Those who rely on public transit for late-night rides home from downtown bars or to go shopping on the weekends had better make alternative plans in 2014.
The city of Durango is proposing to cut its weekend bus service as well as bust the Buzz Bus, which operates between 10:30 p.m. and 2:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays to provide transportation from downtown.
Also, the cost of the monthly bus pass would double from $20 to $40. The trolley service, which has been a free ride between downtown and north Main Avenue, would go up to $1 next year.
City Manager Ron LeBlanc on Tuesday suggested these fee increases and service cuts as part of the city’s overall $57.9 million budget for 2014. The proposed budget was unveiled during a City Council study session.
The 2013 budget was $54.8 million.
Consumers also could see 5 percent rate increases for water and sewer services, as well as the loss of some popular programs, such as 50/50, in which the city splits the cost of fixing residential sidewalks with homeowners.
No money is budgeted for alley improvements, a concern heightened by possible approval of accessory dwellings, often located on alleys. Because Durango’s alleys have so many different needs, whether it be paving or burying utility lines, they are much more expensive than street repair.
“One block of alley is equal to four blocks of street improvements,” said LeBlanc in terms of resurfacing. “There are no grants for alleys.”
Durango’s support to community organizations is $500,000 less than what they requested. The city is proposing to give $706,875 to various groups such as Axis Health System, La Plata Youth Services and the La Plata Humane Society as well as pay for food and utility tax rebates for low-income residents.
The budget, however, could change. The City Council isn’t scheduled to formally adopt it until Dec. 3. Those with alternative ideas can attend a public hearing scheduled for Nov. 5.
Sales tax, the city’s primary source of funding, has rebounded since the Great Recession, up every month through July compared with last year. The trend is expected to continue through the end of 2013.
For 2014, Durango is anticipating a 6 percent increase in sales tax from this year’s adopted budget.
New hotels such as the Holiday Inn and Homewood Suites also have expanded the room-tax base.
The planned cuts in services and fee increases are targeted at enterprise funds that need to be made sufficient.
Revenue from parking meters and parking tickets traditionally has subsidized public transit. Although ridership has increased, parking revenue has not been enough to keep up with costs, officials said.
Nor has the $5 rider fee for the Buzz Bus been sufficient to meet its costs. The city manager said he did not want to increase subsidies for public transit from the city’s general fund.
In an interview, LeBlanc said the loss of the Buzz Bus could be made up by taxi and limousine services.
Because the city deferred so much infrastructure maintenance during the Great Recession – not doing any sewer maintenance projects in 2011, for example – Durango is struggling to catch up on many capital projects.
LeBlanc is proposing a $1 million withdrawal from its savings, or fund balance, to help pay for some urgent, one-time costs. That would leave the projected fund balance at $9.3 million at the end of 2014. The withdrawal is well within the city’s discretion under state financial requirements for rainy day funds, LeBlanc said.
While the $1 million could address any number of capital needs, LeBlanc suggested it might go toward fixing Thomas Drive, a road in disrepair near Needham Elementary School, and for removing lead from a police gun range on La Posta Road.
The rate increases for water and sewer also are targeted to help pay for infrastructure improvements, including planning for a new water treatment plant and reducing the stench at the current facility at Santa Rita Park.
Durango’s utility rates are still affordable when compared with neighboring cities and service districts, officials emphasized.
As a city with an airport, a library, a water and sewer system, public transit and a police department, LeBlanc told the City Council that he is proud that “our little town in the middle of nowhere provides more services than Denver.”
He explained that Denver is different because the metropolitan area has many specialized taxing districts to provide many of its essential services.
jhaug@durangoherald.com
