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.
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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:
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