Pay attention and think carefully before voting on 1A. We have heard that if 1A doesn’t pass, streets will deteriorate and will need to be reconstructed rather than maintained, costing taxpayers much more in the long run. But this is true only if the city refuses to give more priority to street maintenance and repair.
For years, City Council chose to prioritize parks and rec over maintenance and repair of streets. In 2012, the general fund budget for streets was $2,219,265 – and $4,582,342 for parks and rec. The 2019 budget for streets is $3,881,594 and $8,181,427 for parks and rec.
I’m sure that parks and rec needs that amount to run and maintain the facilities and programs it now offers. But does all that money need to come out of the general fund? Reducing part of the parks and rec general fund budget does not have to mean cutting programs. Shifting some maintenance costs from the general fund to the 2015 tax could be done by City Council and would simply reduce proposed new amenities – amenities that later will also need funds to maintain.
This increased tax request is not about whether you want good or bad roads. It is about the priorities set by those running the city. The condition of our city infrastructure must be a top priority. Unfortunately, this has not been the case. Let’s elect people who will actually make the city’s responsibilities top priority and vote NO on 1A. There really is a better way.
Barb Bell
Durango
