Commissioners decide not to place sales tax measure on 2026 ballot, opt for further education

Montezuma County commissioners reviewed a survey by Mellan Strategies and agreed on June 16 not to pursue placing a proposed sales tax measure on this year’s ballot.

Board members said the survey results and staff counsel indicated a low probability of passage (board discussion characterized the chance as less than 50 percent). The commissioners directed the county attorney not to spend further time drafting ballot language this cycle and recommended additional public education if the county revisits the idea.

One commissioner summarized the conclusion: because the numbers presented did not show sufficient likelihood of passage and staff did not recommend moving forward now, the board would delay any placement of a sales tax measure on the ballot this year.

No formal ballot language was drafted or filed at the meeting; the board’s direction was procedural rather than a formal ordinance or resolution.