TIMES, AT SUCH PRICES (AT, ABOVE OR BELOW PAR) AND IN SUCH MANNER AND CONTAINING SUCH TERMS, NOT INCONSISTENT HEREWITH, AS THE DISTRICT MAY DETERMINE; AND SHALL AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAXES BE IMPOSED IN ANY YEAR, WITHOUT LIMITATION AS TO RATE, TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL OF, PREMIUM, IF ANY, AND INTEREST ON SUCH BONDS AND ANY BONDS ISSUED TO REFINANCE SUCH BONDS AND TO FUND ANY RESERVES FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF;

AND SHALL THE DISTRICT BE SUBJECT TO AN ANNUAL INDEPENDENT AUDIT PUBLISHED ON THE DISTRICT’S WEBSITE AND EXPENDITURES WILL BE SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY A BOARD APPOINTED CITIZENS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE?

‌Total District Fiscal Year Spending

Year Fiscal Year Spending

2024-2025 (estimated)

$ 559,920,166

2023-2024 (estimated actual)

$ 522,386,510

2022-2023 (actual)

$ 462,447,533

2021-2022 (actual)

$ 410,247,467

2020-2021 (actual)

$ 390,982,500

Overall percentage change from 2020-2021 to 2024-2025:

43.21%

Overall dollar change from 2020-2021 to 2024-2025:

$ 168,937,666

‌Information on District’s Proposed Debt

BALLOT ISSUE 5C:

Principal Amount of Proposed Bonds:

Not to exceed $ 739,800,000

Maximum Annual District Repayment Cost:

Not to exceed $ 102,022,025

Total District Repayment Cost:

Not to exceed $ 998,900,000

‌Information on District’s Current Debt *

Principal Amount Outstanding Debt:

$ 296,775,000

Maximum Annual Repayment Cost:

$ 47,198,889

Remaining Total Repayment Cost:

$ 376,079,632

* Excluded from debt are enterprise and annual appropriation obligations.

Summaries of written comments filed with the election officer:

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons FOR Ballot Issue 5C:

Without increasing taxes, your YES vote on Issue 5C will help protect and improve St. Vrain Valley School District’s high-performing schools.

St. Vrain is one of the highest-performing school districts in Colorado and is nationally recognized for innovation, community engagement, and technology. The District has also outperformed the Colorado average on 100% of state standardized assessments and has the highest graduation rate in the Denver Metro region.

Passage of Issue 5C will provide many benefits for our students and SVVSD communities, including:

Improving safety and security
Attracting and retaining quality teachers and staff
Addressing overcrowding and future enrollment growth
Reducing costly and disruptive emergency repairs
Extending the useful life of existing facilities
Enhancing and expanding career and technical education (CTE) programming
Improving building efficiencies, saving taxpayer dollars
Providing for a vibrant local economy and a ready workforce
Protecting property values

Among the high-priority capital improvements to be addressed by Issue 5C are:
Safety and security upgrades, including secure entryways, building access controls, first responder communications, and fire sprinklers
Replacing outdated electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, and other critical infrastructure repairs and renovations
Constructing a career and technical education (CTE) center to enhance and expand vocational classes and providing additional instructional space for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programming
Providing classroom additions and constructing and equipping new school buildings

Voter approval of Issue 5C will not increase taxes and will not increase the District’s existing maximum annual debt service. This is possible because of existing community investment, strong financial management, and increased resources tied to population growth and economic strength.

Passage of Issue 5C will provide many academic benefits, including updating instructional spaces, reconfiguring and re-imagining underutilized spaces, making technology upgrades, addressing air quality and classroom comfort improvements, and adding instructional space to address current localized overcrowding and future growth, and more.

Career and technical education (CTE) programming will also benefit with voter approval of Issue 5C. Expanded CTE space will allow more students to engage in cutting-edge programming in high-growth fields such as advanced manufacturing, welding, and healthcare. A greater number of students will also be able to earn industry-leading credentials.

Now is the time to address SVVSD’s highest-priority facility needs. Waiting for another five years would increase the total price tag by an estimated $200 million due to construction inflation.

Issue 5C is focused on the District’s absolute highest-priority needs, improvements that can be addressed without increasing taxes. Passage of Issue 5C will benefit more than 32,000 students and each of the communities served by SVVSD. Issue 5C deserves our support.

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons AGAINST Ballot Issue 5C:

No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.

TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS

POUDRE OVERLOOK PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 30 LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO

NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES ON A REFERRED MEASURE

Election Date: November 5, 2024 Election Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Local Election Office Address: Tina Harris, Designated Election Official, 200 W Oak St, PO Box 1547, Fort Collins, CO 80522

Telephone Number: (970) 498-7820

‌Ballot Title and Text:

‌BALLOT ISSUE 6A

‌SHALL THE POUDRE OVERLOOK PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 30 TAXES BE INCREASED $21,000.00 ANNUALLY (ESTIMATED FIRST FISCAL YEAR DOLLAR INCREASE IN 2025), AND BY WHATEVER ADDITIONAL AMOUNT AS MAY BE RAISED ANNUALLY THEREAFTER, BY THE IMPOSITION OF AN ADDITIONAL MILL LEVY (IN ADDITION TO THE PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED MILL LEVY NOT TO EXCEED $40,000.00 ANNUALLY), THE TOTAL MILL LEVY NOT TO EXCEED MORE THAN 14.730 MILLS, THE REVENUES OF WHICH WILL BE COLLECTED BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2025 AND EACH YEAR THEREAFTER AND BE USED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT AND CONTINUED MAINTENANCE OF ROADS IN THE DISTRICT AND FOR THE GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES OF THE DISTRICT ALL AS SET FORTH IN THE 2004 PETITION FOR IMPROVEMENTS AND CREATION OF THE DISTRICT, AND SHALL THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH TAX, THE SPECIFIC OWNERSHIP TAXES RECEIVED BY THE DISTRICT AND INVESTMENT EARNINGS ON BOTH CONSTITUTE VOTER APPROVED REVENUE AND/OR SPENDING CHANGES AND BE COLLECTED AND SPENT BY THE DISTRICT WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY SPENDING, REVENUE RAISING OR OTHER LIMITATION CONTAINED WITHIN ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION; AND SHALL THE DISTRICT BE AUTHORIZED TO COLLECT AND EXPEND FROM ITS MILL LEVY ANY SUCH AMOUNT WHICH IS MORE THAN THE AMOUNT WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE BE PERMITTED UNDER THE 5.5% LIMIT IMPOSED BY SECTION 29-1- 301, COLORADO REVISED STATUTES, IN 2025 AND EACH YEAR THEREAFTER?

‌Actual Historical and Current Estimated Fiscal Year Spending Information: Year Fiscal Year Spending

2024 (Estimated)

$ 4,000.00

2023

$ 3,340.00

2022

$ 22,402.00

2021

$ 3,260.00

2020

$ 8,119.00

Overall percentage change from 2020 through 2024 (estimated):

-50.73%

Overall dollar change from 2020 through 2024 (estimated):

$ 4,119.00

Estimated 2025 fiscal year spending without proposed tax increase:

$ 440,000.00

Estimated 2025 maximum tax increase authorized by the Ballot Issue:

$ 21,000.00

Summaries of written comments filed with the election officer:

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons FOR Ballot Issue 6A:

No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons AGAINST Ballot Issue 6A:

No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.

TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS

VINE DRIVE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 29 LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO

NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES ON A REFERRED MEASURE

Election Date: November 5, 2024 Election Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Local Election Office Address: Tina Harris, Designated Election Official, 200 W Oak St, PO Box 1547, Fort Collins, CO 80522

Telephone Number: (970) 498-7820

‌Ballot Title and Text:

‌BALLOT ISSUE 6B

SHALL THE VINE DRIVE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 29 TAXES BE INCREASED

$18,500.00 ANNUALLY (ESTIMATED FIRST FISCAL YEAR DOLLAR INCREASE IN 2025), AND BY WHATEVER ADDITIONAL AMOUNT AS MAY BE RAISED ANNUALLY THEREAFTER, BY THE IMPOSITION OF AN ADDITIONAL MILL LEVY (IN ADDITION TO THE PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED MILL LEVY NOT TO EXCEED $12,000.00 ANNUALLY), THE TOTAL MILL LEVY NOT TO EXCEED MORE THAN 24.535 MILLS, THE REVENUES OF WHICH WILL BE COLLECTED BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2025 AND EACH YEAR THEREAFTER AND BE USED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT AND CONTINUED MAINTENANCE OF ROADS IN THE DISTRICT AND FOR THE GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES OF THE DISTRICT ALL AS SET FORTH IN THE 2004 PETITION FOR IMPROVEMENTS AND CREATION OF THE DISTRICT, AND SHALL THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH TAX, THE SPECIFIC OWNERSHIP TAXES RECEIVED BY THE DISTRICT AND INVESTMENT EARNINGS ON BOTH CONSTITUTE VOTER APPROVED REVENUE AND/OR SPENDING CHANGES AND BE COLLECTED AND SPENT BY THE DISTRICT WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY SPENDING, REVENUE RAISING OR OTHER LIMITATION CONTAINED WITHIN ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION; AND SHALL THE DISTRICT BE AUTHORIZED TO COLLECT AND EXPEND FROM ITS MILL LEVY ANY SUCH AMOUNT WHICH IS MORE THAN THE AMOUNT WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE BE PERMITTED UNDER THE 5.5% LIMIT IMPOSED BY SECTION 29-1- 301, COLORADO REVISED STATUTES, IN 2025 AND EACH YEAR THEREAFTER?

‌Actual Historical and Current Estimated Fiscal Year Spending Information: Year Fiscal Year Spending

2024 (Estimated)

$ 16,140.00

2023

$ 13,058.00

2022

$ 13,764.00

2021

$ 10,325.00

2020

$ 9,519.00

Overall percentage change from 2020 through 2024 (estimated):

69.56%

Overall dollar change from 2020 through 2024 (estimated):

$ 6,621.00

Estimated 2025 fiscal year spending without proposed tax increase:

$ 23,000.00

Estimated 2025 maximum tax increase authorized by the Ballot Issue:

$ 18,500.00

Summaries of written comments filed with the election officer:

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons FOR Ballot Issue 6B:

Currently, district roads are graded once annually. The current mill levy is insufficient to cover this one road service, which itself is inadequate to maintain drivable roads for a whole year. If this measure is rejected, the road service may be reduced or even omitted in some years. If passed, the additional mill levy amounts to approximately $100 for every $100,000 in property value in 2025. Our roads will still be unpaved, but this measure provides sufficient funds for improved grading, dust mitigation, and drainage improvements. Residents in the neighborhood deserve smoother roads. This measure will improve road quality year-round, at a reasonable cost.

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons AGAINST Ballot Issue 6B:

No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.

TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS

GRAYHAWK KNOLLS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 43 LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO

NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES ON A REFERRED MEASURE

Election Date: November 5, 2024 Election Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Local Election Office Address: Tina Harris, Designated Election Official, 200 W Oak St, PO Box 1547, Fort Collins, CO 80522

Telephone Number: (970) 498-7820

‌Ballot Title and Text:

‌BALLOT ISSUE 6C

‌SHALL THE GRAYHAWK KNOLLS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 43 TAXES BE INCREASED TO $72,000.00 ANNUALLY (ESTIMATED FIRST FISCAL YEAR DOLLAR INCREASE IN 2025), AND BY WHATEVER ADDITIONAL AMOUNT AS MAY BE RAISED ANNUALLY THEREAFTER, BY THE IMPOSITION OF AN ADDITIONAL MILL LEVY OF NOT MORE THAN 14.120 MILLS (FOR A TOTAL MILL LEVY OF NOT MORE THAN 34.642), THE REVENUES OF WHICH WILL BE COLLECTED BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2025 AND EACH YEAR THEREAFTER AND BE USED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT AND CONTINUED MAINTENANCE OF ROADS IN THE DISTRICT AND FOR THE GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES OF THE DISTRICT ALL AS SET FORTH IN THE 2010 PETITION FOR IMPROVEMENTS AND CREATION OF THE DISTRICT, AND SHALL THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH TAX, THE SPECIFIC OWNERSHIP TAXES RECEIVED BY THE DISTRICT AND INVESTMENT EARNINGS ON BOTH CONSTITUTE VOTER APPROVED REVENUE AND/OR SPENDING CHANGES AND BE COLLECTED AND SPENT BY THE DISTRICT WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY SPENDING, REVENUE RAISING OR OTHER LIMITATION CONTAINED WITHIN ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION; AND SHALL THE DISTRICT BE AUTHORIZED TO COLLECT AND EXPEND FROM ITS MILL LEVY ANY SUCH AMOUNT WHICH IS MORE THAN THE AMOUNT WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE BE PERMITTED UNDER THE 5.5% LIMIT IMPOSED BY SECTION 29-1-301, COLORADO REVISED STATUTES, IN 2025 AND EACH YEAR THEREAFTER?

‌Actual Historical and Current Estimated Fiscal Year Spending Information: Year Fiscal Year Spending

2024 (Estimated)

$ 21,381.00

2023

$ 2,798.00

2022

$ 3,181.00

2021

$ 10,450.00

2020

$ 6,935.06

Overall percentage change from 2020 through 2024 (estimated):

208.30%

Overall dollar change from 2020 through 2024 (estimated):

$ 14,445.94

Estimated 2025 fiscal year spending without proposed tax increase:

$ 2,500.00

Estimated 2025 maximum tax increase authorized by the Ballot Issue:

$ 72,000.00

Summaries of written comments filed with the election officer:

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons FOR Ballot Issue 6C:

No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons AGAINST Ballot Issue 6C:

No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.

TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS

TANAGER PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 72 LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO

NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES ON A REFERRED MEASURE

Election Date: November 5, 2024 Election Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Local Election Office Address: Tina Harris, Designated Election Official, 200 W Oak St, PO Box 1547, Fort Collins, CO 80522

Telephone Number: (970) 498-7820

‌Ballot Title and Text:

‌BALLOT ISSUE 6D

SHALL TAXES BE INCREASED $23,800.00 ANNUALLY (IN THE FIRST YEAR) OR SUCH GREATER AMOUNT AS IS RAISED IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE PROPOSED TANAGER PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 72 BY THE IMPOSITION OF AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAXES AT A MILL LEVY RATE NOT TO EXCEED 6.730 MILLS, THE REVENUES OF WHICH WILL BE COLLECTED BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2025 AND EACH YEAR THEREAFTER, SUCH REVENUES TO BE USED FOR THE IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF ROADS AS REQUESTED IN THE PETITION FOR CREATION OF THE DISTRICT AND FOR THE GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES; SHALL TANAGER PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 72 BE CREATED; AND SHALL THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH TAXES, THE SPECIFIC OWNERSHIP TAXES RECEIVED BY THE DISTRICT AND INVESTMENT EARNING ON BOTH CONSTITUTE VOTER APPROVED REVENUE AND/OR SPENDING CHANGES AND BE COLLECTED AND SPENT BY THE DISTRICT WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY SPENDING, REVENUE RAISING OR OTHER LIMITATION CONTAINED WITHIN ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION; AND SHALL THE DISTRICT BE AUTHORIZED TO COLLECT AND EXPEND FROM ITS MILL LEVY ANY SUCH AMOUNT WHICH IS MORE THAN THE AMOUNT WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE BE PERMITTED UNDER THE 5.5% LIMIT IMPOSED BY SECTION 29-1-301, COLORADO REVISED STATUTES IN 2025 AND EACH YEAR THEREAFTER?

‌Actual Historical and Current Estimated Fiscal Year Spending Information: Year Fiscal Year Spending

2024 (Estimated)

$ 0

2023

$ 0

2022

$ 0

2021

$ 0

2020

$ 0

Overall percentage change from 2020 through 2024 (estimated):

Overall dollar change from 2020 through 2024 (estimated):

$ 0

Estimated 2025 fiscal year spending without proposed tax increase:

$ 0

Estimated 2025 maximum tax increase authorized by the Ballot Issue:

$ 23,800.00

Summaries of written comments filed with the election officer:

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons FOR Ballot Issue 6D:

No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons AGAINST Ballot Issue 6D:

No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.

TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS

FOX RIDGE ESTATES PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 79 LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO

NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES ON A REFERRED MEASURE

Election Date: November 5, 2024 Election Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Local Election Office Address: Tina Harris, Designated Election Official, 200 W Oak St, PO Box 1547, Fort Collins, CO 80522

Telephone Number: (970) 498-7820

‌Ballot Title and Text:

‌BALLOT ISSUE 6E

SHALL TAXES BE INCREASED $12,000.00 ANNUALLY (IN THE FIRST YEAR) OR SUCH GREATER AMOUNT AS IS RAISED IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE PROPOSED FOX RIDGE ESTATES PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 79 BY THE IMPOSITION OF AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAXES AT A MILL LEVY RATE NOT TO EXCEED

9.207 MILLS, THE REVENUES OF WHICH WILL BE COLLECTED BEGINNING JANUARY 1,

2025 AND EACH YEAR THEREAFTER, SUCH REVENUES TO BE USED FOR THE IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF ROADS AS REQUESTED IN THE PETITION FOR CREATION OF THE DISTRICT AND FOR THE GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES; SHALL THE FOX RIDGE ESTATES PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 79 BE CREATED; AND SHALL THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH TAXES, THE SPECIFIC OWNERSHIP TAXES RECEIVED BY THE DISTRICT AND INVESTMENT EARNING ON BOTH CONSTITUTE VOTER APPROVED REVENUE AND/OR SPENDING CHANGES AND BE COLLECTED AND SPENT BY THE DISTRICT WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY SPENDING, REVENUE RAISING OR OTHER LIMITATION CONTAINED WITHIN ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION; AND SHALL THE DISTRICT BE AUTHORIZED TO COLLECT AND EXPEND FROM ITS MILL LEVY ANY SUCH AMOUNT WHICH IS MORE THAN THE AMOUNT WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE BE PERMITTED UNDER THE 5.5% LIMIT IMPOSED BY SECTION 29-1- 301, COLORADO REVISED STATUTES IN 2025 AND EACH YEAR THEREAFTER?

‌Actual Historical and Current Estimated Fiscal Year Spending Information: Year Fiscal Year Spending

2024 (Estimated)

$ 0

2023

$ 0

2022

$ 0

2021

$ 0

2020

$ 0

Overall percentage change from 2020 through 2024 (estimated):

Overall dollar change from 2020 through 2024 (estimated):

$ 0

Estimated 2025 fiscal year spending without proposed tax increase:

$ 0

Estimated 2025 maximum tax increase authorized by the Ballot Issue:

$ 12,000.00

Summaries of written comments filed with the election officer:

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons FOR Ballot Issue 6E:

No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons AGAINST Ballot Issue 6E:

No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.

TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS

CRYSTAL LAKES FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO

NOTICE OF ELECTION TO RETAIN AND REASSIGN A PORTION ON A REFERRED MEASURE

Election Date: November 5, 2024 Election Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Local Election Office Address: Doug Race, Designated Election Official, 61 Kaska Ct., Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545

Telephone Number: (702) 595-5981

‌Ballot Title and Text:

‌BALLOT ISSUE 6F

WITHOUT INCREASING TAXES, SHALL THE CRYSTAL LAKES FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT BE AUTHORIZED TO EXTEND AND RETAIN THE REVENUE FROM UP TO 3 MILLS OF THE 4 MILLS EXPIRING AT THE END OF 2024 AND ORIGINALLY APPROVED BY VOTERS IN 2015 TO SUPPORT A GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND, THROUGH AN EXTENSION AND REASSIGNMENT OF SUCH 3 MILLS, WITHOUT EXPIRATION, IN ADDITION TO ALL OTHER APPROVED MILL LEVIES OF THE DISTRICT, FOR THE PURPOSES OF FUNDING THE ADMINISTRATION, GENERAL OPERATIONS, AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS OF THE DISTRICT; AND SHALL SUCH TAX PROCEEDS CONTINUE TO BE COLLECTED AND SPENT BY THE DISTRICT AS VOTER APPROVED REVENUE AND SPENDING CHANGES IN EACH YEAR, WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY SPENDING OR REVENUE LIMITATIONS CONTAINED IN ANY COLORADO LAW, INCLUDING THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION AND COLORADO REVISED STATUTES?

Summaries of written comments filed with the election officer:

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons FOR Ballot Issue 6F:

The Crystal Lakes Fire Protection District is seeking to retain and reassign up to 3 mills of an existing 4 mill tax levy which is set to expire, without imposing a tax rate increase or introducing new taxes. This authorization is critical for maintaining funding levels that directly support capital improvements and department operations. The expiration of the authorized 4 mill tax levy approved by district voters in 2015 to remodel the district’s fire station would result in significant revenue restrictions, complicating the district’s escalating operational costs and service demands. In short, the district would be forced to meet current and future budgetary demands with 1995 revenues.

The district’s current base mill tax levy rate is 5 mills. Permanently retaining and reassigning 3 mills of the expiring 4 mill tax levy, for a total of 8 mills, will enable the district to meet the demands of rising expenses related to advanced technology systems, a growing population, increased government requirements, and inflation.

Retaining and reassigning the 3 mills tax levy is essential if the district and department are to sustain the capacity to recruit and retain qualified volunteers, as well as provide funding for the construction, maintenance, and operations readiness of fire department apparatus and facilities. As examples, currently, three of the fire department’s apparatus are more than 25 years old, which exceeds an apparatus’ extended lifespan. Additionally, firefighter wildland and structure turnout gear have 10 year life spans. Much of the department’s fire-fighting gear is nearing that lifespan. Both the apparatus and fire fighter gear will need to be replaced to meet safety and reliability requirements.

Support for this proposal is vital to ensure the continued effectiveness of emergency services within the Crystal Lakes Fire Protection District. Permanently retaining the 3 mills will allow the Crystal Lakes Fire Protection District to support the Crystal Lakes Volunteer Fire Department by maintaining present levels of service, providing base funding to improve future services, and continuing to develop the professional emergency responses that residents within the Crystal Lakes Fire Protection District deserve.

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons AGAINST Ballot Issue 6F:

No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.

TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS

ST. VRAIN AND LEFT HAND WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO

NOTICE OF ELECTION FOR AN EXTENSION OF EXPIRING TAX ON A REFERRED MEASURE

Election Date: November 5, 2024 Election Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Local Election Office Address: Sue Blair, Designated Election Official, Community Resource Services of Colorado, 7995 E. Prentice Avenue, Suite 103E, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Telephone Number: (303) 381-4960

‌Ballot Title and Text:

‌BALLOT ISSUE 7C

WITH NO INCREASE IN ANY DISTRICT TAX, SHALL THE ST. VRAIN AND LEFT HAND WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT’S EXISTING TAX IMPOSED AT A RATE NOT TO EXCEED 1.25 MILLS BE EXTENDED FOR THE SAME PURPOSES OF:

PROTECTING WATER QUALITY AND DRINKING WATER SOURCES
MAINTAINING HEALTHY RIVERS AND CREEKS
SAFEGUARDING AND CONSERVING DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION
PROTECTING FORESTS THAT ARE CRITICAL TO WATER SUPPLY AND REDUCE THE RISK OF WILDFIRES

WITH SUCH EXPENDITURES REPORTED TO THE PUBLIC IN AN ANNUALLY PUBLISHED INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL AUDIT AND OVERSEEN BY A CITIZEN COMMITTEE AND SHALL SUCH TAX PROCEEDS BE COLLECTED AND SPENT BY THE DISTRICT AS VOTER APPROVED REVENUE AND SPENDING CHANGES IN EACH YEAR, WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY SPENDING OR REVENUE LIMITATION CONTAINED IN ANY COLORADO LAW INCLUDING THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION AND COLORADO REVISED STATUTES?

‌Total District Fiscal Year Spending

Year Fiscal Year Spending

2024 (estimated)

$ 5,462,446

2023 (actual)

$ 1,795,608

2022 (actual)

$ 1,161,126

2021 (actual)

$ 540,220

2020 (actual)

$ 477,385

Overall percentage change from 2020 to 2024:

1044%

Overall dollar change from 2020 to 2024:

$ 4,985,061

‌Proposed Tax Extension

Estimate of the Maximum Dollar Amount of the Proposed Tax Extension for Fiscal Year 2025:

$4,676,771

Estimate of 2025 Fiscal Year Spending Without the Proposed Tax Extension:

$ 5,260,432

Summaries of written comments filed with the election officer:

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons FOR Ballot Issue 7C:

Wildfires in 2020/24 as well as the 2013 flood are reminders of how vulnerable our forests and water supplies are to disaster. The St. Vrain and Left Hand Water Conservancy District makes our community more resilient to these severe events. Our quality of life benefits from the entire St.

Vrain and Left Hand Creek watersheds. With a plan that includes efforts to improve fish habitat, create recreational opportunities, decrease fire risk, and increase water availability for local food, this issue fits perfectly with our community values.

Previous generations invested in water. Those investments are one of the reasons this area is a tremendous place to work and live. The District has put forward a vision of impactful, regional solutions that provide for a desired future that we can all benefit from now until and into the future. It is our time to invest in water. This is tax I can finally support.

The 2024 wildfires and the 2013 flood are reminders of how vulnerable our forests and water supplies are to extreme events. This small tax is used to make our community and watersheds more resilient. Our quality of life benefits from this life-giving valley where the St. Vrain and Left Hand Creeks flow. With a plan that includes efforts to improve fish habitat and increase water availability for local food, this tax fits perfectly with our community values.

This money will be spent on our basin that provides our water supply. Our community can continue to have a dedicated source of funds to protect and enhance this critical life sustaining element – our water.

The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons AGAINST Ballot Issue 7C:

No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.

As required by Colorado Statutes (C.R.S. 1-7-905), I hereby certify the ballot issue notices are complete as submitted by the political subdivisions.

Tina Harris

Larimer County Clerk & Recorder

END OF BALLOT ISSUE NOTICE

NONPROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Larimer County Clerk & Recorder

TINA HARRIS

Larimer County Clerk & Recorder PO Box 1547

Fort Collins CO 80522-1547

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