Two issues on November’s ballot directly impact Keystone’s ability to start improving and repairing its infrastructure and addressing public safety issues.

First is the “de-Brucing” measure, which would eliminate the cap on revenue that the town can keep in any year. As a small town, eliminating the revenue cap is crucial to Keystone’s future. State grants are included in the revenue that is counted. There are millions of dollars available from state matching grants to support projects like road improvements, U.S. Highway 6 safety, trails, open space, and workforce housing issues. Unless this ballot measure passes, the town will be unable to accept state grants for these projects because it would put the town over the state revenue cap. Over 80% of the towns in Colorado have passed “de-Brucing” ballot issues. Vote yes — allow the state to help pay for the major projects needed in Keystone — It’s important to the future of the town.

The second ballot issue is a 2% lodging tax. It replaces the county lodging tax, which is no longer collected in Keystone because Keystone incorporated. The tax can only be spent on Keystone infrastructure and law enforcement. This tax should provide over $1.6 million a year to jumpstart needed fixes to U.S. Highway 6 safety, pathways along U.S. Highway 6 to keep pedestrians off the highway, law enforcement and other infrastructure needs in Keystone. Not approving the lodging tax will delay by years the town’s ability to amass sufficient funds to start the critical repairs and improvements to the major infrastructure and safety issues in Keystone. The tax is paid by visitors to the community — not residents and property owners. Let Keystone’s visitors pay for the impact they have on the community.

Vote yes. It will allow Keystone to start addressing major issues sooner.