New Eagle County poll, survey indicate public support for continuing open space tax

Eagle County has received results from telephone polling and a community survey conducted earlier this month regarding the extension of the county’s open space tax. A summary of the results is available online at www.eaglecounty.us/commissioners.

Pollsters contacted 362 community members between Aug. 8 – 14, who were asked about their views on extending the open space tax, as well as on its current and future uses. Key findings include:

• Four out of five voters would vote “yes” for an open space continuation ballot measure.
• The proposal has support across party lines, with 71 percent of Republican, 79 percent of unaffiliated and 92 percent of Democratic voters indicating support.
• 85 percent of respondents said “preserving wildlife habitat” is extremely or very important.
• 83 percent of respondents indicated both “conserving the scenic beauty of our county” and “maintaining our good quality of life” are extremely or very important.

In addition, initial results from a community survey mailed to all households with active voters across the county indicated 69 percent of respondents would vote yes on an open space continuation ballot measure. The county is still accepting surveys from those who wish to provide input on the open space program.

County Manager Jeff Shroll says the Board of County Commissioners will use the polling and survey results to make their decision on whether to ask voters to extend the dedicated 1.5 mill levy property tax for open space. A proposed resolution to consider ballot language is scheduled to be heard on Sept. 4.

For more information, contact the commissioners at 970-328-8605.