STERLING, Colo. --  Logan County officials are encouraging voters to support the continuation of the 0.5% sales and use tax, a trusted funding source that has powered essential capital improvements countywide for more than two decades.

The cost to residents is estimated at 50¢ for every $100 spent.

“This isn’t a new tax,” stressed Mike Brownell, chairman of the Logan County Board of County Commissioners. “It’s simply a continuation of the same sales tax that’s been in place for the past 25 years.”

First approved by voters in 2000, the half-percent sales tax funded the construction of the Logan County Justice Center, which opened in 2003 and houses the County and District Courts, District Attorney’s Office, Probation Department, Sheriff’s Office, and Jail. Thanks to responsible fiscal management and refinancing, the facility was paid off five years early.

In 2018, Logan County voters overwhelmingly approved Ballot Issue IE, extending the tax through 2025 to fund improvements, repairs, and operations of critical public buildings including:

  • The Justice Center, Courthouse, and Annex
  • Fairgrounds stadium and event structures
  • Central Services Building and landfill structures
  • The Heritage Center
  • Road & Bridge shop facilities

Ballot Issue IE passed with 4,732 votes in favor and 3,523 against.

 A Track Record of Smart Investment

Since its extension, the 0.5% tax has funded a wide range of county improvements, including:

  • $250,000 annually for utilities at the Justice Center
  • $5.3 million in general repairs and maintenance
  • $2.3 million for the construction of the new Community Center
  • A $7 million multi-year HVAC overhaul across county facilities (partially funded with ARPA dollars)
  • A total of $10 million invested toward county facility upgrades starting in 2019

“These are the kinds of investments that would have been nearly impossible without this dedicated, voter-approved funding,” Brownell noted.

 What’s at Stake?

The continuation of this small tax ensures that Logan County can keep its facilities safe, efficient, and fully operational — without placing additional burden on property owners.

Key benefits include:

  • Maintaining public buildings and avoiding expensive deferred maintenance
  • A fair tax model, where both residents and visitors contribute
  • Stabilizing property taxes by broadening the revenue base
  • Supporting local jobs through contracted projects
  • Keeping decisions local, with funds managed by county officials
  • Big results at a small cost — just 50¢ per $100 spent
 A Modest Investment, A Stronger County

Logan County leaders encourage residents to support extending the sales and use tax beyond 2025 to continue building on this momentum.

“Every dollar invested has returned real, visible improvements to the community,” said Brownell. “It’s a modest cost with a lasting impact.”