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TC Resolution 20-27 Advocating for the Passage of the Colorado River Water Conservation district nallot7AA Avon COLORADO RESOLUTION 20-27 ADVOCATING FOR THE PASSAGE OF THE COLORADO RIVER WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT BALLOT ISSUE 7A WHEREAS, the Colorado River Water Conservation District is a public entity with a mission to lead in the protection, conservation, use and development of the water resources of the Colorado River Basin for the welfare its residents and to safeguard for Colorado all the waters of the Colorado River to which the State of Colorado is entitled; and WHEREAS, it is critical to the people of Western Colorado that the Colorado River District continue to be a strong and effective voice on water matters affecting Western Colorado water users, and WHEREAS, the Colorado River District's revenues are declining due to reduced energy production and prices, impacts of the Gallagher Amendment and the revenue limitations in the Taxpayers Bill of Rights, and WHEREAS, it is important to provide for sufficient funding for necessary water projects to protect the quality of life in Eagle County and on the Western Slope WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Colorado River District has certified and directed that Ballot Issue 7A be placed in the November 2020 election across the District's 15 counties: Shall Colorado River Water Conservation District, also known as the Colorado River District, taxes be increased by an amount up to $4,969,041 in 2021 (which increases amounts to approximately $1.90 in 2021 for every $100,000 in residential property value), and such amounts as are generated annually thereafter from an additional property tax levy of .248 mills (for a total mill levy of 0.5 mills) to enable the Colorado River District to protect and safeguard Western Colorado by: • Fighting to keep water on the Western Slope; • Protecting adequate water supplies for West Slope Farmers and Ranchers; • Protecting sustainable drinking water supplies for West Slope communities; and • Protecting fish, wildlife, and recreation by maintaining river levels and water quantity; Provided that the District will not utilize these additional funds for the purpose of paying to fallow irrigated agriculture; with such expenditures reported to the public in an annually published independent financial audit; and shall all revenues received by the District in 2021 and each subsequent year be collected retained and spent notwithstanding any limits provided by law? WHEREAS, Avon Town Council believes the revenues that will be raised if Ballot Issue 7A is approved by the voters are critical to the Colorado River Water Conservation District being able to continue its mission and be a strong and effective advocate on issues and importance to water users on the Western Slope of Colorado. WHEREAS, the Colorado Fair Campaign Practices Act authorizes local governments to adopt resolutions in support of or opposition to ballot issues, and it is the desire of Avon Town Council to Res 20-27 Supporting Colorado River Water Conservation District Ballot Issue 7A Page 1 of 2 express its overwhelming and strongest possible support the Colorado River Water Conservation District's Ballot Issue 7A; and WHEREAS, the Colorado Fair Campaign Practices Act also authorizes local governments to distribute in normal fashion an adopted resolution regarding any ballot issue of importance to that local government. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF AVON, COLORADO: Section 1. Recitals Incorporated. The above and foregoing recitals are incorporated by reference and adopted as findings and determinations of the Town Council. Section 2. Ballot Issue 7A. The Avon Town Council affirmatively supports the Colorado River Water Conservation District and urges qualified electors to vote YES on Ballot Issue 7A. ADOPTED this 6th day of October 2020. AVON T WN COUNCIL By: ' Attest: Sarah Smwith-Hymes, Mayo »V1�D (f Brenda Torres, Town Res 20-27 Supporting Colorado River Water Conservation District Ballot Issue 7A Page 2 of 2