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Boulder council weighs modest property-tax increase option ahead of FY27 budget work session
Summary
Council members discussed Truth in Taxation options after a briefing that Boulder could raise property-tax revenue up to $20,000 without full TNT procedures (current certified tax rate 0.000192 yields roughly $6,960'$7,000). The council deferred decisions to an April 20 budget work session and emphasized clear public communication.
Council members discussed the mechanics and optics of a possible modest property-tax increase during the April 7 meeting as staff and an outside advisor outlined the legal framework and likely household impacts.
Mayor Cheryl Cox opened the briefing and invited Roger Carter of the Five County Association of Governments to summarize statutory options. Carter said because Boulder's current property-tax revenue falls below $20,000 the town may elect to increase its certified tax rate up to that threshold without conducting the full Truth in Taxation procedures; exceeding $20,000 would trigger standard TNT requirements. He estimated the town's certified tax rate at 0.000192, generating roughly $6,960'$7,000 annually, and illustrated per-household impacts at different revenue levels (about $10.56 at $10,000 total revenue; $31.75 at $15,000; $52.00 at $20,000).
Council members debated optics and transparency. Council Member John Veranth raised concerns that an early tax increase by a newly constituted council could be viewed poorly and urged clear public communications. Council Member Lacy Allen emphasized transparency and questioned whether the funds are necessary; Council Member Tina Karlsson suggested the town could voluntarily hold a public hearing even if TNT procedures were not required. The Mayor noted the town's rainy-day fund is being drawn down by about $20,000'$30,000 annually, reinforcing the need to consider revenue options.
Why it matters: any change in property-tax revenue affects household costs and municipal services. The council deferred final decisions to the April 20 special budget work session and noted a letter to the County Clerk likely would be required by May 1 if the town proceeds.
Next steps: the council will continue budget deliberations on April 20, coordinate with the County Auditor for timing, and prepare any necessary notices if they elect to raise revenue toward the $20,000 threshold.
