The town of Vail is asking voters to impose a tax on tobacco and nicotine products. If passed, the tax would be $3 per pack on cigarettes.

Special to the Daily

How to vote Vail is holding a town-specific, polling place election Nov. 5. Voters will choose four town council members and decide whether to impose a new tax on tobacco and tobacco products. For more information, go to . Vail is holding a town-specific, polling place election Nov. 5. Voters will choose four town council members and decide whether to impose a new tax on tobacco and tobacco products. For more information, go to http://www.vailgov.com/election

In addition to picking four town council members, voters in Vail will also decide whether or not to impose a tax on tobacco products.

If approved, Vail’s tax will be imposed in town instead of a proposed Eagle County tax.

The county’s tax proposal asks voters for a $4 per pack tax on cigarettes and a 40% tax on other tobacco and nicotine products. Nicotine patches and gum are exempt.

Vail’s proposal asks for a $3 per pack tax, with a 40% tax on tobacco and nicotine products.

Both Vail and the county are working to cut teen smoking and vaping. Eagle County and the town of Avon have raised the minimum age to 21 to buy tobacco and nicotine products. Avon voters also have raised that tobacco tax.

The Vail Town Council has discussed, but not yet acted, on raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco and nicotine products.

If Vail’s tobacco tax passes, the ballot language estimates $1 million will be raised in the first year. Vail Town Attorney Matt Mire has said the amount is set high because Aspen’s tax collected more than anticipated. According to the Colorado Taxpayer Bill of Rights, money collected in excess of ballot language has to be refunded to taxpayers.

If Vail’s proposal passes, money collected will go into the town’s general fund.

Vail Daily Business Editor Scott Miller can be reached at smiller@vaildaily.com or 970-748-2930.