Editor's note: This letter was written by Kathy Tourney, Ken-Caryl resident.

Ken Caryl Ranch, CO (Oct. 1) - A citizens' group has formed the Vote NO 5A campaign to oppose Ballot Issue 5A, an attempt by the Ken-Caryl Ranch Metropolitan District (KCRMD) to impose higher taxes on property owners.

Ballot Issue 5A will appear on the Jefferson County mail-in ballot for the November 6 election.

The ballot issue asks for a 2.5 mill tax increase, which would raise KCRMD property taxes to 16.677 mills. This would bring the total Jeffco tax liability for Ken-Caryl homeowners to 107.437. By way of comparison, Denver homeowners pay 66.948. Comparing special districts, Foothills property owners pay 7.878 and those in South Suburban pay 7.008.

The tax increase would be permanent and exempt from the Taxpayers' Bill of Rights, meaning that as property values go up, the KCRMD collects even more revenue.

"Ken-Caryl says it wants more money to pay to fix the swimming pool, and buy new trees, vans, and gym equipment, but it's a dumb idea to burden taxpayers with a permanent tax increase," said Kathy Tourney, chairman of the campaign.

"What they don't tell the voters is that the ballot language includes no guarantee as to how your tax dollars will be spent. KCRMD has wasted more money on lawyers' fees than they'll collect from the tax increase in just the first year. The actual and budgeted legal expenses from 2004 to 2008 are $519,165. Their scheme to take control of the Plains Metro District has been very expensive."

KCRMD legal fees for the preceding four years were $69,229.

"There's simply no accountability or transparency. KCRMD spends your money how they want. You can't even get the details of the KCRMD budget on the Internet."

Vote No 5A recommends a one-time assessment or increase in user fees for the requested improvements. "Taxpayers are willing to pay their share, but only their fair share," says Tourney.

The November election is by mail-in ballot. Voters may expect to see their ballots between October 12- 22. Those not receiving a ballot should call the County Clerk at 303.271.8111.

Voters are encouraged to visit the campaign website at www.voteNO5A.com.

To read Ballot Issue 5A, click here.