In approving the ballot measure to extend the half-cent sales tax for parks and recreation, Durango voters essentially have given the city a blank check. It now will fall to that same electorate to hold the city accountable as to how that money will be spent. And that will require paying attention.

The tax originally was passed in 1999 to fund the construction of the Durango Community Recreation Center and the Animas River Trail. It was slated to expire in 2019, but with the passage of Question 1A, it now will continue until 2039.

With the narrow mandate of the original vote – taken together with the large scale of the projects involved – there was little room for spending that money outside of the rec center and river trail the voters approved.

Going forward, however, there are no such narrow constraints. In fact, the city already has an extensive wish list of parks and rec-related items that it could fund with the half-cent tax. Whether those choices are worthwhile, important or reflect the voters’ priorities will be an ongoing issue for 24 years. City Councils, city staff and city voters all change over time. So, too, may their goals and aspirations.

Keeping to the spirit of Question 1A – and keeping this money on track – will be a continuing challenge.