This one does just what it says. Lower property taxes on multifamily housing and lodging properties.
But our beloved statehouse changed the effects of this measure when they were in session. Seems to be a case of dirty pool here. A group of volunteers collect signatures to get the voters to decide, but then our representatives decide it actually will do this instead.
Despite the under the table moves, I am still voting to lower our taxes. Colorado needs to trim their spending. Way too many expensive and ineffective programs out there.
Thomas Sowell: There are no solutions, just trade-offs.
I read through this bill and the for and against statement. Since it doesn't help single-family residences but benefits multi-family housing only, and would harm our rural fire districts, I'm voting no on this one.
The Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District covers 52 square miles in Jefferson County and operates on a $1.5 million annual budget.
That budget is responsible for providing all of the needs for five fire stations, 15 emergency vehicles, and a small paid staff.
Over the past 30 years, the area’s call volume has doubled, though, and the equipment is quickly aging.
“The vast majority of our budget, over 90%, comes from our residential tax space. We have very little commercial development within our area,” said Dan Hatlestad, the battalion chief.
If Prop. 120 were to pass and the lawsuit were successful, the fire district would see a significant cut to its annual budget. Hatlestad says that would result in the elimination of some services.
Nearby fire districts are dealing with similar constraints. Indian Hills Fire and Rescue operates on a $425,000 annual budget and says it has cut corners anywhere it can, including rebuilding vehicle engines rather than trying to buy new equipment.
However, the fire chiefs say there are only so many places to cut before response times slow.
“When it comes to emergency services, people really need to ask themselves, especially in these rural communities that were living off that mill levy in that tax base, are they willing to skip on that?” said Damian Difeo from Golden Gate Fire, which covers 50 square miles.
So, they are asking people to vote no on Prop. 120.
"Now, more than ever, the illusions of division threaten our very existence. We all know the truth: more connects us than separates us. But in times of crisis the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe.” -King T'Challa, Black Panther
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it. ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. ~Winston Churchill
This one does just what it says. Lower property taxes on multifamily housing and lodging properties.
