Dear Dolores Community,
I want to address the increase in our taxes.
Two tax initiatives are in play for the Dolores community, and Montezuma initiatives from the November election also contribute to our tax increase.
BOND
In 2023, the school issued a Dolores District Survey that polled community opinion about the current Master Plan for facilities created in 2019. That survey prompted the hiring of an architect and the development of a new Master Plan with community input. Once this was complete, The school district went to the voters in November 2023 to ask voters: 1. To put us in a better position to receive the BEST grant (CO Department of Education Grant) 2. Pass the selling and issuing of bonds to support the building project that was a part of our Master Plan.
Publications went out to the community stating that the cost to the taxpayer would be a monthly charge $5-$6 per $100,000.00 (residential) and $24-$25 per $100,000. (commercial)
The vote passed in 2023.
In the meantime, we received the BEST grant in the fall of 2024. Since then, we had to issue and sell bonds to pay for the build. The tax increase in 2025 was the increase you now see on your taxes.
Mill Levy Override
In 2015, the school district asked the voters for a Mill Levy Override of $390,000. To infuse the school district with funds to pay for student supplies, teacher salaries, and maintenance. This was passed, and it was sunsetting in 2024. The school district again went to the voters asking to renew the Mill Levy Override for another 8 years for $360,000.00 a year. The Board of Education reduced the requested amount, which is reflected in this year’s taxes. Taxes for the Mill Levy Override did not increase. The Mill Levy money is now used for student supplies and teacher salaries.
We greatly appreciate the support from our community for the building project that is underway. The return on our investment is enormous…
Alesa Reed
Dolores School District Superintendent