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Survey shows support for 1.5% use tax rises after explanation; council directs staff to draft ballot language
Summary
A Mellan Strategies poll of 636 Monument voters found support for a proposed 1.5% use tax rose from about 39% (uninformed) to about 64% after voters were given information tying revenues to roads and the Jackson Creek Parkway project; council directed staff to prepare ballot language and public education materials with an August procedural deadline noted.
Courtney Severs, a consultant with Mellan Strategies, told the Monument Town Council Monday that a May 13–19 survey of 636 registered Monument voters (margin of error ±3.76%) found initial, uninformed support for a 1.5 percentage-point increase in the town's use tax at about 39%. After respondents read six short informational prompts about how revenue would be used, support climbed roughly 25 points to about 64%.
Severs said the strongest messages that increased support explained that (1) the revenue would be dedicated to roads, streets and bridge maintenance only; (2) the measure would allow the town to complete the Jackson Creek Parkway widening; and (3) developers and builders would bear most of the tax burden because many construction materials are purchased out of state. The survey also found that trust and fiscal accountability were the largest vulnerabilities for the measure.
Council members asked Severs about sampling, turnout assumptions and timing. Staff noted the statutory cutoff for ballot placement is in August and that the council would retain final approval of ballot language. Several council members urged an outreach and education campaign if the council formally places the measure on November's ballot; others asked for the exact proposed wording before any formal vote.
The meeting record shows council consensus to direct staff to draft ballot language and accompanying educational materials, publish survey results, and proceed with preparation (no formal ballot-adoption vote was taken at Monday's meeting). The consent agenda earlier in the meeting included a separate $56,538 street-maintenance equipment purchase that council approved 7–0.
The next steps for the council are to review the exact ballot text and any required resolutions before formally submitting the measure for the November ballot and to approve any public-education materials consistent with town rules (staff noted the town may educate but cannot advocate for yes or no on a ballot question).
