Voters in Cedaredge will decide on two ballot questions this November. The town’s board of trustees unanimously approved the items last week.
The first question deals with Senate Bill 152. It’s a decade old state law that prevents local governments from providing internet service to residents unless the people over turn it.
This fall, voters in Cedaredge will be asked if they want to opt-out of the legislation.
Town officials say they hope it passes because they see it as the first step to bringing high-speed internet to the area. Other communities in Delta County, such as Paonia and the city of Delta, will also decide on this question in November.
Additionally, Cedaredge residents will vote on a half-cent sales tax increase. If approved, the sales tax would go from 2 percent to 2.5 percent.
Kathleen Sickles, the town’s administrator, says revenue from the tax increase would fund recreation infrastructure and improvements.
"The town of Cedaredge has been approached many times by a lot of citizens who would like additional trails," Sickles says. "We now have a group that’s interested in pickle ball. We have a need for basketball courts. There’s a lot of recreational amenities people have request."
Sickles says the town doesn’t have money for these projects. However, it’s projected the sales tax increase could generate an additional $80,000 a year for recreation.
"There are a number of grants that are out there [to help with these projects], but we have been unable to even apply because we haven’t had a match," she says.
Earlier this year, Cedaredge sent out a health living survey to more than 1,200 of its utility customers.
"We had 330 respondents to the survey," Sickles says. "Pedestrian trails/sidewalks and recreation programs basically garnered 57 percent support for half a cent sales tax to support those additional projects or facilities."
Delta County will mail ballots to residents the week of Oct. 12.
Election Day is Nov. 3.
