Numerous public feedback sessions were held both before and after the city’s failed sales and property tax increase measure.
A wide spectrum of citizens expressed many consistent themes, suggestions, and concerns.
Except for comments about the details of the failed measure, it appears that only Councilor Melissa Youssef has seriously considered the public’s input.
April’s election presents us with another tax proposal dedicated to unspecified road projects, with no controls outlined or detail of how the money will be spent.
Street capital improvement projects earmarked for 2020-2024 are estimated to cost $350,000 to $475,000 a year. The tax measure projects $4 million-plus per year in revenue.
Will these proposed tax revenues go to the general fund to pay for street division salaries and other basic city services?
If so, what happens when this special revenue fund sunsets?
Shouldn’t roads and other essential services be intrinsic budget priorities, and special funding be for term-specific projects?
Shouldn’t the anticipated financial needs be itemized and presented in their entirety before any tax measure is introduced to facilitate an educated decision by voters?
Shouldn’t the city tighten its belt and look for efficiencies before asking an already financially stretched community to dig deeper?
The city needs to prioritize projects and tax requests to allow citizens to vote intelligently – not only for the city’s needs, but for their own personal budgets.
At this point we have no idea of costs of future funding requests and when they might occur.
Janice Bourret
Durango
