2017 Ballot Issue 2A – Open Space Tax Extension

INITIATIVE PASSED

Ballot Issue 2A – Open Space Tax Extension
Read the full text of Resolution 2017-42 approved by City Council

Background:
In 1999, Lafayette voters authorized a .25% increase in the City's sales and use tax rate for the acquisition of land for use as dedicated open space. This "Legacy Open Space Tax" was extended by Lafayette voters in 2003 and 2012, and in addition to using the tax funds for open space acquisition, voters approved use of the funds for maintenance of open space properties. The Legacy Open Space Tax is set to expire on December 31, 2024. To date, the Legacy Open Space Tax has allowed the City to acquire 1,298 acres of open space property. An additional 587 acres has been identified for future purchases.

What is being proposed:
In order to finance the purchase of large parcels of open space, the City must be able to guarantee an on-going revenue stream. Issue 2A is proposing to convert the Legacy Open Space Tax to a permanent source of revenue by extending the tax indefinitely and providing a solid backing for future open space land purchases. Because this ballot issue is proposing a permanent extension of the existing tax, this is not a new tax for Lafayette taxpayers.

Official Ballot Wording for Issue 2A – Open Space Tax Extension:
WITHOUT INCREASING ANY TAX RATE, SHALL THE CITY OF LAFAYETTE'S EXISTING 0.25% SALES AND USE TAX FOR OPEN SPACE, KNOWN AS THE LEGACY TAX OR AS THE LEGACY OPEN SPACE TAX, THAT IS CURRENTLY SCHEDULED TO EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31, 2024, BE EXTENDED INDEFINITELY, WITH THE REVENUE FROM THE LEGACY OPEN SPACE TAX TO CONTINUE TO BE USED SPECIFICALLY (1) FOR THE PURPOSE OF ACQUISITION BY THE CITY OF LAND FOR USE AS OPEN SPACE, WITH THE DECISION AS TO WHAT PARTICULAR PARCELS OF LAND, IN WHAT LOCATIONS, AND IN WHAT PRIORITY TO BE MADE BY THE CITY COUNCIL; AND (2) FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAINTENANCE BY THE CITY OF ITS OPEN SPACE LANDS, AND, IN CONJUNCTION THEREWITH, TO PAY BONDS OR MULTIPLE-FISCAL YEAR FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS FOR EITHER OF SUCH PURPOSES; AND WITH THE REVENUE FROM THE LEGACY OPEN SPACE TAX AND ANY INVESTMENT EARNINGS THEREON TO CONSTITUTE A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE AND SPENDING CHANGE UNDER, TO BE COLLECTED AND SPENT EACH YEAR WITHOUT LIMITATION BY THE REVENUE AND SPENDING LIMITS OF, AND WITHOUT LIMITING THE COLLECTION OR SPENDING OF OTHER REVENUES OR FUNDS BY THE CITY UNDER, ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION OR ANY OTHER LAW?