GREELEY, Colo. — The Greeley City Council decided at a July work session not to advance any proposed revenue measures to the November 2025 ballot after reviewing a June poll that showed narrow, margin‑of‑error support for several 0.5% tax proposals.

The decision followed a presentation by staff member Kaylen Myers and Alex Dunn, a polling consultant with Aspect Strategic, who presented results from a June survey of 600 city residents (margin of error about 4%) that tested four 0.5% tax concepts estimated to generate $12 million to $14 million annually: a public safety increase; a housing and homelessness measure; a combined public safety and homeless‑solutions measure; and an economic development measure.

The poll put the combined public safety and public health measure highest at roughly 56% overall support, public safety alone at about 53%, housing and homelessness at about 51%, and economic development at roughly 42%, but Dunn repeatedly cautioned that the top three results fall within the survey’s margin of error and that the poll surveyed all residents rather than only likely voters.

Dunn said the survey split respondents so individuals heard only two proposals each, and that the polling team worked with the city’s counsel to craft TABOR‑compliant ballot titles. “These proposals could actually, in reality, be 5 or 6 points higher or lower,” Dunn told the council, adding that the survey found the housing and homelessness item produced the most “intensity” of support among its backers. He warned that odd‑year electorates tend to be older and more tax‑averse, which could reduce support among likely voters.

Council discussion centered on which menu of services each measure would fund and whether the city could credibly promise specific projects, such as a year‑round emergency shelter. Councilor McDonald pressed for clarity on the split of funds in the combined measure and whether the proposal would affect the city’s existing 0.16% public safety tax. City staff said the 0.16% tax, which generates about $5 million a year, is separate and would not be reduced by a new measure.

“If you were to proceed with the combined measure … we can make that work within the funding,” staff said when asked about shelter funding, noting programming details (for example, whether the shelter would operate nights‑only or 24/7) could be adjusted during budgeting.

Mayor Pro Tem Hall and several council members cited the uncertain economy and low expected turnout in an odd‑year election as reasons to avoid placing a tax increase before voters now. Council comment ranged from urging continued outreach and transparency to saying the timing is wrong given current financial conditions.

The council chair asked for consensus on advancing the four options. There was no consensus to advance the economic development measure, no consensus to advance housing and homelessness alone, and no consensus to advance public safety alone. A tie in support for the combined public safety and homeless solutions measure remained 3–3; the absent council member’s communicated preference (reported to the mayor) did not change the result. The chair concluded, “There was not consensus to advance any of them.”

The council did not take a formal vote to place or defeat a ballot referral; the meeting record shows a consensus decision not to move any referral forward at this time. Dunn recommended, if the council does pursue a ballot measure in the future, advancing a single proposal and not exceeding the 0.5% rate tested in the poll to preserve the tested messaging and avoid surprise effects on support.

Council members also discussed election strategy and the importance of community engagement and accountability structures (citizen oversight and revenue reporting) to bolster voter confidence, a point Dunn said polling has repeatedly shown to improve receptivity.

Looking ahead, staff said they will continue budget planning and public outreach and that the council can revisit the question later in the year or next year, noting external economic developments could change voter sentiment.

Sources: Presentation and Q&A at the Greeley City Council work session, July 2025; polling presentation by Alex Dunn, Aspect Strategic; staff presentation by Kaylen Myers.