Plans for a new Colorado Eagles arena in Greeley face an uncertain future after voters turned down a sales and use tax increase in last week's election. The proposal would have provided money for the arena alongside several other city capital improvement projects.
Nearly 70% of voters opposed Ballot Measure 2F, with 19,159 voting against it and 8,229 supporting it. The measure called for a 0.6% increase in the city's sales and use tax, equivalent to an additional 60 cents on every $100 in eligible purchases. Grocery food purchases would have been excluded.
Greeley resident Rhonda Solis, who opposed the measure, said the outcome did not surprise her. She pointed to pressure on household finances and the proposed tax's 40-year duration as reasons it was unlikely to gain support. In her view, residents already facing financial strain were unlikely to welcome the additional expense.
Colorado Eagles owner Martin Lind said the vote gave the organization a clear answer. The team does not intend to ask Greeley residents to reconsider the proposal, he said. Instead, the organization will wait for city leaders to determine what happens next.
That uncertainty comes after substantial spending at the proposed arena location. According to Lind, approximately $80 million has already gone into the project, with work including the relocation of water lines and other preparations at the site.
Greeley officials said they respect the election outcome and will consider the results during financial planning and decisions about capital improvements. Mayor Dall Hall acknowledged that the economic environment made the question difficult for voters. He said the city's priorities are responsible decisions, fulfilling its commitments and explaining the tradeoffs to residents.
The city said most revenue from its Quality of Life and Food Tax sources will continue going toward payments for the Civic Campus and West Greeley Catalyst projects. As a result, less money will be available for other capital needs, including parks, recreation facilities and maintenance.
Lind expressed disappointment about the arena's unresolved future, particularly the potential implications for youth hockey programs in the community. With the tax measure defeated, the organization is awaiting the city's next decisions on the project.
Solis said she wants Greeley to progress but believes addressing existing city debt should be a priority. She suggested residents might need to weigh another tax proposal next year, focused specifically on reducing debt rather than moving the Catalyst project forward.
