Loveland Voters Can Expect a Tax Hike On the Ballot

Buckle up Loveland voters. This polling season is one for the ages.

As if you needed more reason to vote, this November Loveland voters can expect a tax hike on their ballot. On Tuesday, Loveland City Council voted 8-1 to add a 1% mixed sales tax increase to the ballot.

If approved, Loveland will see a 20-50-30 split that was introduced on the July 7 ballot.

This means 20% of proceeds would be dedicated to public safety, 50% to infrastructure and capital equipment and 30% to municipal operations and maintenance, as reported by the Reporter Herald.

The hike is projected to raise $13.4 million in its first year, costing the average household about $3.07 more per week.

Funds would go to unfunded capital projects to make up for the monetary shortfalls following COVID-19. It would also boost wages for first responders.

Loveland Fire Rescue Authority Chief Mark Miller said first responders make about 17% less than neighboring communities, as reported by the Reporter Herald.

Conservative supporter, Dave Clark of Ward IV, said he approved of the tax hike, stating “This issue does affect the services that we will provide for our citizens.”  “Citizens need to decide whether they want to increase their tax or not.”

“A lot of tax initiatives go to growing government,” said Councilor Rob Molloy of Ward I. “This is not to grow government. This is to maintain quality of life.”

Mayor Jacki Marsh opposed adding the item to the ballot stating that the subcommittee had not done enough to look into other revenue sources, according to the Reporter Herald.