Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is 2B?
2B is a proposed new tax on local attractions, including events, festivals, parks, museums, landmarks, campgrounds, tours, rides, rafting, and guiding services. The City says it’s aimed at tourists, but locals will pay it too.
Q: Why is the City proposing this tax? The City and Recreation District already have funding to build the new swimming pool, but they didn’t think about the money they needed to operate it. 2B is a backdoor attempt to skim revenue for operating costs after voters rejected a property tax increase for the very same thing.
Q: Aren’t we already paying for the new pool? Yes. A new sales tax that you’re already paying will generate more than $42 million over 25 years for pool construction, and the Recreation District will take on $44 million in debt payments for the pool. 2B would add yet another tax burden on residents and businesses.
Q: Who will actually pay the 2B tax? Both tourists and local residents. There is no exemption for locals—families will pay the tax when enjoying local attractions. Small businesses, especially those in tourism and hospitality, will also face the financial burden, including the administrative burden, which increases staffing costs.
Q: What about the Royal Gorge Route Railroad? Federal law exempts railroads from this kind of tax, so the City’s primary target cannot be taxed. That leaves locally owned tourism businesses carrying this heavy load.
Q: Is the City-owned Royal Gorge Bridge included in the tax? No. Because the bridge is outside City limits, it would not be taxed—raising questions about fairness and the City’s true intentions.
Q: How could 2B affect local businesses and jobs? Many small businesses may not be able to absorb the extra tax. They could be forced to raise prices, cut jobs, or even relocate outside city limits to avoid the tax.
Q: What impact could 2B have on tourism? Tourism is central to Cañon City’s economy. By raising costs for attractions and services, 2B risks driving visitors to other destinations, hurting both local businesses and city revenue.
Q: Why are some people calling 2B reckless? The City rushed the measure onto the ballot without addressing major flaws—such as the railroad exemption, unclear details about which businesses would be taxed, and the exclusion of the City’s own bridge. On top of that, officials are already discussing future tax hikes before voters even decide on 2B.
Q: What’s the bottom line for voters? 2B means higher costs for local families and small businesses, potential harm to tourism, and another layer of taxation—without fairness or transparency. Opponents urge voters to reject it.
Q: Why is the City proposing this tax? The City and Recreation District already have funding to build the new swimming pool, but they didn’t think about the money they needed to operate it. 2B is a backdoor attempt to skim revenue for operating costs after voters rejected a property tax increase for the very same thing.
Q: Aren’t we already paying for the new pool? Yes. A new sales tax that you’re already paying will generate more than $42 million over 25 years for pool construction, and the Recreation District will take on $44 million in debt payments for the pool. 2B would add yet another tax burden on residents and businesses.
Q: Who will actually pay the 2B tax? Both tourists and local residents. There is no exemption for locals—families will pay the tax when enjoying local attractions. Small businesses, especially those in tourism and hospitality, will also face the financial burden, including the administrative burden, which increases staffing costs.
Q: What about the Royal Gorge Route Railroad? Federal law exempts railroads from this kind of tax, so the City’s primary target cannot be taxed. That leaves locally owned tourism businesses carrying this heavy load.
Q: Is the City-owned Royal Gorge Bridge included in the tax? No. Because the bridge is outside City limits, it would not be taxed—raising questions about fairness and the City’s true intentions.
Q: How could 2B affect local businesses and jobs? Many small businesses may not be able to absorb the extra tax. They could be forced to raise prices, cut jobs, or even relocate outside city limits to avoid the tax.
Q: What impact could 2B have on tourism? Tourism is central to Cañon City’s economy. By raising costs for attractions and services, 2B risks driving visitors to other destinations, hurting both local businesses and city revenue.
Q: Why are some people calling 2B reckless? The City rushed the measure onto the ballot without addressing major flaws—such as the railroad exemption, unclear details about which businesses would be taxed, and the exclusion of the City’s own bridge. On top of that, officials are already discussing future tax hikes before voters even decide on 2B.
Q: What’s the bottom line for voters? 2B means higher costs for local families and small businesses, potential harm to tourism, and another layer of taxation—without fairness or transparency. Opponents urge voters to reject it.
