Longmont weighs 10-year public-safety tax measure

Longmont officials are considering a 10-year public-safety tax measure that city estimates put at about $96.62 million in new revenue. The discussion centers on police and fire staffing needs and comes as the city advances its 2026 budget planning.

A local council discussion cited 166 sworn police officers and 100 sworn firefighters, along with a reported 29% increase in police calls for service since 2009 and an 18% increase in police staffing over the same period. The figures were presented in the context of evaluating future public-safety needs.

What happens next

The city’s 2026 budget documents include a Public Safety Fund Proforma, a projection document for the fund. Longmont has scheduled a City Council pre-session for Aug. 11, 2026, and the city’s budget calendar lists additional presentations, including one on Aug. 26.

Longmont has not announced a final tax rate, ballot language or decision to place the measure before voters. Any measure would require voter approval and could affect municipal finances and taxpayers. The Aug. 11 council session is the next publicly scheduled step identified in the city’s meeting calendar.