Broadband, taxes and term limits: A look at Larimer County's November ballot

Commercial breaks during Broncos games this fall may not have as many smiling politicians — or dour, depending on the ad's tenor — but that doesn't mean an election isn't right around the corner.

Voters in Larimer County, Fort Collins and its school districts will have a slew of choices to make this fall. Here's a quick breakdown:

Fort Collins

Fort Collins voters will have a say in two areas: Should the city take concrete steps toward establishing a city-run (or city-sponsored) broadband, and should the city need to ask its voters every time it wants to update marijuana laws to comply with the state's?

Broadband: Voters will decide on amending the city charter to offer telecommunication/broadband services as a utility. The  city of Fort Collins would issue debt of up to $150 million to help build out broadband infrastructure throughout the city. Passage is not a guarantee that the city will move forward, and many details would be decided after the voters' OK. The city argues the question would give City Council additional information about the voters' will as it explores municipal broadband or private partnerships.

More:Fort Collins broadband issue clears legal hurdle

Marijuana: The city is asking voters to allow City Council to adopt amendments and additions to city code regarding medical marijuana businesses without going to voters first. The city argues this would allow leaders to keep up with changes to state rules pertaining to medical marijuana businesses.

Larimer County

Voters throughout Larimer County, including the municipalities within, will decide on term limits for certain county officials and if a sales tax to support operations at The Ranch, the Larimer County fairgrounds complex, should continue.

Term limits: The Larimer County commissioners initiated a ballot question to remove term limits for the elected positions of sheriff, clerk and recorder, assessor, surveyor and treasurer. The commissioners argue those roles are more technical and expertise-driven, and less about politics and policy, and competent officials shouldn't be artificially limited from continuing in the job. If voters don't like the job those officials are doing, they can always be voted out, they argue.

More:Larimer County voters to decide on county tax, term limits in November

The Ranch sales tax: Almost two decades ago, Larimer County voters approved a 0.15 percent sales tax — the equivalent of 15 cents on $100 worth of taxable goods —  to support the Larimer County fairgrounds known as The Ranch. Proponents argue continuing the tax will help keep The Ranch viable and help pay for to-be-determined upgrades, improvements and additions.

School districts

Thompson School District Board of Education

Four candidates are in the mix for three seats:

District B: Paul Bankes

District E: Lori Hvizda Ward

District F: Barbara Kruse and Lynn Greer

Poudre School District Board of Education

Four candidates are running for three seats:

District C: Kristen Draper and John Clarke

District D: Christophe Febvre

District E: Carolyn Reed

Loveland city elections

Here is the lineup for the four seats up for grabs:

Mayor: John Fogle, Jacki Marsh and Larry Heckel

Ward 1: Jeremy Jersvig, Lenard Larkin

Ward 2: Kathi Wright, Gail Snyder and Gary Lindquist

Ward 3: Steve Olson, John Ryan Keil

Ward 4: Dave Clark

More:Fort Collins zero-energy district powers down