HomeMy WebLinkAbout1270 - A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE CITY OF BOULDER'S 2019 BALLOT MEASURE 2H, SALES AND USE TAX EXTENSION FOR OPEN SPACE AND LONG'S GARDENS RESOLUTION 1270
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE CITY OF BOULDER'S 2019
BALLOT MEASURE 2H, SALES AND USE TAX EXTENSION FOR
OPEN SPACE AND LONG'S GARDENS.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOULDER, COLORADO FINDS AND
RECITES THAT:
1. In 2013 the City Council reduced tax funding for open space based on the
understanding that with bond payments being completed and fewer acquisitions necessary,
tax funding could be used in other areas.
2. Between 2013 and the present, the open space system has seen a dramatic increase in
visitors. Visitors to Boulder open space exceed the number of visitors to Rocky Mountain
National Park.
3. This increase in usage has created and contributed to significant additional maintenance
needs that cannot be met with existing financial resources. Open space currently has over $40
million in unmet maintenance needs.
4. The proposed tax extension, which will not increase Boulder sales tax, will produce
approximately$5.3 million per year. This funding is essential to maintaining,preserving, and
restoring the city's precious open space.
5. The tax may also be used to acquire additional open space. The city has been offered
the opportunity to purchase a conservation easement to preserve Long's Gardens.
6. Long's Gardens is a valuable resource in the heart of our community. Preserving Long's
Gardens will give future generations the opportunity to enjoy the irreplaceable gem.
7. The proposed ballot measure would allocate the first year's tax revenues to purchasing a
conservation easement at Long's Gardens.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BOULDER:
The Boulder City Council hereby supports and urges a YES vote on Ballot Measure 2H,which
will appear on the November 5, 2019 election ballot.
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ADOPTED this 1st day of October 2019.
CITY OF BOULDER, COLORADO
Mir -
Suzanne Jones, M I•
Attest: L.,
Ly eck
City Clerk
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