2016 NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION BY MAIL BALLOT NOVEMBER 8, 2016

Transcription

1 ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO Stan Martin County Clerk and Recorder 4430 S Adams County Parkway 1st Floor, Suite E3102 Brighton CO Phone NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION BY MAIL BALLOT NOVEMBER 8, 2016 NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES / TO RETAIN EXCESS REVENUES / TO INCREASE DEBT / ON A CITIZEN PETITION / ON A REFERRED MEASURE This Notice is addressed to All Registered Voters and is mailed to households with at least one active registered elector. RECEIPT OF THIS NOTICE DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THAT EVERY RESIDENT OF THE HOUSEHOLD IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE. YOU MAY NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE ON EVERY ISSUE CONTAINED IN THIS NOTICE. This pamphlet contains summary statements for ballot propositions as required by the State of Colorado Constitution, Article X, Section 20. The information contained in this booklet was prepared by persons required by law to provide summaries of ballot issues and fiscal information. Adams County does not warrant the accuracy or truth of any statement made in the summaries as submitted by other political subdivisions, nor is it responsible for errors in spelling, grammar or punctuation of the submitted statements. ATTENTION: THIS IS NOT A BALLOT This book contains information only Between October 17 and October 21, 2016 all ACTIVE registered voters will be mailed a ballot. Voters who will not receive mail at their regular ballot address during this election may request a mail ballot sent to another address.

2 2 ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO GENERAL ELECTION BY MAIL BALLOT NOVEMBER 8, 2016 Postmarks Do Not Count As A Received Date Voter Service & Polling Centers - Voting, Ballot Replacement and Drop-off Hours: 8AM 5PM, Monday Friday 9AM 2PM, Saturday 7AM 7PM, Election Day Nov. 8 Oct 24 Nov 8 Aurora Aurora Workforce Center 3155 N Chambers Rd Unit C Oct 24 Nov 8 Bennett Bennett Motor Vehicle 355 S First St Oct 24 Nov 8 Adams County Government Center / West Brighton Conference Center 4430 S Adams County Parkway Armory Performing Arts Center 300 Strong St Oct 24 Nov 8 Commerce City Commerce City Sheriff s Substation 4201 E 72 nd Ave (Southside) Oct 24 Nov 8 Northglenn Huron Shopping Center 992 W 104 th Ave Oct 24 Nov 8 Thornton Anythink Library Wright Farms 5877 E 120 th Ave Oct 24 Nov 8 Adams County Economic Development N Pecos St Westminster Westminster Motor Vehicle 8452 N Federal Blvd Nov 7-8 Brighton Brighton Recreation Center 555 N 11 th Ave Nov 7-8 Commerce City Commerce City Rec Center 6060 Parkway Dr Reunion Recreation Center Parkside Dr N Nov 7-8 Denver Perl Mack Community Center 7125 Mariposa St Nov 7-8 Thornton Margaret Carpenter Recreation Center Colorado Blvd Nov 7-8 Westminster The MAC Recreation Center 3295 West 72 nd Ave Nov 8 Thornton Thornton Civic Center 9500 Civic Center Dr

3 24-hour Ballot Drop Box Sites Drive-thru sites designated with Visit for more information. Aurora Aurora City Clerk Aurora Motor Vehicle Martin Luther King Jr Library E Alameda Pkwy 3449 N Chambers Rd 9898 E Colfax Ave Bennett Bennett Motor Vehicle 355 S First St Brighton Adams County Government Center East Entrance Adams County Justice Center Brighton City Clerk 4430 S Adams County Pkwy 1100 Judicial Center Dr 500 S 4 th Ave Byers Kelver Public Library 404 E Front St Commerce City Commerce City City Clerk 7887 E 60 th Ave Commerce City Motor Vehicle 4201 E 72nd Ave Denver Perl Mack Community Center 7125 Mariposa St Federal Heights Federal Heights City Clerk 2380 W 90 th Ave Northglenn Northglenn City Clerk Community Center Dr Strasburg Strasburg Sheriff s Substation 2550 Strasburg Rd Thornton Westminster Anythink Library Wright Farms Hilltop Village Margaret Carpenter Recreation Center Thornton City Clerk Adams County Economic Development Westminster City Clerk Westminster Motor Vehicle 5877 E 120 th Ave Colorado Blvd Colorado Blvd 9500 Civic Center Dr N Pecos St 4800 W 92 nd Ave 8452 N Federal Blvd

4 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS ENTITY BALLOT ISSUE PAGE Weld County School District RE-3J 3F, 3G 5 Wiggins School District No. RE-50J 3W 10 Deer Trail School District No. 26J 3F 13 Denver Metropolitan Scientific and Cultural Facilities District ( SCFD ) 4B 15 Bennett Fire Protection District 4C 17

5 5 NOTICE TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES/TO INCREASE DEBT WELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT RE-3(J) (WELD AND ADAMS COUNTIES, COLORADO) Local Election Office: 99 West Broadway, Keenesburg, Colorado Telephone: (303) Election Date: November 8, 2016 Election Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Ballot Title and Text of Ballot Issue 3F: SHALL WELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT RE-3(J) S DEBT BE INCREASED $61 MILLION WITH A REPAYMENT COST OF $98.9 MILLION OR SUCH LESSER AMOUNT AS MAY BE NECESSARY, AND SHALL WELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT RE-3(J) S TAXES BE INCREASED $6.6 MILLION ANNUALLY OR SUCH LESSER AMOUNT AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR THE PAYMENT OF SUCH DEBT, ALL FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES: UPGRADING SAFETY AND SECURITY IN SCHOOL BUILDINGS; IMPROVING SCHOOL BUILDINGS BY REPAIRING AND/OR REPLACING OUTDATED LIGHTING, PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL, HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS AND ROOFS TO REDUCE ENERGY COSTS, EXTEND THE LIFE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS, AND REDUCE COSTLY EMERGENCY REPAIRS; IMPROVING INSTRUCTIONAL SPACES TO ENHANCE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH (STEM) INSTRUCTION AND PROVIDE EARLY CHILDHOOD AND FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN SPACES; CONSTRUCTING, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING A NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN LOCHBUIE, REBUILDING, RENOVATING, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING HUDSON ACADEMY OF ARTS & SCIENCE, AND CONSTRUCTING AND EQUIPPING A NEW TRANSPORTATION FACILITY IN KEENESBURG TO IMPROVE SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY; MAKING PAVING AND CONCRETE REPAIRS DISTRICT-WIDE AND IMPROVING PLAYGROUNDS AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS; AND ALSO ACQUIRING, PURCHASING, CONSTRUCTING, EQUIPPING, IMPROVING, EXPANDING, REPAIRING, REMODELING AND FURNISHING DISTRICT BUILDINGS, FACILITIES AND GROUNDS AND SUPPORTING CHARTER SCHOOL CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION AT CARDINAL COMMUNITY ACADEMY; WITH THE EXPENDITURE OF THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH DEBT TO BE REVIEWED BY THE DISTRICT ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE AND TO BE SUBJECT TO AN ANNUAL INDEPENDENT AUDIT TO BE PUBLISHED ON THE DISTRICT S WEBSITE; AND WITH SUCH DEBT TO MATURE, BE SUBJECT TO REDEMPTION, WITH OR WITHOUT PREMIUM, AND BE ISSUED, DATED AND SOLD AT, ABOVE OR BELOW PAR, AND AT SUCH TIME OR TIMES AND IN SUCH MANNER AND CONTAINING SUCH TERMS, NOT INCONSISTENT HEREWITH, AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MAY DETERMINE; AND IN CONNECTION THEREWITH (I) TO INCREASE THE DISTRICT S AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAXES IN ANY YEAR AS STATED ABOVE IN AN AMOUNT SUFFICIENT TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON SUCH DEBT WHEN DUE AND TO FUND ANY RESERVES FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF, AND (II) TO COLLECT AND SPEND THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH DEBT AND THE REVENUES FROM SUCH TAXES AND THE SPECIFIC OWNERSHIP TAXES ATTRIBUTABLE THERETO AND ANY EARNINGS FROM THE INVESTMENT OF SUCH PROCEEDS AND REVENUES AS A VOTER APPROVED REVENUE AND SPENDING CHANGE WITHOUT LIMITATION BY THE REVENUE AND SPENDING LIMITS OF, AND WITHOUT AFFECTING THE DISTRICT S ABILITY TO COLLECT AND SPEND ANY OTHER REVENUES OR FUNDS UNDER, ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION OR ANY OTHER LAW?

6 6 Fiscal Year Spending Information Year Fiscal Year Spending (FYS) * (Actual) $20,152, (Actual) 20,348, (Actual) 21,620, (Actual) 22,281, (Current Year Estimated) 23,782,498 Overall FYS percentage change through 5 years ( ): 18.0% Overall FYS dollar change through 5 years ( ): $3,629,909 * Does not include payments on bonded debt of $4,799,830 in fiscal year ; $2,901,560 in fiscal year ; $2,875,800 in fiscal year ; $2,863,160 in fiscal year ; and $2,845,750 in fiscal year Fiscal year spending without the tax increase in the ballot issue is estimated to be up to $23,782,498 in the Fiscal Year, not including payment of bonded debt shown above and assuming no other tax increase is approved. The proposed maximum dollar tax increase in the ballot issue is up to $6,600,000 in such Fiscal Year. The ballot proposal for bonded debt includes the following: Principal Amount: $61,000,000 Maximum Annual Repayment Cost: up to $6,600,000 in any fiscal year up to $98,900,000 (maximum principal and interest over the life of the debt) The current bonded debt for the District is as follows: Principal Balance: $19,984, Maximum Annual Repayment Cost: $ 3,014, Remaining Total Repayment Cost: $23,411, SUMMARIES OF WRITTEN COMMENTS FILED WITH THE ELECTION OFFICER The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons FOR the proposal: Your YES vote on Issue 3F will provide many benefits for students across the Weld RE-3J district, including at Hoff Elementary, Hudson Academy, Lochbuie Elementary, Weld Central Middle School, Weld Central High School, and Cardinal Community Academy. The benefits to students, schools and taxpayers include: Saving taxpayer dollars by reducing expensive emergency repairs and improving energy efficiency Protecting property values Extending the useful life of existing school buildings Improving the safety and security of each Weld RE-3J school so that no child has to worry about being harmed while at school Providing the education that today s students need for tomorrow s jobs and careers Addressing overcrowding to reduce wear and tear on existing buildings and positively impact existing programming Capturing some of the marijuana sales tax revenues through a BEST grant

7 7 An investment of $1.97 per month per $100,000 of a home s actual value will provide $61 million in school facility improvements, including: Redesigning instructional space at the middle school and elementary schools to add Art and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) labs Upgrading science labs at the middle school for quality science programs Enhancing safety and security, including secure entryways, modern door-locking systems, emergency response systems and cameras Installing water treatment systems to improve water quality and prevent further weakening of plumbing Improve energy efficiency by replacing outdated, energy inefficient lighting, roofs and heating, ventilation and cooling systems Adding a new elementary school in Lochbuie to address rapid enrollment growth Replacing Hudson Academy s outdated classrooms Adding early childhood education space We have a unique opportunity to get a BEST grant to help fund school building improvements with your YES vote on Issue 3F. We re next in line for these monies. The district has already been awarded the grant but will have to forfeit the funds without the required local match which will become available only with your YES vote. What happens if Issue 3F does not pass? The elementary school in Hudson will close Students in Hudson relocated to Hoff and Lochbuie All fifth graders relocated to Weld Central Middle School Class sizes will increase No high priority safety and security improvements addressed No programming enhancements addressed No new school will be built in Lochbuie to address rapid enrollment growth Modulars needed to accommodate overcrowding Fewer electives offered Lunch periods will be more congested The district will not have the matching funds necessary to accept the BEST grant With interest rates at historic lows, and construction costs on the rise, it makes sense to address these essential and necessary school improvements sooner rather than later. The longer we wait, the more it will cost. Property taxes are deductible. For seniors who qualify for the Senior Property Tax Exemption, the tax impact is even lower. What can $1.97 do? A lot! Your YES vote on Issue 3F is critical. It keeps our schools open, saves taxpayers dollars, protects property values district-wide, and gives the children in our community a fighting chance to compete and succeed in college and the workforce. The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons AGAINST the proposal: No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline. Ballot Title and Text of Ballot Issue 3G: SHALL WELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT RE-3(J) S TAXES BE INCREASED $3.3 MILLION ANNUALLY, OR SUCH LESSER AMOUNT AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MAY ANNUALLY DETERMINE, BY THE COLLECTION OF AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAXES BEGINNING IN THE BUDGET YEAR AND ENDING AFTER THE 2021/2022 BUDGET YEAR, FOR DEPOSIT IN THE DISTRICT S GENERAL FUND FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES, WHICH MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

8 8 ATTRACTING AND RETAINING QUALITY TEACHERS AND REDUCING TEACHER TURNOVER; REPLACING OUTDATED TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS AND UPDATING INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY; PROPERLY FUNDING THE ONGOING MAINTENANCE OF DISTRICT FACILITIES TO EXTEND THEIR USEFUL LIFE; RESTORING STAFFING LEVELS TO REDUCE CLASS SIZES AND RESTORE PROGRAMMING AT ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY LEVELS; PROVIDING FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN; AND RESTORING THE DISTRICT S TRANSPORTATION FLEET TO IMPROVE SAFETY AND ENHANCE RELIABILITY; WITH THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH TAXES TO BE REVIEWED BY THE DISTRICT ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE AND BE SUBJECT TO AN ANNUAL INDEPENDENT AUDIT TO BE PUBLISHED ON THE DISTRICT S WEBSITE; AND WITH SUCH TAXES TO BE IN EXCESS OF PROPERTY TAX REVENUES THAT WOULD BE PROVIDED BY THE GENERAL FUND MILL LEVY PERMITTED UNDER STATE LAW WITHOUT SUCH INCREASE AND, TOGETHER WITH REVENUES FROM SPECIFIC OWNERSHIP TAXES ATTRIBUTABLE THERETO AND THE EARNINGS ON SUCH TAXES AND REVENUES, TO CONSTITUTE A VOTER APPROVED REVENUE AND SPENDING CHANGE UNDER, TO BE COLLECTED AND SPENT EACH YEAR WITHOUT LIMITATION BY THE REVENUE AND SPENDING LIMITS OF, AND WITHOUT AFFECTING THE DISTRICT S ABILITY TO COLLECT AND SPEND OTHER REVENUES OR FUNDS UNDER, ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION OR ANY OTHER LAW? Fiscal Year Spending Information Year Fiscal Year Spending (FYS) * (Actual) $20,152, (Actual) 20,348, (Actual) 21,620, (Actual) 22,281, (Current Year Estimated) 23,782,498 Overall FYS percentage change through 5 years ( ): 18.0% Overall FYS dollar change through 5 years ( ): $3,629,909 *Does not include payments on bonded debt of $4,799,830 in fiscal year ; $2,901,560 in fiscal year ; $2,875,800 in fiscal year ; $2,863,160 in fiscal year ; and $2,845,750 in fiscal year Fiscal year spending without the tax increase in the ballot issue is estimated to be up to $23,782,498 in the Fiscal Year, not including payment of bonded debt shown above and assuming no other tax increase is approved. The proposed maximum dollar tax increase in the ballot issue is $3,300,000 in such Fiscal Year. SUMMARIES OF WRITTEN COMMENTS FILED WITH THE ELECTION OFFICER The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons FOR the proposal: Your YES vote on Issue 3G will provide many benefits for Weld RE-3J students, schools and

9 9 taxpayers, including: Reducing teacher turnover saving taxpayer dollars Reducing costly emergency repairs and extending the useful life of existing school buildings saving taxpayer dollars Protecting property values Properly preparing students for college and careers with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming and updated instructional technology Allowing for more one-on-one attention from teachers by reducing class sizes Improving motor skills, language development, decision making, visual learning, inventiveness, and academic performance by restoring programming and electives An investment of $2.29 per month per $100,000 of a home s actual value which sunsets (goes away) in seven years will annually provide $3.3 million in funding to address the following critical operating needs: Attracting and retaining quality teachers (reducing teacher turnover) Replacing outdated textbooks and materials Properly maintaining existing facilities Reducing class sizes Restoring programming and electives Restoring full-day kindergarten Replacing outdated classroom technology Replacing aging buses/other equipment to improve safety and reliability Eliminating curriculum/registration fees What happens if Issue 3G does not pass? The elementary school in Hudson will close Costly teacher turnover will continue district-wide Class sizes will increase Transportation delays and route reductions due to the aging bus fleet Materials fees will increase Increased athletics and activities fees Certain athletic programs will be eliminated Reduced electives Elimination of all Advanced Placement (AP) programs Less money for concurrent enrollment The district will also have to look at shortening the school day by reducing electives and elementary specials (physical education and music). The district will also have to consider charging transportation fees. Property taxes are deductible. And for seniors who qualify for the Senior Property Tax Exemption, the tax impact is even lower. Similar to Issue 3F, there is a lot riding on Issue 3G. Your YES vote keeps our schools open, saves taxpayers dollars, protects property values district-wide, and gives thousands of children in our community a fighting chance to compete and succeed in college and the workforce. The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons AGAINST the proposal: No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.

10 10 ALL REGISTERED VOTERS WIGGINS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. RE-50J ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES AND TO INCREASE DEBT ON A REFERRED MEASURE Election date: November 8, 2016 Election hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Deadline for receipt of ballots: November 8, :00 p.m. Local election office address and phone number: Designated Election Official: Cary Allen, Wiggins School District No. RE-50J, 320 Chapman St., Wiggins, CO 80654; telephone number (970) ext Coordinated Election Official: Stan Martin, Adams County Clerk and Recorder, 4430 South Adams County Parkway, 1st Floor, Suite E 3102, Brighton, CO ; telephone number (720) Ballot title and text: Ballot Issue 3W SHALL WIGGINS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. RE-50J DEBT BE INCREASED BY $31 MILLION, WITH A REPAYMENT COST OF UP TO $46.5 MILLION, AND SHALL DISTRICT TAXES BE INCREASED BY UP TO $3.2 MILLION ANNUALLY (A PORTION OF WHICH AMOUNT REPRESENTS THE CONTINUATION OF TAXES CURRENTLY LEVIED FOR BONDS TO BE RETIRED EARLY BY THE DISTRICT IN 2016) FOR THE PURPOSE OF, AMONG OTHER THINGS: - CONSTRUCTING A NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL / HIGH SCHOOL ON THE EXISTING SCHOOL SITE TO COMPLETE A MORE SECURE AND INTEGRATED CAMPUS; - RENOVATING THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO CONSTRUCT A SAFE ENTRY; - REPAIRING AND IMPROVING DISTRICT FACILITIES TO EXTEND THEIR USEFUL LIFE, REPLACE AGING AND OUTDATED UTILITY SYSTEMS, MAKE UPGRADES FOR SECURITY AND LIFE SAFETY NEEDS, AND UPDATE THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT; - CONSTRUCTING AN AUDITORIUM / PERFORMING ARTS MUSIC HALL FOR SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY USE; AND - CONSTRUCTING A DEDICATED WRESTLING ROOM TO PERMIT WEIGHT ROOM COMMUNITY USE, AND CONSTRUCTING AN ALL-WEATHER TRACK AND FIELD, AND TO THE EXTENT MONEYS ARE AVAILABLE, TO ACQUIRE, CONSTRUCT, REPAIR AND IMPROVE DISTRICT CAPITAL ASSETS, BY THE ISSUANCE AND PAYMENT OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS WHICH SHALL BEAR INTEREST, MATURE, BE SUBJECT TO REDEMPTION, WITH OR WITHOUT PREMIUM, AND BE ISSUED AT SUCH TIME, AT SUCH PRICE (AT, ABOVE OR BELOW PAR) AND IN SUCH MANNER AND CONTAINING SUCH TERMS, NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THIS BALLOT ISSUE, AS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MAY DETERMINE; AND SHALL AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAXES BE LEVIED WITHOUT LIMIT AS TO THE MILL RATE TO GENERATE AN AMOUNT SUFFICIENT IN EACH YEAR TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL OF, PREMIUM IF ANY, AND INTEREST ON SUCH DEBT AND TO FUND ANY RESERVES FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF?

11 11 Actual historical and current estimated fiscal year spending information: Year Fiscal Year Spending* (actual) $4,303, (actual) 4,279, (actual) 4,563, (actual) 5,482, (current year estimated) 4,616,484 *Fiscal year spending includes amounts expended by the District for bonded debt service. Overall percentage change in fiscal year spending over the five year period from through : 7.28% Overall dollar change in fiscal year spending over the five year period from through : $313,411 Estimated fiscal year spending without taking into account the tax increase authorized by Ballot Issue 3W: $4,616,484 Estimated tax increase authorized by Ballot Issue 3W: $3,200,000 Information regarding bonded debt proposed by Ballot Issue 3W: Principal amount: $31,000,000 Maximum annual repayment cost: $3,200,000 Maximum total repayment cost: $46,500,000 Information regarding current bonded debt: Principal balance: $2,005,000 Maximum annual repayment cost: $383,421 Maximum remaining total repayment cost: $2,282,904 Summaries of written comments filed with the election officer: The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons FOR Ballot Issue 3W: Your YES vote on Issue 3W will provide many benefits for students across the Wiggins School District RE-50J. The benefits to students, schools and taxpayers include: - Cost to taxpayers will be lower than anticipated due to the early payoff of all our existing bonds 5 years ahead of schedule, which saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest. - Saving taxpayer dollars by eliminating expensive emergency repairs by replacing our outdated 68 year old High School building - Protecting property values by keeping our schools up to date with modern facilities - Extending the useful life of existing school buildings - Improving the safety and security of each Wiggins RE-50J school so that no child has to worry about being harmed while at school - Providing the education that today s students will need for tomorrow s jobs and careers - Addressing overcrowding to reduce wear and tear on existing buildings and positively impact existing programming

12 12 - Capturing some of the marijuana sales tax revenues by applying for a BEST grant and using some of the bond money for our required matching funds. An investment of $4.24 per month per $100,000 of a home s actual value will provide $31 million in school facility improvements, including: - Construct a new Middle School and High School in one secure building - Remodel old Middle School into Career and Technical Ed classrooms - Construct a safe and controlled entry to the Elementary School with a secure reception area - Improve energy efficiency by replacing outdated, energy inefficient lighting, roofs and heating, ventilation and cooling systems - Dedicated Auditorium and Performing Arts Hall - Dedicated Wrestling Room - All Weather Track and Field What happens if Issue 3W does not pass? - Class sizes will increase - We will continue to educate our kids in classrooms that were not originally designed for their age group - None of the high priority safety and security improvements will be addressed - None of the programming enhancements will be addressed - Cars will continue to drive very close to our children - We re unable to provide the necessary BEST grant matching funds With interest rates at historic lows, our tax base increased from oil and gas production, and construction costs on the rise, it makes sense to address these improvements sooner rather than later. The longer we wait, the more it will cost. Property taxes are deductible on your income tax filing. And for seniors who qualify for the Colorado Senior Homestead Property Tax Exemption, the tax impact can be reduced by up to 50%. What can $4.24 per month do? A lot! Your YES vote on Issue 3W is critical. It keeps our schools open, saves taxpayers dollars, protects property values district-wide, and gives the kids in our community a fighting chance to compete and succeed in college and the workforce. The following summaries were prepared from comments filed by persons AGAINST Ballot Issue 3W: No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.

13 13 TO: ALL REGISTERED VOTERS NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES AND DEBT ON A REFERRED MEASURE DEER TRAIL SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 26J Adams and Arapahoe Counties, Colorado Election Date: Tuesday, November 8, 2016 Election Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Local Election Office Address and Telephone Number: Kevin Schott Designated Election Official Deer Trail School District No. 26J 350 2nd Avenue Deer Trail, Colorado Telephone: (303) Ballot Title and Text: BALLOT ISSUE NO. 3F: SHALL DEER TRAIL SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 26J DEBT BE INCREASED BY $6.8 MILLION, WITH A REPAYMENT COST OF $10.7 MILLION, AND SHALL DISTRICT TAXES BE INCREASED $540,000 ANNUALLY, WITH THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH DEBT TO BE USED TOGETHER WITH ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE STATE UNDER THE BUILDING EXCELLENT SCHOOLS TODAY ACT ( BEST ) AND/OR OTHER GRANT PROGRAMS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING CAPITAL ASSETS FOR DISTRICT PURPOSES, WHICH MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: ADDRESSING THE HEALTH, SAFETY, SECURITY, AND EDUCATIONAL DEFICIENCIES IN THE AGING PK-12 SCHOOL BY DEMOLISHING THE EXISTING PK-12 SCHOOL AND CONSTRUCTING A NEW FACILITY ON DISTRICT OWNED PROPERTY; UPDATING TECHNOLOGY, AND MODERNIZING CLASSROOMS TO PROMOTE THE TEACHING OF SKILLS NECESSARY TO PREPARE STUDENTS TO COMPETE IN THE 21ST CENTURY WORKFORCE; IMPROVING ATHLETIC FACILITIES, UPDATING AND ENHANCING FACILITY SECURITY STANDARDS IN ORDER TO IMPROVE SAFETY OF STUDENTS AND STAFF; SHALL THE MILL LEVY BE INCREASED IN ANY YEAR WITHOUT LIMITATION AS TO RATE, WHICH AMOUNT SHALL BE SUFFICIENT TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL OF AND PREMIUM, IF ANY, AND INTEREST ON SUCH DEBT OR ANY REFUNDING DEBT WHEN DUE; THE AUTHORITY FOR SUCH TAX AND MILL LEVY INCREASE TO TERMINATE WHEN THE DEBT OR REFUNDING DEBT IS PAID; SUCH DEBT TO BE EVIDENCED BY THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OR OTHER MULTIPLE FISCAL YEAR FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS WHICH MAY BE SOLD FROM TIME TO TIME TO INVESTORS OR ISSUED TO THE STATE TREASURER UNDER THE BEST PROGRAM IN AN AGGREGATE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THE MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED PRINCIPAL AMOUNT AND REPAYMENT COST, ON TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS THE DISTRICT MAY DETERMINE, INCLUDING PROVISIONS FOR REDEMPTION OF THE BONDS PRIOR TO MATURITY WITH OR WITHOUT PAYMENT OF THE PREMIUM?

14 14 Total District Fiscal Year Spending Fiscal Year (estimated) $2,528, (estimated actual) $2,485, (actual) $2,546, (actual) $2,220, (actual) $2,149,898 Overall percentage change from to % Overall dollar change from to $378,211 Proposed Tax Increase District Estimate of the Maximum Dollar Amount of the Proposed Tax Increase For Fiscal Year (the First Full Fiscal Year of the Proposed Tax Increase): BALLOT ISSUE NO. 3F: $540,000 District Estimate of Fiscal Year Spending Without Proposed Tax Increase: $2,822,262 Does not include proceeds of bonded debt, lease purchase agreements, BEST grant funding, or other borrowings which may occur in fiscal year. Information on District s Proposed Debt BALLOT ISSUE NO. 3F: Principal Amount of Proposed Bonds: $ 6,800,000 Maximum Annual District Repayment Cost: $ 540,000 Total District Repayment Cost: $10,700,000 Information on District s Current Debt 1 Principal Amount Outstanding Debt: $0 Maximum Annual Repayment Cost: $0 Remaining Total Repayment Cost: $0 Summary of Written Comments FOR Ballot Issue No. 3F: Why do we need a new school? Deer Trail school has been the heart and soul of our community for many a good year. As with all things there comes a time when the functionality of a building declines and this is what is happening with our present school. We need a school building that will take our children into the future. A place that is safe, secure and healthy. The times we live in now dictate certain standards for security which are not possible with the present building. A school building that can be properly outfitted with the technological infrastructure needed in the 21 st century and where classrooms are designed to enhance learning. A place where the community can gather and join with the children and know that our little town of Deer Trail will go forward into the future together. Summary of Written Comments AGAINST Ballot Issue No. 3F: No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline. 1 Excluded from debt are enterprise and annual appropriation obligations.

15 15 ALL REGISTERED VOTERS NOTICE OF ELECTION ON A REFERRED MEASURE Election Date: Tuesday, November 8, 2016 Election Hours: 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Local Election Office: Stacie Pacheco, Designated Election Official Icenogle Seaver Pogue, P.C South Monaco Street, Suite 225 Denver, Colorado (303) Ballot Title and Text: THE DENVER METROPOLITAN SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL FACILITIES DISTRICT ( SCFD ) BALLOT ISSUE 4B: SHALL THERE BE AN EXTENSION UNTIL JUNE 30, 2030, OF THE AGGREGATE 0.1 PERCENT SALES AND USE TAXES CURRENTLY LEVIED AND COLLECTED BY THE DENVER METROPOLITAN SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL FACILITIES DISTRICT THAT ARE SCHEDULED TO EXPIRE ON JUNE 30, 2018, FOR ASSISTING SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL FACILITIES WITHIN THE DISTRICT, WHILE AUTHORIZING THE DISTRICT TO CONTINUE TO COLLECT, RETAIN, AND SPEND ALL REVENUE GENERATED BY SUCH TAX IN EXCESS OF THE LIMITATION PROVIDED IN ARTICLE X OF SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION AND WHILE MODIFYING THE RATES OF THE THREE INDIVIDUAL SALES AND USE TAXES COLLECTED BY THE DISTRICT AS FOLLOWS: FOR TOTAL ANNUAL REVENUES COLLECTED BY THE DISTRICT UP TO THIRTY- EIGHT MILLION DOLLARS, DECREASING THE.0655 PERCENT SALES AND USE TAX TO.064 PERCENT; INCREASING THE.021 PERCENT SALES AND USE TAX TO.022 PERCENT; AND INCREASING THE.0135 PERCENT SALES AND USE TAX TO.014 PERCENT; AND, FOR TOTAL ANNUAL REVENUES COLLECTED BY THE DISTRICT THAT EXCEED THIRTY-EIGHT MILLION DOLLARS, DECREASING THE.064 PERCENT SALES AND USE TAX TO.057 PERCENT; INCREASING THE.022 PERCENT SALES AND USE TAX TO.026 PERCENT; AND INCREASING THE.014 PERCENT SALES AND USE TAX TO.017 PERCENT? Total District Fiscal Year Spending: Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Spending 2016 (estimated) $54,000, (actual) $54,758, (actual) $52,059, (actual) $47,361, (actual) $45,592,420 Overall Percentage Change from 2012 to 2016: 18.44% Overall Dollar Change from 2012 to 2016: $ 8,407,580 District Estimated Maximum Dollar Amount of Tax Increase for first full fiscal year of Proposed Tax Increase: Ballot Issue 4B does not authorize a new tax or a tax increase. Rather, Ballot Issue 4B authorizes an extension of a tax currently set to expire on June 30, If Ballot Issue 4B passes, the estimated maximum dollar amount resulting from the extension of the expiring tax for the first full fiscal year is $64,600,000. District Estimated Maximum Fiscal Year Spending for first full fiscal year without the Proposed Tax Increase: Ballot Issue 4B does not authorize a new tax or a tax increase. However, if Ballot Issue 4B does not pass, the estimated maximum fiscal year spending for the first full fiscal year without passage of Ballot Issue 4B is $0.

16 16 Summary of Written Comments FOR Ballot Issue 4B: No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline. Summary of Written Comments AGAINST Ballot Issue 4B: No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.

17 17 TO: ALL REGISTERED VOTERS NOTICE OF ELECTION TO INCREASE TAXES ON A REFERRED MEASURE Election Date: Tuesday, November 8, 2016 Election Hours: 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Local Election Office: Victoria Flamini 825 Shari s Court Bennett, Colorado (303) Ballot Title and Text: BENNETT FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 7 BALLOT ISSUE 4C: SHALL BENNETT FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 7 S TAXES BE INCREASED $777,655 ANNUALLY IN THE FIRST FULL FISCAL YEAR OR BY SUCH AMOUNT AS MAY BE RAISED BY THE IMPOSITION OF AN ADDITIONAL AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAX RATE OF UP TO MILLS, COMMENCING IN COLLECTION YEAR 2017, AND CONTINUING THEREAFTER, RESULTING IN A TOTAL DISTRICT PROPERTY TAX RATE, EXCLUSIVE OF REFUNDS, ABATEMENTS, OR DEBT SERVICE, NOT TO EXCEED MILLS, TO PAY GENERAL OPERATING AND CAPITAL EXPENSES OF THE DISTRICT INCLUDING REPLACING OLDER FIRE APPARATUS, RENOVATING AND CONSTRUCTING BUILDINGS, AND PERSONNEL COSTS NECESSARY TO IMPROVE DISTRICT SERVICES; AND SHALL THE DISTRICT BE AUTHORIZED TO COLLECT, RETAIN AND SPEND THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH ADDITIONAL PROPERTY TAX RATE AS A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE, OFFSET AND EXCEPTION TO THE LIMITS WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE APPLY UNDER TABOR (ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION) OR ANY OTHER LAW AND AS A PERMANENT WAIVER OF THE 5.5% LIMITATION UNDER SECTION , C.R.S.? Fiscal Information: Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Spending 2016 (estimated) $2,183, (actual) $1,688, (actual) $1,497, (actual) $1,454, (actual) $1,434,703 Overall percentage change from 2012 to 2016: 52% Overall dollar change from 2012 to 2016: $748,459 Estimated first full fiscal year maximum dollar amount of increase: $777,655 Estimated first full fiscal year spending without the increase: $1,959,642 Summary of Written Comments FOR Ballot Issue 4C: When it comes to emergency response, every second counts! The District is seeking a mill levy to help fund some of the needs of the community. Bennett population is increasing, and in order to provide the services at an appropriate speed, the staffing must increase. This mill levy would provide the funds for a more central fire station, and it would allow the District to increase their staffing in order to meet these needs. The funding for these services needs to be available before they are necessary, because the system needs to be in place to accommodate this development. A YES vote on Issue 4C will allow the District to: 1. Continue to provide superior protective emergency services. 2. Maintain speedy response times. 3. Provide a needed update to their equipment and buildings for our safety and theirs.

18 18 The District firefighters, volunteers, paramedics and EMTs deserve our support. They are there for us 24/7, 365 days a year, saving our lives and protecting our property. They serve thousands of residents in a 325 square mile area, handling all the ambulance and fire calls. Issue 4C addresses the District s highest priority needs, including: 1. Replacing and adding essential safety equipment, such as breathing apparatus, extrication equipment, cardiac monitors and thermal imagers. 2. Ongoing maintenance of vehicles, and replacement of aging, less reliable emergency response vehicles. 3. Construction of a four bay station with needed sleeping quarters. The District minimally staffs two stations with firefighters, EMS providers, and volunteers. Issue 4C will provide the needed sleeping quarters for these personnel. Volunteers will no longer be turned away due to lack of room. This will significantly impact their response capabilities The District does NOT receive any funding from the Counties, Town, or any other entity. The District is funded solely by the property taxes within the District. They continue to seek Federal and State Grants, which are becoming scarce and difficult to obtain. Every family, regardless of their financial situation, should be able to afford $2.65 per month per $100,000 of their homes value. However, for the District, this increase is substantial. These funds would allow for necessary changes in order for the District to provide the services at their maximum capacity. This is well worth the expense. The mill levy will be reduced after the debt is repaid on the long-term financing. The remaining mill levy will provide funding for critical ongoing operations and maintenance. This is a reasonable request given the benefits to our community. The proposed tax increase is probably less than the amount that your homeowners insurance should have decreased due to the unheard of 3-4 ISO (Insurance Service Organization) rating for your rural fire department which is comparable to the ratings of the Aurora or Denver fully paid departments. Issue 4C provides funding that is focused on saving our lives, protecting our homes, properties and businesses. Issue 4C deserves our support. Your vote is critical! VOTE YES ON 4C! Summary of Written Comments AGAINST Ballot Issue 4C: No comments were filed by the constitutional deadline.

19 19 I hereby certify that this booklet contains all of the notices as provided by the various governmental entities pursuant to Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution. Stan Martin Adams County Clerk and Recorder THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

20 Stan Martin, County Clerk and Recorder 4430 S Adams County Parkway 1st Floor - Suite E3102 Brighton, CO NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID DENVER, CO Permit No OFFICIAL ELECTION MATERIAL