The Ridge at Fox Run

Taxing District

The following is an article from the June 28, 1999 issue of The Gazette

Taxing district proposed to improve Baptist Road

Few residents would have say on vital project

By Pam Zubeck/The Gazette
Story editor Cliff Foster; headline by Joel Millman

MONUMENT - It's easy to feel like your vote doesn't count. Millions of ballots are cast in a presidential election; many thousands in a county race.

However, just one vote could tip the scales on a possible Nov. 2 ballot question that could have a profound impact on transportation and growth in northern El Paso County.

That's because a handful of people will decide whether to impose a sales tax to widen and improve Baptist Road - a vital artery in one of the county's fastest-growing areas - and finance other projects.

The Baptist Road Rural Transportation Authority district board of directors will decide July 9 whether to put the issue on the ballot, though it's virtually guaranteed,
said member Chuck Brown, who's also a county commissioner.

Only those living in the district, a patchwork jurisdiction covering 3,000 acres, 30 days before the election will be allowed to vote. It's unknown how many people that will be, but there are only 27 occupied homes there now. By October, though, officials predict up to 100 voters could be eligible.

There's plenty at stake: A "no" vote would leave the rural road system essentially the way it is; a "yes" vote could ignite more growth in an area that's seen up to 3,600 homes built since 1990.

Two-lane Baptist Road runs from the Forest Lakes subdivision to Roller Coaster Road. Twenty years ago, it handled an average of 700 vehicles a day; today the number is 6,000.

The idea of creating a special district - in effect a mini-government - to fund public services is not new. The city of Colorado Springs is using a similar tool to amass
money for an overpass at Academy Boulevard and Woodmen Road, for example.

Sometimes, governments turn to these tax-imposing creations because of a mixture of population growth, tax limitation and court rulings.

New residents and subdivisions generate more tax dollars for local governments. But because of the state tax limitation law, jurisdictions can't keep the extra money unless voters approve. Court rulings can also affect growth financing. They've slapped restrictions on how much local governments can charge developers to mitigate the impact of new projects including roads, drains and sewers.

Neither the town of Monument nor El Paso County can afford to widen Baptist Road, so officials formed the authority in 1997. It charges fees on new homes and businesses, raising $167,000 so far.

"We look at it (the authority) as a way of funding needed transportation improvements, a device to have growth pay for itself," said County Commissioner Duncan Bremer, an authority board member.

The traffic improvements will cost an estimated $13 million. The ballot question asks permission to impose a sales tax of up to 0.4 of a cent. That would push the total sales tax in the Monument portion of the district to 7.4 percent, the county portion to 4.4 percent.

It's unclear whether the whole 0.4 percent would be charged. Officials are basing their revenue projections on a tax of 0.2 of a percent. That would raise $7.2 million over 30 years; another $5.8 million is projected to be raised from development fees.

The idea is for everyone who shops in the district, regardless of where they live, to help pay for traffic improvements. There's a slight twist for residents: They'd pay the district tax on vehicle purchases anywhere in the state. That's because state law requires sales tax be paid based on a buyer's place of residence. Bremer expects businesses to welcome the project, which would begin in 2001.

Randy Obermeyer, owner of Eagle Wine & Spirits on Baptist Road, said the tax is no big deal.

"I don't think that would have a devastating effect on our sales," he said, noting the tax would add a dime to a $25 purchase.

Those making the decision are taking the task seriously.

Although several interviewed by The Gazette hadn't heard about the vote, all vowed to research the issue. And participate.

"We would benefit from using the improvements, that's the way it looks to me," said Don French, an electrician who lives in the Jackson Creek subdivision. "We'll definitely take part in that."

Steve Strother, a restaurant manager who lives in Jackson Creek, realizes the importance of his vote: "When there's only (a few) people voting, it's going to make a huge difference. ... I think there's a lot of improvements that can be done. The area is growing real fast."

AT A GLANCE

Shall the Baptist Road Rural Transportation Authority impose a sales tax of up to 0.4 of a percent, beginning Jan. 1, 2000? Proceeds would be used to finance, build, operate and maintain Baptist Road and roads within the authority boundaries.

Work could include street improvements, intersections, interchanges, curb, gutter, sidewalk, storm sewer, signals, signs, street lights and landscaping.

Authority board

County Commissioners Chuck Brown, Duncan Bremer and Ed Jones, and Monument Town Trustees Glenda Smith and Larry Slaymaker.

How to learn more
Call R.S. Wells, LLC, a consultant the authority hired, (877) 779-4525
County commissioners, 520-6444
Monument trustees, 481-2954

Public meetings are planned for later this summer.

Pam Zubeck covers local government issues and may be reached at 636-0238 or zubeck@gazette.com


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