Montezuma County allocates $45,000 for phased sales-tax education work; board approves survey phase

The Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners voted Jan. 27 to allocate $45,000 to Magellan Strategies for a phased public-education effort tied to potential placement of a county sales-tax measure on a future ballot. The board approved funding for an initial interview and survey phase while agreeing to hold off on broader public-alignment or advocacy services until legal questions about what a public body may undertake are resolved.

Commissioners and staff said they had received a presentation from Magellan Strategies and partner firms the previous day outlining a three-part approach. One commissioner urged proceeding with the initial interview/survey work but pausing the third-party public-alignment and advocacy services until the board gathers the survey data and clarifies statutory restrictions for public bodies regarding support for ballot measures.

A motion to allocate the $45,000 in a phased approach — with the survey as phase 1 and subsequent contracts to be presented later if legal review and results support them — passed by voice vote. Staff emphasized the allocation does not automatically bind the county to enter into the later contracts; the county will seek clarifications and present any contracts for further board approval.

Commissioners said the funds are intended to support public education and information-gathering about local government finances and the potential need for a local sales tax, not immediate advocacy without further review.