Gunnison County 2024 Library District Ballot Measure Survey

Magellan Strategies is pleased to present the topline results of a survey of 436 voters in Gunnison County, Colorado. The interviews were conducted from July 11th to 21st, 2024.

The Magellan Strategies survey assessed voter sentiment in Gunnison County, Colorado regarding a potential ballot measure for a 1.1 mil property tax increase to benefit the Gunnison County Library District.

The survey began by establishing baseline attitudes toward the Library District. Voters were asked how frequently they or a household member used library services, with the majority reporting some level of use — ranging from more than once a week to less than once a month — while 16% reported never using the libraries. A strong majority of respondents (73%) approved of the job the Library District was doing providing services and programs, compared to just 8% who disapproved.

When asked about fiscal responsibility, 52% agreed that the Library District spent taxpayer money wisely, while 12% disagreed and 36% had no opinion. Opinions were more uncertain when voters were asked whether the District had sufficient financial resources to provide adequate services, with 36% saying yes, 23% saying no, and 41% expressing no opinion.

Before any detailed information was shared, an uninformed ballot test was administered. Voters were told about the proposed 1.1 mil property tax increase, which would raise approximately $1.2 million annually and fund a new library in Crested Butte South with affordable housing units, expanded digital services, events, and audio-visual technology. At this stage, 48% said they would vote to approve the measure and 46% said they would reject it, with 6% undecided.

The survey then presented voters with a series of informational messages about specific aspects of the proposal. Learning that the District already owned land in Crested Butte South and that existing libraries would remain open made 41% more likely to approve the measure. Information about the new library incorporating renewable energy moved 50% toward approval. Various expanded services — including children’s spaces, teen resources, free community meeting rooms, and outdoor amenities — each moved roughly 51–56% of voters toward approval. The inclusion of up to nine affordable housing units generated the most polarized response, with 54% more likely to approve but 25% more likely to reject, the highest opposition of any individual item tested.

After being re-presented with the full ballot measure description in an informed ballot test, support edged upward slightly. Approval rose to 51% while rejection held at 46% and undecided voters dropped to 3%. This represented a modest but meaningful shift compared to the uninformed test results.

Finally, the survey captured open-ended reasons for voting yes or no. Those inclined to support the measure cited the value of library services and expansion, the need for community gathering spaces, the benefit of affordable housing, and the importance of equitable access for Crested Butte South residents. Those inclined to oppose it raised concerns about tax burden, the adequacy of existing libraries, the view that affordable housing fell outside a library’s core mission, and a lack of personal benefit from a new branch in Crested Butte South.