County of Boulder 1B -- Worthy Cause 0.05% Sales/Use Tax Extension

This is a 10-year extension of the current tax of 1 penny on a $20 purchase. Voters approved this tax in 2000 and again in 2003. Funds go to local human services non-profits for capital improvements and equipment. Some of the funds would go toward needs determined by the county commissioners and some funds would be available for non-profits to apply for on an annual basis.

Recommendation: no
The voters in Boulder County have been good to the local non-profits, approving the Worthy Cause tax twice -- the first time for 3 years, the next time for 5 years. This time the county commissioners are asking for a 10-year extension, but they have only identified capital improvement and equipment needs for 5 years. I think they should only ask for a 5-year tax extension. In addition, capital improvements are generally considered a one-time expense, but the county commissioners seem to be under the expectation that this should be an ongoing tax. I want to help local non-profits, but I think, with the economy in the tank, this is not the time for a regressive sales tax to pay for capital improvements. I see the need for funds for non-profits’ day-to-day operations more than for capital improvements. I think we should take a break from this tax and revisit the issue next year.


Website for Yes side
http://worthycauseyes.org/

Website for No side
No known website -- Info on an opposition website appreciated.


COUNTY ISSUE 1B (Approved Ballot Language)

Worthy Cause 0.05% County-wide Sales and Use Tax Extension Issue

WITH NO INCREASE IN ANY COUNTY TAX, SHALL THE COUNTY’S EXISTING 0.05% SALES AND USE TAX FOR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES BE EXTENDED TO AND INCLUDING DECEMBER 31, 2018 FOR THE PURPOSES OF FUNDING CAPITAL FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT FOR NON-PROFIT HUMAN SERVICES AGENCIES AND HOUSING AUTHORITIES WITHIN BOULDER COUNTY PROVIDING HEALTH, TRANSITIONAL AND AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING, AND OTHER HUMAN SERVICES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CHILDCARE AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, BASIC NEEDS SUCH AS FOOD AND CLOTHING, AND SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES; AND SHALL THE EARNINGS ON THE INVESTMENT OF THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH TAX CONSTITUTE A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE; ALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ RESOLUTION NO. 2008-88?

YES ___ NO ___


See Resolution 2008-88 which includes possible expenditures for the first 5 years.
http://www.bouldercounty.org/newsroom/articlefiles/1304-2008-88%20Resolution%20for%201B%20-%20Worthy%20Cause.pdf