Evans voters to decide how existing food tax revenue may be used

Evans voters will decide Nov. 3, 2026, whether to expand the permitted uses of revenue from the city’s existing sales tax on food for domestic consumption. The Evans City Council approved Resolution No. 25-2026 on Aug. 18, placing the TABOR question on the ballot.

The measure would not create a new tax, increase the current tax rate or change which products are taxed. The tax generally applies to groceries and similar food products prepared or consumed at home; restaurant meals, hot prepared food, alcohol, tobacco, pet food and non-food household items are generally excluded.

Food sales tax revenue is currently limited to voter-authorized purposes, including 2002 capital improvements such as parks and recreation facilities, trails, streets, bridges and traffic-control improvements. Voters also authorized the revenue for designing, constructing, equipping and maintaining a new city police station in 2021.

If approved, the measure would add performance-based economic development incentives and operations supporting and sustaining city facilities and improvements tied to the previously approved purposes. Existing uses would remain in place. The city’s fact sheet says the measure would not authorize an expenditure; City Council would retain authority over annual budgeting and appropriations. If voters reject it, the existing authorized uses and tax rate would remain unchanged.