Ballot Issue 7C seeks to activate the 2018 Voter approved freedom from the TABOR limitations regarding increase of mill levy rates. The Colorado legislature annually sets the percent of your property value will be taxed. In the last decade residential properties tax rates have decreased from 7.2% to 6.7% and are projected to be 6.25 in 2025. Great, our taxes are going down. 

However, it also reduces tax revenues that support our schools, fire departments, water and sewer districts, towns and county to be reduced as well. In 2018 our voters approved Colorado Mountain College to adjust their mill levy as needed to maintain the tax revenue level of the past. Ballot Issue 7C requests to activate that permission for the next 10 years. 

Called a mill levy override, voters overwhelmingly approved the same request for Red, White and Blue Fire District in 2024. Special districts across Colorado have resorted to these overrides to maintain sufficient operating revenue. 

This means the college can adjust its levy to offset declining property tax assessment rates, ensuring the college can continue to provide essential educational services and invest in new programs without compromising quality. By supporting this measure, voters are helping to safeguard opportunities for current and future students, sustain vital community programs, and keep CMC accessible and affordable for all who seek higher education throughout the region. 

Now, Public Schools, including Colorado Mountain College, are facing federal and state funding cuts, further threatening revenues needed to maintain quality programs for our students. 

As local communities navigate these financial challenges, activating Ballot Issue 7C offers a proactive solution to preserve the quality and accessibility of education at Colorado Mountain College. By allowing the college to respond flexibly to changing assessment rates, this measure supports stability in both academic offerings and essential services students rely on, such as scholarships and workforce training programs.