The County has agreed to provide funding to Foothills-Gateway Rehabilitation Center, Inc. (which provides education of mentally retarded and seriously handicapped persons) as long as funds are available to be appropriated, payable at $175,000 annually. The County has paid Foothills-Gateway $1,225,000 since the inception of the agreement in 1992.

In November, 1997, Larimer County citizens voted for a temporary sales tax of four-tenths of one percent to finance a major facility construction program. Projects include expansion of the existing jail; new justice centers in Fort Collins and Loveland; a city/county parking garage; sheriff’s administration building; and remodeling of the existing administrative offices. At December 31, 1998, construction costs totaled $7.3 million, with $40.5 million remaining.

On November 3, 1998, citizens voted for a one year sales tax of one-tenth of one percent to purchase land for a new Larimer County Fairgrounds and Event Center. The total purchase price of the property is $1,822,500 with a payment of $1,000,000 due November 30, 1999.

In November 1992, the voters of Colorado approved Amendment 1, commonly known as the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR), which adds Section 20 to Article X of the Colorado Constitution. TABOR contains tax, spending, revenue and debt limitations which apply to the State of Colorado, all local governments and special districts as defined by the amendment. County management believes it is in compliance with the provisions of TABOR. However, TABOR is complex and subject to interpretation. Many of the provisions will require judicial interpretation. Accordingly, the possibility exists that our interpretation of certain TABOR provisions may subsequently be revised which could result in a potential refund of revenue unless voters approve retention of such revenue.

The County is currently the defendant in several pending lawsuits. Legal counsel is of the opinion that potential claims against the County resulting from such litigation not covered by insurance do not pose a threat of significant liability to the County.