Cripple Creek residents will vote next month on whether to pass a sales tax increase that will fund the “continuation and expansion” of career and technical programs within the district.
The Cripple Creek-Victor RE-1 School District will raise a 1% sales tax to fund construction, trade, culinary and other funding programs, according to the wording of a ballot question submitted to voters in the Nov. 7 adjustment election. I’m looking for. Arts and Adult Education Certification Opportunities.
If passed, the tax increase would go into effect for a limited time on January 1 and end by December 31, 2027, according to the ballot.
School district officials say raising sales taxes instead of requesting an increase in the mill levy would help voters who want to support their educational needs because rising assessed values ​​are already causing unprecedented increases in property taxes. It is said that it may be more preferable for
The one-time sales tax collection model made voters aware of its specific uses, such as when Caring Communities generated additional funds for the Aspen Mining Center, according to School Board President Mary Beerts. , has proven successful in the past. It is the fact that there was a “sunset date”.
Those in favor of the levy say the tourism industry will also contribute to the fund as tourists shop at local establishments.
The new trade and vocational training facility, officially called the CC/V Building Trades Mini-Factory, was built with the help of a $1.5 million state grant, but in addition to future operating costs, the new trade and vocational training facility will start at $300,000. Program costs, estimated at $500,000, must also be covered. officials said.
City Councilman Tom Litherland opposes the measure, believing the district should instead ask district-wide voters to increase the mill levy.
Voters will also decide on two seats in Wards 4 and 5 and a new mayor.
With former Mayor Milford Ashworth recently stepping down and not seeking re-election, there are three candidates for the mayor’s seat: Annie Durham, Les Batson, and former Mayor Pro Tem-turned-Interim Mayor Missy Trenary. are fighting.
Incumbent 5th Ward Councilman Jared Bowman is seeking re-election to the seat he won in a special recall election.
The vacant District 4 seat will be filled by Tom Litherland due to term limits. There are no candidates in District 4, so voters can submit write-in candidates.
Click or tap to view sample ballots for District 4 and District 5.
Sonja Oliver of Pikes Peak Courier contributed to this report.
