On Nov. 5, Rico residents will decide whether to raise property taxes to build the town’s first central sewer system.
To pay for the $4.2 million project, the town proposes taking a $3 million, low-interest loan from the Colorado State Revolving Fund.
The ballot question asks voters to raise the property tax mill levy enough to generate $174,181 needed annually for the loan payments over the 20-year term, said Town Manager Kari Distefano.
The town would also seek a $1 million grant for the project from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.
The proposed central sewer project would serve the commercial core of town along Glasgow Avenue (Colorado Highway. A wastewater treatment facility would be constructed on the south side of town.
The mill levy is estimated to generate $43 per month in property taxes on a $250,000 home.
If the initial central sewer project is approved, currently unplanned phases of the project could connect the rest of the town to the system.
Public meetings have been held on the project over the last year, and have been “well-attended, with both pro and con,” Distefano said.
Proponents say the central sewer would benefit residents, health and the environment, spur economic development, attract visitors and bring in revenue for town services. Opponents are concerned the project’s cost, increased cost of living and potential overdevelopment that would disrupt the slow-paced mountain town of 265 residents.
Rico voters also will decide two other ballot questions and choose town board members to fill three open seats.
Residents will be asked whether the town should be included within the boundaries of the San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation and be subject to its .75 mill levy and .25 percent sales tax, which help fund public transportation between Rico and Telluride. If passed, Rico would have a seat on the SMART board of directors.
The third ballot question asks whether Rico should opt out of SB152, a state law that restricts towns and counties from building telecommunication infrastructure.
Also, voters will choose three Rico Town Board members. The candidates are Nicole Pieterse, Brandy Randall, Genevieve Yellowman, Joe Dillsworth and Allyn Svoboda.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com