Proposition LL

Proposition LL allows the State of Colorado to keep and spend $12.4 million in tax revenue that has already been collected for the Healthy School Meals for All Program. It maintains current state income tax limits on households earning $300,000 or more per year.

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Proposition LL would continue to fund free breakfast and lunch for all public school students in kindergarten through twelfth grade, increase wages for school food service employees, and help schools use fresh, nutritious ingredients, including Colorado-grown products.

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Read this article in The Colorado Sun for additional context.

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Proposition MM

Proposition MM would provide additional funding for school meal programs statewide so that all children have access to breakfast and lunch at school. It also allocates funding for the employees who prepare and serve these meals.

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This additional funding would help offset reduced federal SNAP benefits, which have dropped for many low-income families to as little as $29 per month.

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Proposition MM would apply only to individuals earning more than $300,000 annually, resulting in an average additional tax of about $486 per year, or roughly 0.00162% of income.

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Both Proposition LL and Proposition MM work together to ensure Colorado students have access to healthy meals and that schools have the staff and resources needed to provide them.

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La Plata County Ballot Issue 1A​

La Plata County is seeking a one cent sales tax increase beginning January 1, 2026. The tax is expected to raise about $18 million in its first full year, with revenue dedicated to sustaining and improving quality of life for county residents.​​

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Funds would be used for:

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• Constructing, maintaining, and improving county roads, bridges, public buildings, and other infrastructure to ensure safety and reliability

• Supporting law enforcement and other public safety services

• Preparing for and responding to wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters

• Providing programs and support for veterans, seniors, at-risk children, and families

• Preserving and enhancing county services as community needs evolve

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We endorse Ballot Issue 1A as a critical investment in the infrastructure and services that sustain La Plata County’s quality of life. The proposal strengthens long-term funding for public safety, road maintenance, and essential county operations that support both residents and local businesses.

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You can learn more about the Ballot Measure by visiting their website: onecentlaplata.com

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Bayfield Ballot Issue 2B​​​

The Town of Bayfield is asking voters to approve a 1% increase in the town sales tax starting January 1, 2026. The new tax would generate about $600,000 per year (and could grow with sales over time). All funds would go into the Town’s General Fund but could only be used for park and recreation projects.

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Bayfield Ballot Issue 2C​

The Town of Bayfield is asking voters to approve a 4% accommodations tax on short-term rentals such as hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfasts, RV or camping spaces, and cabins. The tax would apply to stays of 30 days or less within the town limits. The new tax is expected to generate about $20,000 per year to start (and could grow with visitor spending). All funds collected would be used to support affordable and community housing, economic development, and other related municipal expenses.​

 

Durango Fire Protection District Ballot Issue 7A​

The Durango Fire Protection District (DFPD) is asking voters to approve an additional property tax of up to 4.45 mills, which would raise about $2.95 million in 2025 (for collection in 2026) and continue annually thereafter. Revenue from this measure would fund fire protection, emergency medical services, and other operational expenses within the Durango Fire Protection District.

 

This new tax would only take effect if City of Durango voters also approve the matching Ballot Measure 2A (increasing property tax for fire protection and emergency services within city limits).

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City of Durango Ballot Issue 2A

Because the City of Durango contracts with the Durango Fire Protection District to provide fire and emergency services, both the City and the District must receive voter approval for the proposed property tax increases.

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Ballot Issue 2A applies to properties within city limits, while Ballot Issue 7A applies to properties within the Durango Fire Protection District but outside city limits.

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If both measures are approved, the coordinated 4.45-mill property tax increase will take effect, ensuring consistent funding for fire protection and emergency medical services across the entire service area.

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Upper Pine Fire District Ballot Issue 7B

The Upper Pine River Fire Protection District is asking voters to approve up to a 1% sales tax beginning July 1, 2026.

 

The tax would apply to most purchases within the district, excluding items exempt from state sales tax such as groceries, prescription drugs, diapers, feminine hygiene products, farm equipment, machinery, and school-related activities.

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The new tax is expected to raise about $490,000 in its first full year, with funds used to:

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• Provide adequate staffing to meet increasing emergency call volumes

• Invest in firefighter and EMS training and staff retention

• Maintain and replace fire and EMS equipment and vehicles

• Upgrade firefighter safety gear and tools

• Improve and equip current and future fire stations to maintain prompt response times​​

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Durango Hills Road Improvement District Ballot Issue 6A

The Durango Hills Road Improvement District No. 1 is asking voters to waive the 5.25% property tax revenue growth limit for all future years, beginning January 1, 2026.

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This measure would not increase the current tax rate or mill levy. It would simply allow the district to collect, retain, and spend all revenue generated from existing taxes, other revenue sources, and investment earnings without being restricted by state revenue and spending limits under Colorado’s TABOR law.

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Funds would continue to be used to support and maintain district services.

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