Board backs intent to offset Chaffee County Fire mill levy in draft ballot language

Trustees discussed proposed ballot language related to the Chaffee County Fire district and confirmed the board's intent to ensure town residents are not double‑taxed when the district seeks an operational mill levy.

Brian and legal (Jeff) explained the complexity of mill‑rate language, the difference between the town's authorized mill levy and the current effective mill rate, and constraints imposed by TABOR and statutory growth limits. The proposed approach would reduce the town's authorized mill levy by an amount substantially equal to the district's operational levy so that residents would be represented by the fire district rather than paying both assessments without a local vote.

Nut graf: Trustees endorsed the concept of permanently reducing the town's authorized mill levy to offset the district's operational mill levy while guarding against language that would inadvertently handcuff future boards or preclude future ballot options; the board directed staff and legal to continue working with Chaffee County Fire to finalize ballot language.

Trustee discussion emphasized clarity for voters and preserving the town's future flexibility. Trustees moved and the board directed staff to work with the fire district and counsel to finalize language for forthcoming public hearings and formal resolutions prior to placing any question on the ballot.

Ending: Staff and legal will continue to coordinate with Chaffee County Fire on precise ballot wording and will bring back refined language and an implementation plan; the board did not commit to the final text at this meeting.