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Gunnison County commissioners refer 0.50% sales-tax increase for roads and bridges to Nov. 3 ballot
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved two resolutions to support and refer a 0.50% countywide sales tax — estimated to raise about $3.39 million in year one — to the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot to fund roads, bridges, transportation projects and public safety, with exemptions for residential utilities and most groceries.
The Gunnison County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously July 21 to place a countywide 0.50% sales tax increase before voters on the Nov. 3, 2026 general election ballot, authorization the board described as necessary to address a $38 million backlog of deferred road and bridge maintenance.
Assistant County Manager for Public Works Martin Schmidt told the board the proposed half-percent increase is intended to be dedicated exclusively to roads, bridges and related transportation infrastructure and public safety. The referral resolution (No. 2026-27) includes ballot language estimating first-year revenue of $3,388,719 and sets an anticipated start date of Jan. 1, 2027; it exempts residential utilities and most groceries as drafted.
Why it matters: county staff cited an independent 2025 engineering assessment saying only about 36% of county roads are in good condition and warned that deterioration accelerates without preventive investment. The board’s support resolution (No. 2026-26) encourages voters to approve the measure and frames the tax as a way to preserve infrastructure, improve safety and leverage state and federal grant matches that often require local funds.
Legal and procedural steps: County Attorney Matthew Hoyt noted TABOR (Article X, Section 20) requires voter approval for new taxes and that the Clerk must receive required notices; the board certified the ballot question and directed staff to provide required election materials to the Clerk and Recorder. The referral resolution instructs the Clerk to deliver a copy to the Colorado Department of Revenue if the measure passes and contemplates the state department’s role in tax collection and enforcement.
Board action: Commissioners Houck and Smith introduced and seconded the motions to approve both the supportive resolution and the referral. Both motions carried unanimously (Houck — yes; Smith — yes; Puckett Daniels — absent).
