13. Generates $13.6 Million Over 20 Years
A major new revenue source without raising property taxes. Quote: “Total 20‑year revenue: $13.6 million.”
Revenue Breakdown by Rate (Based on 3.4M Tons Annually)
- 20¢ per ton (2025–2029): Annual revenue: $518,000 Five‑year total: $2.6 million
- 25¢ per ton (2030–2034): Annual revenue: $647,000 Five‑year total: $3.2 million
- 30¢ per ton (2035–2044): Annual revenue: $776,000 Ten‑year total: $7.8 million
These three tiers together produce the $13.6 million in projected revenue for Jefferson County roads.
14. Enough to Pave 100 Miles of Road
This covers roughly a quarter of the county’s entire road system. Quote: “Paves 22.5% to 25% of County Roads.”
15. Helps Fund Winter Road Salt
A small portion of revenue can cover annual salting needs. Quote: “Approx cost… $75K.”
16. The Mineral Tax Would Cover 8% of the Highway Budget
A meaningful, stable funding source. Quote: “Mineral Tax revenue would cover 8% of the Highway Dept 2025–26 budget.”
17. Jefferson County Has Already Lost $582,000
Two failed votes in 2025 cost the county significant revenue. Quote: “Failed Mineral Tax Vote Has Cost $582K in Lost Revenue.”
BE VERY CAREFUL HOW YOU VOTE. A VOTE FOR ANYONE AGAINST THE MINERAL SEVERANCE TAX MEANS YOUR PROPERTY TAXES WILL LIKELY BE HIGHER!
17A. Jefferson County Has Actually Lost an Additional $8 Million Since 1985
From the inception of the state law in 1985 until the first County Commission vote in 2025, Jefferson County missed out on approximately $8 million in severance tax revenue that other mining counties collected. In those 69 counties, there were NO reported mine closures or lost jobs during that time period due to the Mineral Severance Tax. Quote: “County has lost an additional $8M from 1985 to 2025 by not adopting the tax.”
18. Each Month Without the Tax Costs $43,000
Delay directly harms taxpayers and road conditions. Quote: “Each month without a Mineral Tax is $43K in Lost Revenue.”