Clear Creek County is considering a 2% public safety sales tax to support the Sheriff’s Office, EMS and CCHAT. State law allows counties to have a maximum 2% sales tax dedicated to these public safety services.

A 2% sales tax would provide approximately $5.2 million annually—approximately $26 million over 5 years. This would not fully fund the county’s public safety budget, but it would significantly reduce on-going deficit spending.

The sales tax would:

• Provide dedicated funding only for law enforcement and emergency services.

• Reduce General Fund spending for public safety that in turn reduces cuts to non-emergency services.

• Require approval by Clear Creek County voters.

The proposed sales tax would ensure that visitors and travelers through the county, especially along I-70, U.S. 6 and U.S. 40, help fund emergency services. It’s estimated that approximately 40 percent of the county’s sales tax is paid by visitors and tourists.

If approved by voters, the 2% public safety sales tax would increase the sales tax rates in Empire, Georgetown and Idaho Springs to above 10%, making local sales taxes in these communities among the highest in the state of Colorado.