Boulder County commissioners refer 0.15% sales tax for behavioral health to voters after debate on priorities and oversight

Boulder County commissioners voted Aug. 19 to refer a proposed 0.15% sales and use tax for behavioral health services to the ballot, approving a resolution that sets program categories, initial funding percentages and a required evaluation before any extension. The vote followed two weeks of public testimony and hours of discussion at the dais about service priorities, spending mechanics and accountability.

The measure would levy 0.15% in sales and use tax for five years; staff and commissioners agreed to an amended referral that lists five funding categories — crisis response (originally 20%), treatment services (40%), recovery supports (25%), navigation (5%) and prevention (10%) — and that directs staff to establish an advisory council and an evaluation process before any extension is considered. The board amended the draft to increase navigation and to add provisions requiring a periodic evaluation to inform any decision about continuing or adjusting the tax.

Why it matters: County staff and community groups said…