DENVER (CBS4)- Denver voters passed Measure 2A on election day which allows the City of Denver to retain revenue currently returned to taxpayers to stay below the TABOR limit.
Measure 2A passed by 74 percent to 26 percent.
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said the approval of 2A will allow the city to eliminate its budget deficit and begin to restore essential services lost during the recession.
That will allow the city to raise $68 million by allowing the city to keep revenue it already collects but currently has to refund, without raising tax rates or fees.
That money will be used to improve police and fire protection, repair city streets and increase library hours.
The Denver Public Library system anticipates with final approval of the 2013 budget:
- All branches will be open a minimum of 48 hours per week.
- All branches will have two evening hours (with the exception of Westwood Branch, which will be open Saturday plus the same weekday hours as the Westwood Community Center, where it is located).
- Central will be open 56 hours per week with Saturday morning hours restored.
- Weekend hours will be added at several branches.
- We will be increasing our staffing level including a combination of increased hours for current part-time staff and hiring for new positions. Job openings will be posted on our website once the 2013 budget is approved by City Council.
- The new hours will be phased in beginning in January 2013, as it will take some time to hire the needed staff. We estimate that all locations will be operating with their new hours 3-4 months after we can begin the hiring process.
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