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Colorado voters “could stage the state’s biggest-ever taxpayer revolt by approving three measures in the November election that could save most families more than $2,000 a year but that opponents say would cripple the state,” according to an analysis by the Colorado Springs Gazette.
But while amendments 60 and 61, along with Proposition 101, would put state and local governments on a crash diet, they might not really save taxpayers money. Denver Water customers, for one, are being told their bills would increase by 10 percent if 60 and 61 pass, though supporters of the amendments quarrel with the math. Officials say the utility would face a $20 million tax bill if 60 passes, reports CBS4.
Fearing the measures might pass, several special districts around Denver are now trying to increase taxes or receive last-minute loans, according to The Denver Post. For instance, the Parker Water and Sanitation District is now seeking to secure $50 million through the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority to build a water-treatment facility. If the measure is passed by the water board now, taxpayers will have 20 to 30 years to pay off the debt. If the district waits and voters pass 61, taxpayers will only have 10 years to pay back the money, a situation that would also make it harder for the district to secure any loans for help.