The city of Durango desperately needs to upgrade or replace the existing wastewater treatment plant, or we risk our permit to operate from the state of Colorado, plus the aging facility may be reaching its limit for being repaired again and again.
I considered voting “No” on 2B in hopes that the City Council might reconsider relocating downstream and away from Santa Rita Park. I asked that question of city officials at their Oct. 6 Chamber of Commerce conference, and the answer was, in a word, no.
Mayor Brookie explained at length that the city must upgrade the plant, and relocating it is not practical at this point. The only thing a “No” vote will accomplish is changing the bond funding option we are voting on to a cash funding option. With the bond funding option, my wastewater treatment rate will probably be about $56.28 in 2018. With cash funding option, the rate will probably be about $158.90 (figures provided by the city manager’s office).
I urge all city of Durango voters to vote “Yes” on 2B.
Jean Walter
Durango
