Thursday, April 18, 2024

Election 2021: Littleton to vote on sales tax increase

3A would raise rate by 0.75%, first hike in nearly 50 years

Robert Tann
rtann@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Posted 10/19/21

For the first time in nearly 50 years, Littleton could raise its sales tax rate if a measure on the 2021 ballot passes.

Ballot Issue 3A would raise the city’s sales tax from …

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Election 2021: Littleton to vote on sales tax increase

3A would raise rate by 0.75%, first hike in nearly 50 years

A barista makes a drink at Lost Coffee on Littleton Boulevard.

Photo by Shanna Maxcy

Posted Tuesday, October 19, 2021 8:44 am

> Q&As: Candidates for Littleton mayor and city council

> Candidate profile: Kyle Schlachter seeks to pick up as Littleton mayor where he left off on council

> Candidate profile: Jon Buck sees a chance for change with Littleton mayoral vote

> Candidate profile: Carol Fey aims to be problem-solver as Littleton mayor

> Candidate profile: Krista Kafer wants to be a broker for compromise on Littleton council

> Candidate profile: Gretchen Rydin wants to 'speak less, listen more' on Littleton council

> Candidate profile: Paul Bingham, longstanding Littleton watchdog, eyes council seat

> Candidate profile: Stephen Barr wants to bring public-service experience to Littleton council

> Candidate profile: Candice Ferguson strives to center human voices on Littleton council

> Candidate profile: Patrick Driscoll seeks to champion sales tax increase on Littleton council

> Candidate forum: Littleton council candidates talk growth, development

Robert Tann
rtann@coloradocommunitymedia.com

For the first time in nearly 50 years, Littleton could raise its sales tax rate if a measure on the 2021 ballot passes.

Ballot Issue 3A would raise the city’s sales tax from 3% to 3.75%, a 0.75 percentage point increase. City officials say the increase is vital for replenishing the city’s Capital Projects Fund, which is set to hit $0 by 2025.

That fund pays for city infrastructure projects such as road repair and upkeep of public buildings as well as maintenance for police fleets. If voters approve 3A, city staff projects the tax increase will bring in $9 million annually for the projects fund.

Other projects that will be funded with the tax increase include:

• Mineral & Santa Fe intersection improvements.

• Downtown streetscape and parking improvements.

• Sustainable landscape irrigation and conservation improvements.

• Body cameras for all city police officers to comply with the recent state law.

All nine candidates vying for a seat on city council in the ongoing election have been unanimous in their support of 3A and warned that if it fails the council will be forced to make heavy and painful cuts to existing budgets and programs.

“I think everybody recognizes the importance of it,” said Patrick Driscoll, running for re-election in council District 1. Driscoll said he was integral to getting 3A on this year’s ballot after city staff mulled putting it off for at least another year.

During an Oct. 12 city council meeting, current council members unanimously reaffirmed their support for 3A with a largely symbolic vote to approve a resolution stating council’s endorsement of a yes vote on 3A.

“No one likes to pay taxes, myself included,” said Mark Rudnicki, an at-large council member whose term expires in November, during the meeting. “Conversely, no one likes decrepit streets, crumbling sidewalks, aging public buildings, rusted-out police cars, or no money for amenities that make living in Littleton pleasurable and safe.”

Voters have until 7 p.m. on Nov. 2 to drop off their ballot. For more information on how to vote, including ballot drop-off locations, go to tinyurl.com/littleton2021 and select “General Election Information.”

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Election 2021: Littleton to vote on sales tax increase

3A would raise rate by 0.75%, first hike in nearly 50 years

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Election 2021: Littleton to vote on sales tax increase

3A would raise rate by 0.75%, first hike in nearly 50 years

MORE ON THE LITTLETON CITY ELECTION

> Q&As: Candidates for Littleton mayor and city council

> Candidate profile: Kyle Schlachter seeks to pick up as Littleton mayor where he left off on council

> Candidate profile: Jon Buck sees a chance for change with Littleton mayoral vote

> Candidate profile: Carol Fey aims to be problem-solver as Littleton mayor

> Candidate profile: Krista Kafer wants to be a broker for compromise on Littleton council

> Candidate profile: Gretchen Rydin wants to 'speak less, listen more' on Littleton council

> Candidate profile: Paul Bingham, longstanding Littleton watchdog, eyes council seat

> Candidate profile: Stephen Barr wants to bring public-service experience to Littleton council

> Candidate profile: Candice Ferguson strives to center human voices on Littleton council

> Candidate profile: Patrick Driscoll seeks to champion sales tax increase on Littleton council

> Candidate forum: Littleton council candidates talk growth, development

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Election 2021: Littleton to vote on sales tax increase

3A would raise rate by 0.75%, first hike in nearly 50 years

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Election 2021: Littleton to vote on sales tax increase

3A would raise rate by 0.75%, first hike in nearly 50 years

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