Why Vote YES on 2F
Still Deciding About 2F?
We understand this is an important decision for Greeley voters. Here’s the central reason Empower Greeley supports Ballot Issue 2F.
Greeley already has major financial obligations, while many of the parks, recreation facilities, public buildings, trails, pools and other community assets residents use every day also need continued maintenance and investment.
The City has stated that some existing financial obligations will remain whether or not 2F passes. Without the additional revenue proposed by 2F, the City may need to rely more heavily on existing revenues that also support parks, recreation and other City programs. (Learn more.)
At the same time, the City faces significant deferred maintenance and capital needs. The project list identifies millions of dollars in repairs, replacements and improvements involving facilities such as the Recreation Center, UCCC, Ice Haus, Centennial Pool, parks, playgrounds and the Poudre River Trail.
That’s at the heart of why Empower Greeley supports 2F. We believe Greeley should have a dedicated source of revenue to help meet existing financial obligations while protecting more of the City’s current revenues for the parks, facilities, maintenance and community services residents already depend on.
A YES vote on 2F would approve a 0.6% sales and use tax increase, excluding grocery food purchases. The City estimates it would generate approximately $20 million in the first year. The City also states that the measure would provide dedicated funding connected to approximately $100 million in existing financial obligations from prior investments, helping preserve existing City revenues for parks, recreation and maintenance.
At a Glance
0.6%
Proposed City sales and use tax increase
Excluded
Grocery food excluded from the City tax increase
$20M
Estimated first-year revenue approximately $20 million in 2027
2067
December 31, 2067
A 0.6% increase equals 60 cents on a $100 purchase, or 6 cents on a $10 purchase.
What 2F Would Do
If approved by voters, Ballot Issue 2F would create a dedicated, voter-approved source of revenue for the specific capital projects named on the ballot.
The measure would authorize funding for:
- The Downtown Civic Campus, including a new city hall, public plaza, parking garage, and related infrastructure, amenities and improvements.
- The West Greeley Catalyst Project, including an arena, youth ice center, water park and hotel.
- City parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, trails and other outdoor spaces, including related infrastructure, amenities and improvements.
- Recreational, cultural and service facilities, including related infrastructure, amenities and improvements; and other eligible capital improvements.
2F would fund the specific projects named on the ballot, and the tax ends when their financing is paid off, no later than December 31, 2067.
Why Vote YES on 2F
Help Preserve Capacity for Everyday Needs
Greeley's streets, public facilities, parks and infrastructure require ongoing investment. Ballot Issue 2F would dedicate new revenue to the projects named in the ballot measure, thereby preserving existing City revenues for streets, other City facilities, capital improvements and deferred maintenance.
We believe this approach helps Greeley address major long-term needs while preserving more flexibility in existing revenues for other community priorities.
Share Costs More Broadly
A sales tax is paid on taxable purchases made in Greeley by residents and nonresidents alike. Visitors, commuters, event attendees, and shoppers from outside Greeley who make taxable purchases here help pay for them, too.
We believe this is a fair way to share the cost of major community investments among the people who live, work, shop, and spend time in Greeley, rather than relying only on existing City revenues.
Expand Community Opportunities
Ballot Issue 2F authorizes funding for recreational, cultural, and service facilities, as well as city parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, trails, and other outdoor spaces. It also includes the Downtown Civic Campus and West Greeley Catalyst Project. (Source: City of Greeley)
We believe these investments will give Greeley families new places to gather, play, and celebrate for generations to come.
Cost and
Accountability
What Would It Cost?
The proposed increase is 0.6%, equal to 60 cents on a $100 eligible purchase. Or a little over half a penny on a $1 purchase.
We believe this approach helps Greeley plan for major needs without relying solely on existing revenue sources.
Independent Review
The ballot language provides that expenditures funded through Ballot Issue 2F would be subject to independent review by a citizens committee.
We believe the public should have access to understandable information about revenue collected, project spending, project status, and major financial decisions.
A Time-Limited Tax
Ballot Issue 2F is not a permanent tax.
The tax would end when the financing for the Downtown Civic Campus Project and West Greeley Catalyst Project, including any refundings, is paid in full. In all events, the tax would end no later than December 31, 2067.
What 2F Does Not Guarantee
Ballot Issue 2F would create an additional funding source for the projects and purposes identified in the ballot measure. It does not, by itself:
- Guarantee a fixed percentage or annual amount for any one authorized use or individual project.
- Guarantee that any individual project will be built exactly as initially proposed.
- Guarantee a specific project cost, construction schedule, economic outcome, attendance level, or tourism revenue.
- Make all existing City revenues legally exclusive to streets, paving, or any other single purpose.
- Eliminate future City budgeting, project planning, public review, financial oversight, or other applicable approvals. (Source: City of Greeley)
Greeley’s Choice
Ballot Issue 2F gives voters a choice about how Greeley funds major community capital needs: through a dedicated, time-limited sales and use tax, with expenditures subject to independent review by a citizens committee, or by continuing to rely on existing City revenues to address those needs.
We believe 2F is a practical investment in Greeley’s streets, facilities, parks, public spaces, recreation, and long-term future.
Vote Yes on Ballot Issue 2F
Why We Support 2F
2F would provide a dedicated funding source for the projects and purposes listed in the ballot measure, while helping preserve existing City revenues for streets, other City facilities, capital improvements, and deferred maintenance.
We believe this is an investment in quality of life today and in the Greeley future generations will inherit.
The official ballot question is the final and authoritative description of what voters are being asked to approve.
An independent ballot-issue committee. This material is not prepared, paid for, sponsored, or endorsed by the City of Greeley.