Commission schedules Nov. 4 special election on raising rural health care sales tax to 1%

The Grand County Commission unanimously approved a resolution to place a countywide ballot question on the November 4 special election asking registered voters whether to raise the rural county health‑care sales and use tax from 0.5% to 1.0%. The motion (Commissioner McCandless; second Commissioner McGahn) directed placement of ballot language that lists intended uses for the additional revenue, including funding for the Canyonlands Health Services special service district, a long‑term care facility in the county, the Grand County Emergency Medical Services Special Service District and the local fire district.

Commission staff said election costs are budgeted and estimated to be under $15,000 because no primary was required this year. Commissioners discussed the distribution framework: state statute lists eligible activities (EMS, ambulance, solid‑waste support, law enforcement, fire protection and avalanche forecasting), but the resolution also includes local entities the commission favored for allocations. County Attorney clarified that the statute (59‑12‑802) identifies eligible uses and that the commission must approve final allocations after voter approval; the statute also requires subsequent county legislative action to finalize imposition and allocations.

Several commissioners said the sales‑tax approach is preferable to a direct property‑tax increase because it shifts a portion of the burden to visitors and non‑residents who spend locally. Others raised concerns about timing and the local cost of living. Commissioners asked that campaign outreach and financial scenarios be prepared by the supporting entities before the fall election. The resolution passed unanimously.

Ending: The commission’s vote places the question before county voters on Nov. 4; if voters approve the measure it must still receive the county legislative body’s action to implement the tax and direct allocations.