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Clear Creek commissioners continue work on public‑safety financing; staff to refine options ahead of possible November ballot
Summary
Clear Creek County commissioners on Jan. 21 continued strategic discussions about financing public safety, asking staff to prepare cost estimates, public‑opinion work and legal timelines ahead of any decision about placing a sales‑tax or property‑tax measure on a November ballot.
The board spent substantial time Jan. 21 discussing ways to shore up funding for public‑safety services: fire protection, Clear Creek EMS (including the possibility of a third ambulance), and sheriff services.
County staff said the county has engaged a consultant (WER Communications) and intends to complete public‑opinion research and a financial model to support any recommendation. Staff noted that a countywide sales tax measure would require countywide approval and that a property tax (mill levy) or an Emergency Services General Improvement District (ESGID) could be limited to unincorporated areas; each option has tradeoffs for equitable distribution, legal process and expected revenue.
County Attorney Peter and County Manager Brian briefed the board on election timing and statutory requirements: if the county were to pursue a ballot measure for November, the board would need to begin drafting and vetting ballot language and notify the clerk of intent by summer; final ballot language typically must be submitted weeks before the election for ballot preparation and TABOR (Taxpayer Bill of Rights) materials.
Commissioners discussed alternative revenue options cited by staff'including increases in lodging tax (legislative change would be required to raise the county cap), excise taxes and revising traffic fines or other fees. Commissioners also raised coordination with Evergreen and other municipalities about how funding might be shared for services that cross jurisdictional lines. No formal action was taken; the board asked staff to continue work and to present clear cost estimates and a timeline for any potential measure.
Why it matters: Clear Creek faces a multi‑million‑dollar general fund shortfall and rising emergency‑service costs. The board framed the issue as a long‑lead strategic decision that requires precise cost estimates, community polling and legal review before committing to ballot language.
Next steps: Staff will refine revenue estimates, complete survey work with the consultant, reach out to Evergreen Fire and other local partners, and bring draft ballot options and legal timelines to the board for future action.
