Poll finds Eagle County residents in favor of pot tax to pay for mental health services

A recent telephone poll indicated overwhelming support for 5 percent sales tax on recreational marijuana in Eagle County, according to county officials.

And most of that majority also favors putting the pot tax money toward mental health and substance abuse services. Here’s the press release from Eagle County:

Polling results on recreational marijuana tax

Aug. 1, 2017 – Eagle County has received results from telephone polling conducted last week regarding a potential ballot question for new sales and excise taxes on recreational marijuana. A summary of the results is available online at www.eaglecounty.us/commissioners.

Pollsters contacted 400 community members, who were asked about their views on an up to 5 percent sales tax and an up to 5 percent excise tax on recreational marijuana. Responses indicate that overall, a significant majority of likely 2017 Eagle County voters would support new sales and excise taxes on marijuana sales.

Several proposals for uses of the funds were tested. Among them, putting marijuana tax revenue toward mental health and substance abuse services received the strongest support at 78 percent.

It is anticipated the Board of County Commissioners will develop a potential ballot question in the coming weeks, including determining what percent to ask voters for and estimating amounts to be raised. Any proposed question must be scheduled for consideration during a future public hearing, which will include ample opportunity for community comment.

The deadline for placing items on the ballot is Sept. 8. For more information contact Bryan Treu, interim county manager, at 970-328-8604.