Several years ago, my wife and I moved to Durango from Texas. Durango charmed us with its friendly people, and the tremendous amenities the city had to offer. However, as we only know too well, this all takes money!
The problem is the insufficient revenue to properly maintain Durango’s many amenities, as well as providing for the city’s infrastructure and public safety services. Currently, the police department needs to add eight more officers, but there is no room in their facility; it costs $2 million per year to maintain streets; and $3 million is needed to properly maintain the fire department.
Our City officials have been working hard to cut costs and pare down services and resources within the community, but just as in a business, you cannot cut your way to profitability. Sooner or later, it requires more income!
Sales tax revenues have been hit hard by internet sales. Durango residents that own property have enjoyed increasing values, but have not had increased property taxes. If the city does not bring in more revenues, then it cannot continue to properly maintain streets and bridges and eventually the structures deteriorate and collapse; and adequate levels of public safety employees cannot be maintained.
Let’s act responsibly and vote YES to 2A.
Ken White
Durango
