Larimer County tax measure headed to November ballot

Larimer County commissioners approved a resolution placing a proposed 0.3% countywide sales and use tax on the Nov. 3, 2026, general election ballot. The measure, identified as Ballot Issue 1A, would amount to 30 cents on a $100 purchase if approved by voters.

The tax would fund wildfire and natural-hazard mitigation, drinking-water source protection, roads, bridges, trails, recreational lands, emergency response, public-benefit programs and facility upgrades, including the Larimer County Justice Center. Groceries for home consumption, gasoline, diapers, prescription drugs and period products would be exempt. Revenue would undergo annual independent financial audits.

“We have had lots of things remind us of the importance of wildfire mitigation, including protecting the watersheds that supply the drinking water of our communities and protecting the escape routes into and out of our forested areas,” Board Chair Jody Shadduck-McNally said. She added that every dollar invested in mitigation reduces future damage and emergency-response costs by $6 to $13.

Sheriff John Feyen said the county responded to more than a dozen fire starts in March and April. He cited the April Ponds fire west of Fort Collins, which was contained in two hours on less than 10 acres but cost county residents more than $30,000 to address. A single-engine air tanker costs $3,300 to start and $2,000 per hour to fly, he said.

Mail ballots may be sent beginning Oct. 2, and vote centers begin opening Oct. 19. The county recommends mailing ballots by Oct. 26. Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. Nov. 3; postmarks do not count. They may be returned by mail, at one of 24 ballot boxes or at a vote center.