I write this note in support of the dedicated recreation sales tax that Durango’s citizens approved in 2015.
Durango has been fortunate to have had many years of gas tax revenues that contributed to our economy. But with gas production in decline we need to look to the future.
Our main source of economic affluence and our main industry is tourism. People come to ski, bike, hunt, fish, hike, raft, and to see and experience the train, the mountains and canyon country.
There is a great opportunity to grow this segment of our economy. We have the potential to attract tourists here for bike races, horse shows, outdoor concerts, soccer tournaments and many other events.
The investments that the city has made and will continue to make using the dedicated recreation sales tax money are essential to maintaining and growing this part of our economy.
When you think of the dedicated sales tax that funds recreation, realize that it is not only recreation for our own residents we are investing in. It is the recreation that brings tourists to our town, to fill our hotel rooms, eat in our restaurants and visit our stores. It is the recreation that powers our mountain town.
Don’t be swayed by the vocal anti-tax crowd that wants this money diverted. The citizens were wise when they voted for recreation.
Recreation is our future and it is wise for us to continue to invest in it.
Marc Katz
Durango
