Three to grow on: brains, planes & automobiles

If you feel like you’re shelling out more money lately, well, you’re right. In addition to last year’s sewer measure, local property owners are looking at an increase of about $200 a year in taxes to fund schools, roads, bridges and the airport.

Although this may seem a tough bill to swallow, breaking it down monthly is much more manageable at about $17. Most of us spend more than that at lunch or parking.

Also consider that La Plata County is growing, and as much as some of us would like to throw up a “no vacancy” sign, it’s just not possible. If you build it, they will come. And if you don’t build it, they will still come. Probably because, despite the proposed increases, La Plata County’s mill levy is still among the lowest in the state and the nation.

All this and, of course, it’s a pretty awesome place to live. Let’s keep it that way.

Ballot Issue 3A: School District 9-R

In a nutshell: A 1.2 mill levy increase, adding $45/year on a $500,000 home.

The $1.7 million generated a year will be spent for General Fund purposes which will allow all 9-R schools, including charters, to maintain and invest in such things as: college and workforce readiness programs; small class size; and safe, effective and innovative learning and infrastructure.

Background: Thanks to some legislative budget-balancing voodoo and the ominous sounding “negative factor” schools across the state are struggling to make ends meet. A statewide ballot initiative to help close the gap created by the negative factor (basically the difference between what schools can budget for and what the state gives them) was scrapped at the last minute. As a result, School District 9-R, which has lost about $32 million since 2010, including $4.8 million this year alone, took matters into its own hands with 3A.

Although voters passed a funding stopgap in 2010, those

funds can only be used for three things: retaining quality staff, keeping class sizes small and technology. According to district officials, other needs are piling up fast, forcing 9-R to tap into reserves, make cuts and freeze salaries. Last year, the district cut 24 positions.

Yay or Nay: Yay. When budgets tighten, things like arts, music, vocational training, technology and teacher pay are the first to go out the window. Our kids – and teach- ers – deserve better. Worried it amounts to a blank check? School Board meetings are open to the public. Get involved and hold leaders accountable.

Ballot Issue 1A: Roads & Bridges

In a nutshell: A 2.4 mill levy increase, adding $96/year on a $500,000 home. Tax will sunset in 10 years. The tax increase will generate $4.5 million in 2017.

Background: After coming up short last November, the La Plata County Board of Commissioners approved bringing the road and bridge tax back to voters.

La Plata County has 653 miles of county roads over 1,700 square miles; with twice as many graveled as paved. However, the list of needed road and bridge projects has grown in recent years due to a decline of natural gas revenues. Every upgrade and maintenance project the funds would be used for is on the county website at: co.laplata. co.us. In addition, spending will be overseen by an independent Citizens Advisory Committee.
Yay or Nay: Yay. Yes, we know, more money. But when  you consider that maintaining roads is far cheaper than re- building a railed road, this measure make sense. And if it helps save lives in the process, then there’s really no arguing.

Ballot Issue 1B: Airport Improvements

In a nutshell: A $40.4 million increase in the mill levy (rate to be determined each year) to finance airport im- provements over 20 years, with repayment of $64.4 mil- lion. Estimated to cost $63/year on a $500,000 home.

Background: This tax increase will help pay for a new terminal and other improvements at the Durango – La Plata County Airport. According to supporters, the terminal at DRO was built 30 years ago to accommodate half the current passenger load. At peak times, every element of the facility, including space for aircraft, baggage handling and passengers, functions at Service Level “F” as measured by the FAA. (For details, see the DRO Master Plan at: sites.jviation.com/dro/) The FAA is also expected to pitch in an additional $35 million to $40 million. There is no sunset on the tax, but the county is required to pay off the loan in 20 years.

Yay or Nay: Yay. C’mon people, we have seen this one coming down the runway for a long time. When you con- sider that overall, we are a tourist destination, doesn’t it make sense to improve that which facilitates the travel of said tourists (not to mention businesses.) With airlines up- grading to larger planes, the problem will only get worse. And who knows? Maybe you’ll end up saving that $62 a year on more competitive airfares.