Ballot Measure Information

On August 11, 2026, the Erie Town Council referred a ballot measure to voters for the November 2026 election related to funding for the Erie Community Center Expansion and Renovation project. The ballot measure asks voters whether to approve a 0.501% sales and use tax increase to fund costs associated with the expansion, renovation, equipping, operation, and maintenance of the Erie Community Center. The final ballot language adopted by Council as Resolution No. 2026-163 is provided below.

This page is intended to provide factual information and does not advocate for or against the ballot measure.

Official Ballot Language

TOWN OF ERIE BALLOT ISSUE ____: AUTHORIZATION FOR THE ISSUANCE OF DEBT AND AN ADDITIONAL SALES AND USE TAX FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE ERIE COMMUNITY CENTER.

SHALL THE TOWN OF ERIE’S DEBT BE INCREASED BY UP TO $32.5 MILLION, WITH A MAXIMUM REPAYMENT COST NOT TO EXCEED $52.6 MILLION (PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST) FOR THE PURPOSE OF UPDATING THE AGING ERIE COMMUNITY CENTER BUILDING AND FACILITIES BY ACQUIRING, DESIGNING, CONSTRUCTING, EXPANDING, RENOVATING, IMPROVING, AND EQUIPPING THE SAME AND FOR CONTINUED OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE, WITH SUCH IMPROVEMENTS TO INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• CONSTRUCTING AND EQUIPPING NEW FITNESS STUDIOS AND
• EXPANDING EXISTING STUDIOS;
• CONSTRUCTING AND EQUIPPING A NEW GYMNASIUM AND RACQUET
• BALL COURTS;
• EXPANDING MULTIPURPOSE COMMUNITY AND RECREATION SPACE;
• EQUIPPING NEW STRENGTH TRAINING AND CIRCUIT TRAINING AREAS;

AND SHALL TOWN TAXES BE INCREASED BY UP TO $4,866,857 IN THE FIRST FULL FISCAL YEAR AND BY SUCH ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS AS ARE GENERATED ANNUALLY THEREAFTER BY AN INCREASE IN THE RATE OF SALES AND USE TAX IMPOSED BY THE TOWN BY .501%, COMMENCING JANUARY 1, 2027, WHICH TAX REVENUES WILL BE USED FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE DEBT AUTHORIZED BY THIS QUESTION AND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE ERIE COMMUNITY CENTER AND OTHER PARK AND RECREATION RELATED EXPENSES OF THE TOWN; AND MAY THE DEBT ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS QUESTION BE PAID FROM SUCH LEGALLY AVAILABLE REVENUES, BEAR INTEREST, AND BE SOLD IN ONE SERIES OR MORE AT A PRICE ABOVE, BELOW OR EQUAL TO THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF SUCH DEBT AND WITH SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS, INCLUDING PROVISIONS FOR REDEMPTION PRIOR TO MATURITY WITH OR WITHOUT PAYMENT OF PREMIUM OF NOT TO EXCEED 3%, ALL AS THE TOWN MAY DETERMINE; AND SHALL THE REVENUES RAISED BY SUCH SALES AND USE TAX RATE INCREASE AND PROCEEDS OF SUCH DEBT, ANY OTHER REVENUE USED TO PAY SUCH DEBT, AND INVESTMENT INCOME THEREON, BE COLLECTED AND SPENT BY THE TOWN AS A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE PURSUANT TO ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION?

Considerations for Voters

Residents may consider several factors when evaluating the ballot measure. Potential reasons some residents may support the measure include increased demand at the Erie Community Center, program waitlists, limited gymnasium and fitness space, and the opportunity to expand or renovate the facility as Erie continues to grow. Potential reasons some residents may oppose the measure include the impact of an additional sales and use tax, concern about the total cost of the project, questions about long-term operating costs, or a preference to fund other Town priorities.

The Town provides this information for voter education and does not advocate for a yes or no vote.

What are some reasons a resident may support the ballot measure?

A resident may support the measure because the proposed project is intended to address increased use of the Erie Community Center, space constraints, program demand, and the need for additional gymnasium, fitness, community, youth, and support spaces. A resident may also support the measure because it would provide a dedicated funding source for expansion, renovation, equipment, operations, and maintenance of an existing Town facility.

What are some reasons a resident may oppose the ballot measure?

A resident may oppose the measure because it would increase the Town’s sales and use tax rate. A resident may also have concerns about the total project cost, repayment period, long-term operating and maintenance costs, or whether the project should be reduced, delayed, or funded through a different source

About the Erie Community Center

The Erie Community Center opened in 2008 and provides recreation, fitness, program, and gathering spaces for residents of all ages. The facility currently serves more than 225,000 annual visitors and nearly 90,000 program participants.

As Erie’s population has grown, use of the Community Center has also increased. A Pre-Design Study completed in late 2025 evaluated existing facility conditions, current and projected service needs, and potential options for expansion and renovation. The proposed project is intended to address program demand, facility use, and support-space needs while planning for the continued operation of the Community Center.

Daily Use: 800 average visitors; peaks of 1,100.

Annual Visits (2025 - Drop-in plus Programs): 326.000

Staffing: 23 full-time staff today, Projected 27 by 2028.

Increased Participation: Annual visits climbed from 158k (2008) to 225k (2025). Program participation more than doubled from 44k (2008) to 98k (2025).

Site Considerations: Built on ground studied for coal mining stability; parking and circulation remain key to long-term function.

The Erie Community Center has experienced demand for programs and spaces that exceeds current capacity, including nearly 1,500 individuals placed on program waitlists in 2025. The project is expected to increase preschool, youth, and adult programming; expand drop-in fitness areas and group fitness offerings; and accommodate demand for gymnasium space

The project also includes concepts that would allow for expanded public use of the Mini Miners indoor playground while maintaining KidStation operations. The proposed expansion and renovation are intended to address increased facility use, program demand, and space constraints.