Be heard – VOTE!

The Board of Directors of the Basalt Chamber of Commerce (BCC) endorses the intent of the ballot question 3A (aka “Basalt Forward Program”) that has been proposed by the Town of Basalt. Under the ballot question, the Town Council is seeking taxpayer approval to raise an additional $18 million in debt to invest in affordable housing, green initiatives, and Midland Avenue streetscape, without increasing taxes. Proceeds from the $18 million bond will be invested as follows: approximately $11 million to beautify and upgrade infrastructure on Midland Ave, $6 million for affordable housing (to be “pooled” with other developers), and $2 million for “green” initiatives, such as electric vehicle charging stations or solar generation. The specifics of the investments in each of these three areas will be further defined if voters approve 3A.  

The BCC board supports initiatives that address key issues that are important to local business and economic growth.

The fundamental questions that the Chamber considers when weighing in on advocacy issue are:

• Would this initiative(s) support sustainable economic growth in our community?
• Are there any adverse effects that will impact Basalt businesses?
• Does the proposal align with the Chamber’s Mission Statement?

While the BCC agrees with the spirit of the Basalt Forward Program, we encourage Basalt’s Town Council to identify specific projects within each of the target areas and to regularly communicate the details of these valuable initiatives. We believe that voters/businesses must be consulted and be accurately informed of the timing and implications of these initiatives, particularly if the implementation of the proposed projects has the potential to disrupt business. Large projects such as the Midland Avenue streetscape improvements can have unpredictable timelines, so flexibility, trust, and constant communication are key to ensuring businesses know what to expect and how to mitigate any impacts on their operations.

Official Ballot Language

Eagle County Sample ballot | Pitkin County Sample ballot

3A Basalt Forward Program

WITHOUT IMPOSING ANY NEW TAX, SHALL THE TOWN OF BASALT’S DEBT BE INCREASED BY $18,000,000, WITH A MAXIMUM TOTAL REPAYMENT COST OF NOT MORE THAN $23,065,450, FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE ACQUISITION, DEVELOPMENT, CONSTRUCTION, REPAIR, IMPROVEMENT, AND PROVISION OF THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS AS PART OF THE BASALT FORWARD PROGRAM:

• INCREASING THE SUPPLY OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE TOWN MASTER PLAN’S URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARY, SUCH AS THROUGH PURCHASING REAL PROPERTY, PARTNERSHIPS WITH PRIVATE, NON-PROFIT, AND GOVERNMENT SECTORS, ACQUIRING DEED RESTRICTIONS, AND SUPPORTING HOUSING PROGRAMS;
• STREETSCAPE, SIDEWALK, AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS ON MIDLAND AVENUE IN DOWNTOWN BASALT; 
• “GREEN” PROJECTS, SUCH AS SOLAR DEVELOPMENT, VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS, AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS;

AND SHALL THE PROPERTY TAXES AUTHORIZED AT THE TOWN’S BOND ELECTIONS IN 2001 AND 2013 BE EXTENDED AND AUTHORIZED TO BE USED TO PAY THE DEBT AUTHORIZED AT THIS ELECTION IN ADDITION TO THE DEBT AUTHORIZED AT SUCH PRIOR ELECTIONS; AND SHALL SUCH TAXES BE LEVIED ANNUALLY AT A RATE SUFFICIENT TO PAY SUCH DEBT OR ANY REFUNDING DEBT WHEN DUE (OR TO CREATE A RESERVE FOR SUCH PAYMENT) BUT NOT MORE THAN $950,000 ANNUALLY; AND MAY SUCH DEBT BE EVIDENCED BY THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OR OTHER MULTIPLE FISCAL YEAR OBLIGATIONS TO BE SOLD IN ONE SERIES OR MORE, FOR A PRICE ABOVE OR BELOW THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT THEREOF, ON TERMS AND CONDITIONS, AND WITH SUCH MATURITIES AS PERMITTED BY LAW AND AS THE TOWN MAY DETERMINE?

Be heard – VOTE!

The Basalt Chamber does not take a stance on a particular political candidate; however, we do advocate on business issues.

The chamber shall consider the merits of an issue based on the following criteria:

• maintaining or improving the cost of doing business within the Basalt area;
• advocating for a “pro-business” municipal government;
• increasing the available workforce or workforce housing; and/or
• improving the local infrastructure.

The fundamental questions that should be answered are: “Does this support sustainable economic growth in our community?” and “Does this align with the Chamber’s Mission Statement?” Other criteria may also be considered at the discretion of the Board.