Lakewood City Council Proposes Permanent Lift of TABOR Limits for Extra Sales Tax Revenue
Council Member Stewart Advocates for Stable Funding to Improve City Infrastructure and Services
According to CBS NEWS, the Lakewood City Council has decided to put a measure on the ballot that would make the current lift of TABOR (Taxpayer Bill of Rights) limits permanent. This measure lets Lakewood keep extra sales tax revenue beyond TABOR’s limits but it is set to end next year. The council wants voters to decide in November if they want to extend this policy forever. City Council member Rebekah Stewart who heads the Budget and Audit Committee says stable funding is crucial for improving the city’s aging infrastructure and services.
Since Lakewood lifted TABOR limits in 2017 the city has used the extra revenue—about $8 million each year—for important services like parks public safety and road repairs. Stewart points out that this funding is vital for keeping city services running smoothly and assures residents that how the money is used will stay the same. She believes that making the exemption permanent will provide the city with predictable funding and help in planning for the future, despite concerns about how this might affect taxpayers down the road.
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8 Million in Annual Revenue at Stake: Lakewood City Council to Put TABOR Limit Extension Measure on November Ballot! (PHOTO: CBS News)
Opponents Raise Concerns Over Permanent TABOR Exemption; Voters to Have Final Say
Some people like TABOR rights activist Natalie Menten and community member Wendy Schrader oppose the measure. Menten thinks making the exemption permanent removes future voters’ ability to decide on the issue. Schrader is concerned that residents might prefer direct refunds over investing the money in city projects. Stewart argues that using the funds for community improvements is more valuable than small refunds. In the end voters will decide the measure’s fate in the upcoming election.
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