Pay a little now, and share the cost with county residents, or pay a lot more later with hikes in fees and property taxes.
That's the message from Support our Streets, a citizens group supporting a one-cent increase in Bayfield's sales tax.
"I don't want to see our bills increased," said Kristin Dallison, the group's treasurer.
Dallison and Jackie Morlan, the group's chair, were at a public presentation Tuesday outlining the state of Bayfield's streets.
Another presentation will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Bayfield Town Hall, followed by a town board meeting. Refreshments will be served.
The presentation and information is also online at Bayfield's town website, www.bayfieldgov.org.
The town has 34 miles of pavement to maintain and a backlog of $1.3 million in street maintenance and $1.7 million in storm water drainage issues.
A one-cent hike in sales tax would be shared by county residents and those buying gas and groceries in town. Bayfield currently has a 6.9 percent combination of 2.9 percent for state, 2 percent county and 2 percent in town sales taxes. Durango has 3 percent in city sales tax for 7.9 percent, the amount Bayfield would have if voters approve the increase.
The tax would raised about $240,000 to $280,000 annually, providing a steady stream of funding for street and stormwater maintenance, said Town Manager Chris LaMay.
Without the sales tax hike, LaMay said the town will look at a combination of property tax increases, franchise fees, and cutting town costs.
Because most of the town's budget is for employee salaries, that could involve staff cuts, LaMay said.
There are two staff positions he is leaving unfilled for now.
"We would like to have a sustainable model for funding," he said. "Without it, we're looking at five to 10 years down the road, and having to bond for millions."
The town would have to look for other ways to cut costs, as well.
"Parks and recreation is a big part of the town budget, and it's not paying for itself," Morlan said. Cuts in programs could be possible, or voters could be asked down the road to create a recreation district, she surmised.
The group has raised about $600 for advertising and will purchase door hangers and yard signs for the Nov. 3 election for town residents. Two previous attempts to raise the sales tax lost to no votes in elections with low numbers of town residents casting ballots.
Members of the group are addressing civic groups and senior citizens, asking for their support for the sales tax. Any group that would like to see the presentation is welcome to call 769-6873.
