The Mancos RE-6 school district’s 10-mill property tax override currently leads with 60.49% of voters in support of its passage, according to unofficial election results. Nearly 40% (39.51%) have voted against the measure.
The mill-levy, if passed, will generate $600,000 annually starting in 2026 and grow with inflation to boost staff compensation. A review committee of staff, school leaders and community members will also be established to monitor fund usage, and their recommendations to Superintendent Audrey Hazleton and the school board will be due by the end of the 2025-26 fiscal year.
The override addresses Mancos offering the region’s lowest starting teacher salary at $40,000 per year. Dolores County (Dove Creek) pays $40,500, Dolores RE-4A $40,071, Montezuma-Cortez $47,000 and Durango $51,500.
For homeowners, the tax increase would mean an estimated $23.70 per month on a $400,000 property. If passed, funds will be expected to reach the district by February 2026, and staff will receive one-time stipends of 8% to 10% of their current pay in May 2026.
This is a developing story that will be updated as more election results become available.
