Fort Collins voters decided by a wide margin Tuesday to approve a $56 million tax measure to help fund a host of city projects.
Also, Larimer County voters considered whether to loosen term-limits on various elected positions, including sheriff and county commissioners.
City officials touted the Building on Basics tax package – dubbed BOB – as a boost to improve infrastructure and make upgrades to city facilities.
Voters responded by passing the measure by more than 70 percent of the vote.
“We had a lot of interaction with the community, and I think we came up with a balanced package of programs that people appreciated,” said Fort Collins Mayor Doug Hutchinson.
Voters were asked to approve the renewal of the city’s quarter- cent sales-and-use tax dedicated to capital projects for 10 years. In all, the proposal will generate $5.6 million annually for 13 projects.
The majority of the money will go toward roads and intersections ($24 million) and upgrades to cultural and recreation facilities (more than $22 million). The Lincoln Center, which has hosted cultural events in Fort Collins for 27 years, will get a $5 million makeover, officials said.
An additional $2 million will be set aside for Fort Collins’ bicycle routes and new mass-transit system.
Larimer County’s measure to loosen term limits for most elected officials from two four-year terms to three was failing by 712 votes with all but two precincts reporting Tuesday night. A similar measure failed in 2001.
Proponents of Issue 1A say term limits should not be clamped on local officials, who gain needed experience and statewide influence the longer they stay in office.
Opponents say term limits are popular among most residents and are needed to keep elected officials from becoming too comfortable in their jobs.
“I expect that voters will look at it no differently than previous efforts to remove term limits and vote it down,” said Larimer County Commissioner Karen Wagner.
Staff writer Monte Whaley can be reached at 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com.
