Change Address

VOTE411 Voter Guide

San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) Ballot Issue 3A - Funding

This ballot measure asks voters to approve the expansion of regional public transit service, including long term operations funding for the Gondola to ensure operations and maintenance of the Gondola as public transit service after 2027, and to help fund future bus service expansions and existing bus system capital needs.This ballot measure asks voters to approve a mix of funding sources estimated to generate $8.2 million beginning in 2025, with additional amounts raised annually thereafter. It will ensure that the Telluride-Mountain Village gondola has operations and maintenance funding of approximately $7.2m annually starting in 2027, with the remaining funding going to support other SMART services. If the ballot passes, here is what the revenue generation looks like and examples of how this would increase the cost of lodging, sales, and property tax for the taxpayer:Lodging Tax of 1.25%, which is anticipated to generate $1,983,407 annually. Example: $6.25 on a $500.00 hotel room Sales Tax of 0.82%, which is anticipated to generate $4,596,350 annually. Example: $0.82 cents on a $100.00 gift. IMPORTANT: Sales tax exemptions will remain in place for essential goods (e.g., groceries) Property Tax of 1.336 mills, which is anticipated to generate $1,620,243 annually. Example: $100.00 yearly per million dollar residential property valuation Arguments for this ballot question: The ballot package secures the projected costs associated with gondola operations and maintenance post-2027; Meets the requirement to set up a gondola reserve fund at SMART; Meets the need to begin aggregating some capital funding for the eventual replacement of the gondola; and Meets needs associated with sustainably expanding and supporting SMART’s other services. Arguments against this ballot question: This is a complex ballot question and the compromise is imperfect. The question authorizes tax increases for a variety of taxes. The ballot question does not require proportionate or pro rata decreases if any of the taxes are decreased.More information may be found in this document provided by SMART Click HERE. The San Miguel County TABOR Notice can be found HERE.

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Yes - For the Measure

  • Candidate picture

    No - Against the Measure