Boulder council members told county staff they support the goal of expanding behavioral‑health services but urged caution about a proposed county sales tax measure that would raise funds for services, calling for more planning, clearer governance and assurance Boulder would receive proportionate benefit.

At the study session, Mayor John Brockett said he supported the policy aim but emphasized the need to use any ballot proceeds for transformative investments. “I would hope that it would be implemented in ways that were transformative, that met some of the most acute needs in our community,” Brockett said.

Council feedback clustered around three issues: timing and scope, distribution/governance, and funding mechanism. Several council members — including Council Member Matt Benjamin and Council Member Mark Wallach — said a one‑time $15 million figure being discussed by county leaders would not be large enough to deliver a transformational system change and recommended additional analysis and outreach before asking voters to approve a tax. Wallach also said polling and past local votes show variability in support depending on tax type and urged evidence that a sales tax would pass.

Equity and regressivity were recurring concerns. Council members pointed out that a sales tax is paid by people across income levels and questioned whether taxing groceries was appropriate. Several members preferred a property tax in principle as a more progressive mechanism, but acknowledged earlier polling suggested a property tax increase would not pass. Others argued the county proposal could be valuable now because federal and state cuts are imminent and the community faces rising need.

Procedural request: staff asked whether council wanted comments forwarded to the county as the county finalizes draft ballot language. Several council members suggested the county should slow the timetable to allow more stakeholder work and for the plan to be more detailed and auditable. Council Member Marquis and others said they would be willing to partner with county leaders, but asked for clearer assurances on how the funds would be governed and how Boulder would be served proportionally.

No formal city action was taken at the study session; staff asked whether council wanted comments forwarded to county staff and commissioners. The council’s comments will be transmitted as requested; the county’s next public hearings and ballot decisions are on the county’s calendar and not controlled by the city.