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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-089-09/18/2018-EXPRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL'S SUPPORT FOR THE PASSAGE OF A LARIMER COUNTY BALLOT ISSUE IMPOSING A 0. RESOLUTION 2018-089 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS EXPRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL'S SUPPORT FOR THE PASSAGE OF A LARIMER COUNTY BALLOT ISSUE IMPOSING A 0.25% COUNTYWIDE SALES AND USE TAX FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS OF LARIMER COUNTY AND URGING THE CITIZENS OF FORT COLLINS TO VOTE "YES" ON THIS BALLOT ISSUE WHEREAS, the term "mental health" refers to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional wellbeing that can affect daily life, relationships, psychological resilience and even physical health; and WHEREAS, mental illness and substance use disorders are treatable chronic health conditions; and WHEREAS;mental illness and substance use disorders are serious health issues for one in five people in Larimer County, including children, teens, adults and seniors; and WHEREAS, although great strides have been made, many of our citizens experience the negative effects of metal health issues themselves or through family members, neighbors or friends; and WHEREAS, comprehensive,community-based services that respond to those with mental health needs are cost-effective,and access to necessary medication and appropriate treatment helps prevent individuals from ending up in emergency rooms and the criminal justice system; and WHEREAS, the.provision of a continuum of mental health services in our community is critical to individuals, families, schools, businesses, law enforcement and healthcare providers, and there is a strong and growing body of evidence that supports the cost effectiveness and benefits to communities that have successfully implemented continuums of mental health and related care; and WHEREAS, on July 24, 2018, the Board of County,Commissioners of the County of Larimer adopted Resolution No, 07242018RO13,which placed on the November 6, 2018, general election ballot a ballot issue that, if passed,would increase the County's sales and use taxes by one quarter of one percent (0.25%), with the revenue from such tax being used to provide detox, behavioral and mental health care services and facilities to residents of Larimer County; and WHEREAS,Larimer County taxes would be expected to increase by$19,000,000 in 2019, and by whatever additional amount is raised annually thereafter for 20 years; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the funding provided by this tax would be an investment in the health and well-being of the Fort Collins community and surrounding areas and would advance a number of City strategic objectives related to social sustainability and public safety. -1- NOW, THEREFORE; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows: Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and findings contained in the recitals set forth above. Section 2. That for the reasons set forth above, the City Council fully supports the passage of the Larimer County ballot issue described herein. Section 3. That the City Council urges every Larimer County registered voter to vote "YES"on the November 6, 2018, ballot issue to increase sales and use taxes by 0.25%to support mental health care services in Larimer County. Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this 18th day of September, A.D. 2018. Mayor ATTEST: CF FOR?. oil' City City CV y c°XORAa° -2-