The city of Durango plans to reopen Lake Nighthorse and the public recycling drop-off in May – two small moves that could mark the city’s reawakening during the coronavirus pandemic.
The city closed its buildings and partially furloughed staff in response to the health and economic impacts of the pandemic. It continues to face sales tax losses, estimated at $8 million as of Tuesday’s Durango City Council meeting. As La Plata County shifts into Safer La Plata, a public health order allowing the gradual reopening of some businesses, Durango is making moves to follow.
“The city is following the guidance from the Safer La Plata Order, as the city begins the self-certification process to open facilities, services and programs to the community,” wrote Amber Blake, interim city manager, in an email to The Durango Herald.
The certification process requires businesses, and city government, to outline the exact measures they plan to implement to protect public health.
For example, when the city reopens the public drop-off site Monday at the Durango Recycling Center, members of the public and employees must wear masks and stay in their vehicles until it is their turn to unload materials. Only two vehicles can enter the recycling drive-thru at a time, a decrease from the four vehicles previously allowed.
Recycling will be available for all materials, except electronics waste. The reopening measures are constantly re-evaluated, and city staff will reassess the measures in June, Blake said.
Lake Nighthorse Recreation Area, which offers fishing, swimming and other recreation opportunities near Durango, will open later in May. City staff is working with San Juan Basin Public Health to evaluate what types of recreation will be opened and the exact procedures for recreating.
The city is working through the process and will post updates on its website, Blake said.
Residents and business owners will also continue to receive financial relief. The city plans to continue utility fee waivers and offer payment plans through May, to be reassessed in June.
Businesses will be able to use 25% of their outside parking for other uses, like seating and signage. The extra space, suggested by the La Plata County economic recovery task force, could help businesses generate enough income to cover the costs of running business – and potentially even make a profit.
Businesses have also had the opportunity to apply for a sales tax deferral under an extended city order. Of 34 business applicants, the city approved 30. In total, businesses have been able to defer about $30,000 in sales taxes for up to 90 days, after which the city will offer payment plans for businesses.
“The model is buy local, buy a lot and help the recovery,” said Durango Mayor Dean Brookie.
smullane@durangoherald.com
