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Activist Sues Pikes Peak Library DistrictAntitax activist Douglas Bruce has filed a lawsuit against the Pikes Peak Library District in Colorado Springs, Colorado, claiming that it owes taxpayers a refund of several million dollars in excess taxes. Bruce contends that the current library tax rate of up to .4% of a property’s assessed value, approved by voters in 1986, violates the Colorado Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), a measure drafted by Bruce and passed into law in 1992. Library attorney Dee Wisor said in the January 6 Colorado Springs Gazette that the tax rate fluctuates because the library calculates the maximum increase allowed under TABOR and a state law that limits growth to 5.5% annually. “We don’t believe that there’s any validity to any of these allegations,” commented PPLD Board President Tom Herd. He added that the district has complied with state laws that specify that voters must approve tax-rate increases. El Paso County voters have rejected library tax increases three times in the past 11 years, most recently in November 2003 when a measure to fund six new branches failed. Library Finance Officer Mike Varnet said that a ruling against the library would be devastating and could force the district to close several branches. TABOR specifies that any taxes collected illegally must be refunded with 10% annual interest. Posted January 9, 2004. |
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