Lakewood City Council Candidates Weigh in on Sales Tax Increase

Strategic Insights -

A proposed sales tax increase of 1 cent is the main talking point in the races for five City Council seats in Lakewood, where a record 17 candidates are vying for office. The city is facing a budget shortfall of over $12 million and has proposed the tax increase to head off what City Manager Mike Rock has called "Draconian" cutbacks. However, the financial management of the city and Rock's role in tax-incentive agreements with large retailers have also become campaign issues. The proposed tax increase would raise an estimated $16.3 million per year and has sparked a heated debate among council candidates, with some supporting it as necessary for the city's financial well-being and others opposing it as unnecessary or questioning the city's financial management.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed sales tax increase would raise an estimated $16.3 million per year.
  • The city has compiled two budgets for the coming year, with the approved budget featuring cutbacks in services such as parks maintenance, street repairs, and programs for senior citizens and the disabled.
  • Seven City Council candidates oppose the tax increase as unnecessary, while 10 candidates support it and call for accountability and better management of the city's finances.
  • The tax increase has been exempted for three major retail centers, including Belmar and Colorado Mills shopping malls, which levy a Public Improvement Fee on retail sales.
  • Contributions to City Council candidates also vary widely, with Ward 1 candidate Karen Kellen leading in total contributions with $7,174, and Ward 5 candidate Diana Allen raising $7,177, much of it from Lakewood residents.

Statistics:

  • The city faces a budget shortfall of over $12 million over the next two years.
  • The proposed sales tax increase would add 1 cent to the city's existing sales tax of 2 cents on the dollar, raising an estimated $16.3 million per year.
  • The total campaign contributions reported by candidates through Oct. 6 range from $0 to $7,174.
  • The Yes on 2A committee has raised about $43,000, while the Lakewood T Party has raised about $3,000 to oppose the tax increase.

Sources:

  • "City faces budget shortfall of over $12 million" - Rocky Mountain News
  • "Lakewood City Council Candidates Weigh in on Sales Tax Increase" - Rocky Mountain News