Severance council weighs November 2025 ballot items: sales tax to replace transportation fee, lodging tax, charter review

Severance Mayor Matthew Friess and town staff on April 22 opened a broad discussion about items the council might place on the November 2025 ballot, including a renewed sales-tax measure intended to repeal the town’s temporary transportation utility fee, a lodging tax to capture revenue from hotels and short‑term rentals, and targeted changes or clarifications to the town’s home rule charter.

The council moved quickly from process and timing to policy. Town manager (Mr.) Wharton told the council the town must hold an election in November because of a two‑year term that will be filled by the candidate with the fewest votes; he said it costs the same to add ballot questions once the election is scheduled, which prompted the hour‑long discussion of what to include.

Why it matters: the transportation utility fee is a temporary charge created to fund immediate road work without drawing down the general fund. The fee is scheduled to sunset; staff said repeating the ballot ask could stabilize road funding long term if voters approve a permanent sales and use tax. Council members said a renewed campaign would require clearer ballot language and more public education than the prior campaign, which failed.

Legal and procedural…