Ouray County voters will be asked next month to approve a 2 mill tax to support the Ouray County Public Health Agency, an unusual approach in the state for funding the department.

The tax would provide a permanent, dedicated source of funding for the department, which currently relies largely on federal and state revenues and grants. The tax is estimated to cost $14.30 per year for every $100,000 of residential property value, and is expected to generate more than $400,000 annually.

While ot...