Cripple Creek residents will vote next month whether to pass a sales tax increase that would fund the “continuation and expansion” of vocational and technical programs within the school district.

According to the ballot question language, which will go before voters during the Nov. 7 coordinated election, Cripple Creek-Victor RE-1 School District is seeking a 1% sales tax increase that would go toward funding programs such as construction and trade, culinary arts and adult education certification opportunities. 

If passed, the tax hike will go into effect for a limited time on Jan. 1 and end by Dec. 31, 2027, according to the ballot.

School district officials have said increasing sales tax instead of requesting a mill levy increase could be more palatable to voters who wish to support educational needs, because property taxes have already seen unprecedented hikes due to increased valuations.

According to school board President Mary Bielz, the one-time sales tax levy model has proven successful in the past — such as when the Community of Caring generated extra money for the Aspen Mine Center — because voters were made aware of its specific uses, along with the fact that it had a “sunset date.”

Those in favor of the levy have said the tourist industry would contribute to the fund as well because of visitors’ purchases at local establishments.

The new trade and vocational facility, officially named the CC/V Building Trades Mini-Factory, was built using a $1.5 million state grant, but future operational costs — plus program costs estimated to range between $300,000 to $500,000 — will need to be funded, officials said.

City councilman Tom Litherland has opposed the measure, believing the school district should instead ask voters of the entire school district for a mill levy hike.

Voters will also decide two council seats from Wards 4 and 5 and a new mayor.

With former Mayor Milford Ashworth recently resigned and not seeking reelection, there are three candidates vying for the mayoral position: Annie Durham, Les Batson and former mayor pro tem-turned-interim Mayor Missy Trenary.

Incumbent Ward 5 council member Jared Bowman will seek reelection to the seat won by special election due to a recall.

The open Ward 4 seat will be vacated by Tom Litherland due to term limits. Because there are no contenders for the Ward 4 position, voters will be able to submit a write-in candidate.

Click or tap to view the sample Ward 4 and Ward 5 ballots.

Sonja Oliver of the Pikes Peak Courier contributed to this report.