Local Election Recap
On Tuesday, November 8, many Salidans cast their ballots for local and state initiatives. Support for County and City ballot questions varied, with several passing and some falling short.
Colorado counties have nine days after the election to officially certify the results and submit their final report to the Secretary of State’s Office. Below is an overview of the unofficial results of the questions Chaffee County and the City of Salida asked their voters:
Expanded use of existing lodging tax
County Ballot Question 1A - Passed
Voters approved expanding the allowable uses of the current 1.9% lodging excise tax to support housing and childcare for local workers, to facilitate and enhance visitor experiences, and to support local workforce and quality of life initiatives.
Expanded term limits of the Board of County Commissioners
County Ballot Question 1B – Failed
Voters rejected expanding county board terms from two to three years.
Annual occupational license tax for short-term rentals
City Ballot Issue 2A - Passed
Voters approved an annual $1,000 permit fee for short-term rental property owners. The additional revenue will help fund affordable workforce housing in Salida.
Nightly occupational lodging tax for short-term rentals
City Ballot Issue 2B - Passed
Voters approved raising the occupational lodging tax on short-term rentals from $4.82 to $15 per night per bedroom. The additional revenue will help fund affordable workforce housing in Salida.
Ownership transfer of the community center to Senior Citizens Inc.
City Ballot Issue 2C – Passed
Voters approved the transfer of the Salida Community Center at 305 F Street from a city property to being owned by the nonprofit Salida Senior Citizens Inc.
Approval of the Salida Bottling Company Project
City Ballot Issue 2D – Failed
Voters rejected the housing project proposed on the Salida Bottling Company property in downtown Salida.
Chaffee Housing Authority tax increase
Housing Authority Ballot Issue 6A - Failed
Voters rejected a property tax increase that supported housing programs and projects within the Chaffee Housing Authority boundary.
