Westminster Maintains Lowest Property Tax Among Comparable Cities While Relying on Sales Tax

Westminster City Council officials highlighted the city's unique funding structure during the recent Neighborhood Streets & Emergency Services Town Hall, emphasizing the significant role of sales tax in the city's budget. With a sales tax rate of 3.85%, Westminster remains competitive compared to neighboring cities, while boasting the lowest property tax rate in the region at just 3.65 mills.

For residents with a $500,000 home, this translates to an annual property tax payment of approximately $108, which funds essential services such as fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and police. In contrast, homeowners in Northglenn, which has a property tax rate of over 26 mills, would pay nearly $800 for similar services.

City officials clarified that property taxes are collected by the county, not the city, and that Westminster's low property tax rate is partly due to the absence of separate fire districts, which many neighboring cities have. These districts impose additional mill rates that contribute to higher property taxes in those areas.

The meeting also addressed the overall sales tax contributions from residents, which include both city and county taxes. In Adams County, the total sales tax rate is 8.6%, while in Jefferson County, it stands at 8.35%. This indicates that while sales tax is the primary revenue source for Westminster, it is only a portion of the total tax burden residents face when shopping locally.

The discussions underscored the city's commitment to providing comprehensive services at a low cost to residents, positioning Westminster as an attractive place to live in terms of tax rates and public services. As the city continues to navigate its funding strategies, officials remain focused on maintaining this balance to support community needs effectively.