Boulder Chamber Urges City To Halt Further Sales Tax Increases

BOULDER, CO — The Boulder Chamber has issued an open letter urging Mayor Suzanne Jones and the city council to halt any plans for another open space sales tax. Signed by John Tayer, the chamber's president and CEO, the letter outlines the chamber's support for the current open space tax system, but urges the council to consider the economic climate.

"I offer as background the interesting fact that Boulder’s sales tax is one of the highest in the nation, yet we have one of the lowest percentages directed to our General Fund," Tayer's letter reads.

The chamber said it's bracing for a possible economic downturn, citing several predictions by local economists.

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"In the face of this wise counsel, we hear murmurs of yet another dedicated Open Space sales tax," Tayer said. "The Boulder Chamber loves Open Space and has gladly supported taxes to fund this system. Yet, when considering other priorities, we have to ask if this is the right time for further dedication of our already stretched sales tax dollars."

Several years ago, the city said the Open Space program had sufficient funding to address its long-term needs, Tayer said.

More than three-quarters of Boulder businesses are small businesses, with fewer than ten employees.

"Our already high property and sales taxes put enormous pressures on small businesses, and they are often hardest hit during market fluctuations," Tayer said.

City representatives say the current discussion of new taxes is only in its preliminary stages, and local businesses and residents will have their voices heard on whether a new tax is implemented.