Greeley Voters Approve Key Ballot Issues

Residents approve continued funding for community services, transportation and public safety

GREELEY, Colo. - Greeley residents have voted to approve Ballot Issue 2L and extend the 3% general sales tax on food. This food tax helps pay for important city projects, including street repairs and park and building maintenance. The money raised from this tax gives the city a stable source of funding for planning and budgeting for the future.

"We are thankful to the voters for supporting this food tax," said Mayor John Gates. "This money helps us keep our streets, parks, and sidewalks in good condition and invest in the services that make Greeley a great place to live."

The city will also continue offering the Food Tax Rebate program, which helps low-income residents manage the cost of the food tax. For more details on this program, visit greeleygov.com/finance.

Voters also approved three other key initiatives:

• Voters agreed to allow the city to take on debt to pay for major transportation projects.
• Police sergeants will now be able to negotiate their working conditions as part of the city's collective bargaining unit.
• The city will update its financial management to make it more efficient.

Transportation Funding (Ballot Issue 2M)

Voters approved Issue 2M, allowing the city to use low-interest federal loans for transportation improvements without raising taxes. This will help pay for projects like the new interchanges at 35th and 47th Avenues, which have been planned for nearly ten years.

"We're excited to begin work on important transportation projects that will make driving safer and reduce traffic congestion," said Paul Trombino, Director of Public Works. "This is a huge step for improving our city's transportation system, and we are grateful for the community's support."

Collective Bargaining for Police Sergeants (Ballot Question 2N)

With the approval of Question 2N, police sergeants will now be included in the city's collective bargaining group. This means they can work together to negotiate better working conditions and benefits, just like other officers. Greeley joins other cities like Fort Collins, Boulder, and Pueblo in allowing police sergeants to have a collective voice.

"Sergeants are essential to the success of our police department," said Police Chief Adam Turk. "They make key decisions every day to keep officers safe and ensure the department runs smoothly. Now, they will have the same ability to negotiate as our other officers."

Modernizing Financial Operations (Ballot Question 2O)

The city will now be able to streamline its financial operations to make managing the city's budget more efficient. This update will help improve the way financial tasks are handled in Greeley.

"The decisions made by voters today will shape Greeley's future," said Mayor Gates. "Now, we can move forward with these important projects and changes based on the support of our community."

###