Centennial Weekly Pulse: A Week Before Nov. 3, the Street Tax Question and a New Leaf Drop-Off |
Centennial voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to raise the city's sales and use tax from 2.5% to 3.5%, which the city projects would bring in about $27 million a year. |
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. One question on Centennial ballots this year is about how the city pays for its streets. Below is what the city says that measure would do, plus a new fall leaf program and what's on (and off) the city calendar this week.
The sales tax question on the Nov. 3 ballot
City Council approved putting a measure on the Nov. 3 ballot that would raise Centennial's sales and use tax rate from 2.5% to 3.5%, according to the city's measure information page. The city projects the one-percentage-point increase would bring in about $27 million a year.
The city's case rests on a funding gap. Its page says the city has about $15 million a year in dedicated revenue for its street infrastructure. It also says maintaining that infrastructure takes a minimum of about $35 million each year, which leaves a shortfall of roughly $20 million. The city adds that its General Fund savings and reserves are projected to run out by 2028.
Council placed the measure on the ballot earlier this year, so this is a final-week refresher rather than new news. The dollar figures are the city's own projections. Residents will weigh them differently, and the city's page has its full explanation for anyone who wants more detail before voting.
Why it matters: The outcome sets what you pay on taxable purchases in Centennial and shapes how the city funds the roads residents drive, bike and walk every day.
A first-ever fall leaf drop-off
The city's events directory lists Centennial's first Fall Leaf Drop-Off Event. The city is running it with Jacobs at the Public Works Facility, 7272 S. Eagle St. The event is listed for Oct. 27 and five more dates. Open the event listing in the directory for the full schedule and hours before you load up the car.
Why it matters: Late October is when backyard trees really let go. This gives residents a city-organized place to take leaves when the trash cart fills up fast.
On the city calendar this week
All of these come from the city's events directory:
Senior Commission: today, Oct. 27, at 1:30 p.m. at the Centennial YMCA Center of Generations, 6972 S. Vine St. #366. The commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month.
Cancelled: The Open Space Advisory Board meeting (Oct. 27) and the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting (Wednesday, Oct. 28).
SPARK Centennial Wrap Party: Oct. 28 at Blue Sky IDEA Art Studio and Gallery, 6412 S. Quebec St.
Older Adult Resource Fair: Oct. 30 at Koelbel Library, 5955 S. Holly St., hosted by Arapahoe Libraries.
Why it matters: The two cancellations mean neither board will take up business at a meeting this week. Older residents and caregivers have two chances to connect in person: today's commission meeting and Friday's resource fair at Koelbel.
Before Nov. 3
If the tax question is still on your to-decide list, the city's measure page is the most direct place to read the city's reasoning in full. For drop boxes, polling centers and the rest of your ballot, Arapahoe County Elections is the go-to office. Before you go to any meeting or event above, recheck the events directory for last-minute changes.
Which local issue would you like us to unpack after the votes are counted? |
27 Comments
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FYI, Koelbel Library always does a good job at hosting events. Went to their spring fair and learned a ton.
Street maintenance isn’t very flashy but we notice when it’s not there. That traffic circle on Orchard could use some love.
Does anyone know which local businesses will be most affected by the new sales tax if it passes?
Appreciate the city's transparency on where the shortfall is. Even if I don’t love more tax, it's better than hidden fees.
I’ll probably vote yes. I’d rather pay a bit more now then deal with worse roads and bigger repair bills later.
Can seniors get a break on the sales tax increase? Lot of folks on fixed incomes won't be able to keep up.
Never been to the Blue Sky IDEA art studio before, but the wrap party is tempting. Thanks for the heads up!
Honestly, taxes keep creeping up. Wish we could get some matching funds from the state or county instead of always hitting up residents.
The city should run more of these leaf drop-offs or composting programs. It's way overdue!
Too bad about the Planning and Zoning meeting, I had submitted a comment. Not feeling heard these days.
Seeing those numbers side by side ($15M vs $35M) really drives it home why our streets have so many potholes.
Do they have a breakdown of exactly how the $27 million from the tax would be allocated? Just want to see it on paper before voting.
Glad for the reminder to check the event directory for last-minute changes. Schedules seem all over the place lately.
I wish the Open Space meeting wasn't canceled. Wanted to hear about the parks plan updates. Hope they reschedule soon.
We hear you on the Open Space meeting, it's always disappointing to miss an update, so we recommend watching the city’s events directory for any rescheduling or future discussions about the parks plan.
I go past Eagle St. Daily and never realized Public Works did events there. Cool they're opening up for something useful like leaf drop-off.
I understand the city needs more money for streets but that’s a whole percentage jump. Groceries have gone up enough already!
Arapahoe County Elections was super helpful last year. If anyone's not sure where to deliver their ballot, they're a good bet.
Ahmed S.I had the same experience, they're really patient even if it's busy. Makes it way less stressful if it's your first time voting here.
Big thanks for mentioning the resource fair at Koelbel. Taking my mom there Friday, she could use some help connecting with services.
Thank you for sharing, glad the resource fair is a helpful option for your mom, and we hope the event connects her with the support she needs!
Is there any info on whether groceries are included in the sales tax increase? That would make a big difference for me.
Glad you listed out which meetings are canceled. Showed up to an Advisory Board meeting once and nobody was there.
Not sure about raising sales tax again but the roads do need work. Curious if they looked at other ways to close that $20 million shortfall before asking for a tax increase.
Thanks for your thoughtful question, the article notes that the city's measure page details their reasoning, including why a sales tax increase was proposed to address the funding gap, but residents' input on alternatives is always welcome.
Appreciate the info on the leaf drop! Our backyard gets buried every October and I never know what to do with the bags. Nice to have a city option this year.
We're so glad the Fall Leaf Drop-Off will be useful for your family this year. It's the city's first time offering it, and hopefully it makes leaf season a bit easier!