Town Council passes resolution supporting Ballot Question 3A

On Thursday, September 19, Mountain Village Town Council passed a resolution supporting a “Yes” vote on Ballot Question 3A.

The initiative was referred by the San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) and seeks voter approval for funding for the continued operation and maintenance of the region’s iconic gondola.

“Over the years, the gondola has become a pillar of our community at large,” said Mountain Village Mayor Marti Prohaska.

“Voting ‘yes’ on 3A ensures that we preserve this critical infrastructure and expand regional transportation," Prohaska continued. "The gondola plays a key role in supporting the local workforce and is a critical component of the region’s economy. Residents, guests and local businesses all benefit tremendously from the current gondola and will benefit from the new system in the future.”

As the 1999 Gondola Operating Agreement, which guarantees free gondola service, is set to expire on December 31, 2027, a community-wide planning effort has been underway since 2015. Discussions and subsequent agreements between key stakeholders—including the Towns of Telluride and Mountain Village, San Miguel County and SMART—have highlighted the need for sustained funding.

If passed in the upcoming November 5, 2024 election, Ballot Question 3A would increase the sales tax by 0.82%, the lodging tax by 1.25% and the property tax mill levy by 1.336 mills. The funds generated will ensure the gondola system between Mountain Village and Telluride remains a free public transportation option beyond 2027, while also expanding regional bus services.

The measure proposes the following:

• $8.2 Million Annual Revenue: This will be raised through a combination of taxes:
  • An increase in property taxes equivalent to approximately $89 per $1,000,000 of property value ($1.6 million projected to be raised)
  • An increase in sales taxes of up to .82% ($4.6 million projected to be raised)
  • An increase in lodging taxes of up to 1.25% ($2.0 million projected to be raised)
• Gondola Operations and Replacement: 87.8% of the funds will be restricted to support gondola operations and the establishment of a capital reserve for a portion of a new gondola system. These funds will ensure the system continues to serve the community beyond 2027 and will support future capital needs for a replacement system projected to cost at least $60 million.
• Environmental Impact: The gondola reduces road traffic and greenhouse gas emissions, providing a car-free, sustainable transportation option for the region.
• Supporting Broader Transit Services: 12.2% of the funds will be allocated to expanding and improving SMART’s regional bus services, further enhancing public transportation in the area.

This ballot measure is a pivotal part of SMART's plan to ensure the long-term sustainability of the gondola, which has been vital to the region’s transit system for nearly three decades. The future replacement of the gondola system is expected to cost at least $60 million, with funding likely to come from local contributions, state and federal grants, and additional sources.

Voters within the SMART taxing district, which includes the Telluride R-1 School District boundaries, will have the opportunity to vote on this measure. Non-resident property owners in Mountain Village who are registered electors within the Town of Mountain Village may also vote.

For more information, please visit SMART’s website.