Residents of Mesa County, Colorado are receiving refunds as part of the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) provision. This initiative ensures that any excess government revenue is returned directly to taxpayers. For 2024, Mesa County exceeded the TABOR limit by over $11 million, prompting refunds to eligible voters.
Residents Receiving Refunds
The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), approved by Colorado voters, limits the growth of government revenue. If revenue collections exceed the TABOR limit, the excess funds must be returned to the community.
In 2023, Mesa County collected $11,492,270 above the TABOR threshold. The county’s solution is to refund the excess revenue to active registered voters—those who are 18 years or older as of November 25, 2024.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the $100 refund, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Be an active registered voter in Mesa County.
- Be 18 years or older as of November 25, 2024.
Who Is Not Eligible?
- Residents who are not registered voters.
- Taxpayers who live in Mesa County but have not registered to vote.
According to Mesa County officials, the list of registered voters is the most reliable way to distribute the refunds. As Commissioner Cody Davis explained:
“We don’t have a list of who lives here, and we don’t have access to state tax income information. The best list we have is the list of registered voters in Mesa County.”
Refund Payment Details
- Amount: $100 per eligible voter.
- Distribution Start Date: Monday, December 16, 2024.
- Payment Method: Refund checks are being mailed directly to eligible voters.
This practical approach allows the county to efficiently return the excess revenue without delays.
Mesa County Residents React
The refunds have sparked positive reactions among local residents, who welcome the initiative as a benefit to the community.
- Cassidy Crowell of Grand Junction expressed her excitement:
“I think it’s great! That’s amazing!” - Ben Lopez, another Grand Junction resident, added:
“I think when you put money back in the pockets of voters, it will always be positive.”
The refunds come at an opportune time, with many residents already planning how to use their checks:
- Christmas shopping for the holidays.
- College savings funds for their children.
Why Refunds Are Linked
Mesa County officials clarified that using the voter registration list is the only practical way to distribute refunds. Unlike income tax refunds, which require detailed tax data, TABOR refunds are based on voter eligibility rather than tax filings.
This method ensures that every eligible voter in the county receives their share of the excess funds, aligning with TABOR’s goal of giving money back to the people.
The $100 TABOR refund in Mesa County highlights the benefits of voter-approved policies that promote financial accountability and community inclusion. By returning excess revenue to registered voters, the county provides residents with direct economic relief.
Whether it’s spent on holiday shopping, savings, or everyday expenses, the refunds will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the lives of Mesa County residents. For those who are not registered voters, this initiative serves as a reminder of the practical benefits of participating in the democratic process.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the $100 TABOR refund?
Active registered voters in Mesa County who are 18 or older as of November 25, 2024.
When will the refunds be distributed?
Mesa County began mailing checks on Monday, December 16, 2024.
How much money did Mesa County collect above the TABOR limit?
Mesa County collected $11,492,270 above the TABOR threshold in 2023.
How will refunds be distributed?
Refunds will be sent via mailed checks to eligible voters’ addresses.
Why are refunds limited to registered voters?
The voter registration list is the most practical way for Mesa County to return the excess funds.
