RTD Board approves TABOR ballot initiative

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) Board of Directors adopted a resolution to submit a ballot question to eligible voters that would allow RTD to remain exempt from the limitations of the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR).

“Putting the TABOR question to qualified voters makes sense. Agency polling indicated a strong level of support, with 68% of respondents agreeing that they would support a ballot measure on this topic,” said Erik Davidson, Chair of the RTD Board of Directors. “If approved, such a measure would enable RTD to retain revenue needed to continue providing the public with a level of service it expects to receive.”

If passed in November, the proposed ballot question would extend the current voter authorization for RTD to retain and spend all revenue without further voter approval.

In 1995 voters exempted RTD from TABOR revenue and spending limits through 2005. In 1999, voters exempted RTD from TABOR revenue and spending limitations through the period required to pay bond debt issued to finance the construction of certain light rail lines. That debt will be paid off in November 2024.

TABOR is a 1992 voter-approved amendment to the Colorado Constitution that generally limits the amount of revenue Colorado governments can retain and spend. TABOR requires voter approval to increase taxes or retain excess revenues above certain limits that TABOR sets, as well as to issue certain new multi-year financial obligations such as bond debt. Many local Colorado governments have implemented voter-approved exemptions from TABOR’s revenue and spending limitations.

The ballot question will be added to the November 5, 2024, ballot. Video of tonight’s RTD Board meeting is available online.