Politics & Government
Littleton City Council Narrows In On Revenue Options; Directs Staff To Draft Ballot Language
Littleton's rate is a half percent below the metro area average.
August 12, 2021
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Following a presentation on the results of a second opinion poll [PDF] from the city’s citizen engagement and research consultants during the August 3 study session, city council narrowed the new revenue-generating options it has been considering. The four options under consideration were intended to provide long-term stabilization of the city’s Capital Projects Fund in the face of an annual $6.5 million revenue shortfall.
Driven in part by a growth in support for all the measures under consideration and informed by ongoing conversations and feedback from the community, city council directed staff to draft ballot language on both a half-percent and three-quarter-percent increase to the sales tax rate (which currently sits at three percent). Littleton’s rate is a half percent below the metro area average.
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While there appears to be support for a lodging tax among citizens and members of city council, the majority agreed that more communication with the city’s affected stakeholders is critical before moving forward. As for a marijuana tax rate increase, it’s too new to determine what impact it would have and would not be enough to close the annual $6.5 million gap.
Council will continue to gather input from constituents and will further discuss the two options. First reading will be Tuesday, August 17 and the second reading and public hearing will be Thursday, August 26. Members of the public are invited to listen in on the first reading and participate in public comment during the hearing. Both meetings start at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at the Littleton Center Council Chamber at 2255 West Berry Avenue.
Citizens are also encouraged to learn more about the issue and provide feedback in advance. Visit www.LittletonFundingFix.org for a fact sheet, FAQs, and a link to a two-question survey.
This press release was produced by the City of Littleton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
