Durango voters face an important decision: whether to support or oppose Ballot Issue 2A, which asks voters to extend the city’s half-cent sales tax. Despite strong support from Durango City Council, city staff, and others, I urge citizens to vote “against” 2A. Consider this perspective.

Ballot Issue 2A merges funding for open space, parks, and trails with funding for a costly municipal project. Open space and a new city hall/police station are separate issues that should be considered independently.

Voters deserve the opportunity to decide on the merits of funding outdoor projects without being tied to an unrelated, ill-conceived and expensive municipal project.

Combining these two vastly different projects under the same ballot issue seems manipulative. Why are they linked? Is the city hoping that voters, excited about outdoor funding, will overlook the enormous price tag of a new city hall/police department?

When combined into a single vote, residents are forced into an unfair and unnecessary choice. Voting “against” 2A gives city officials an opportunity to rewrite ballot measures that can be voted on separately: one for funding trails and open space, another for city buildings.

The proposed budget for the new city hall and police station is misleading. While the city claims the budget is $60–80 million, its own architectural consultants estimate costs exceeding $100 million. This staggering price tag is difficult to justify, especially when alternative solutions could be explored at a fraction of the cost.

Public safety and efficient governance are crucial, but $100 million? Is this truly the best use of public funds? Taxpayers deserve a transparent breakdown of why such a massive investment is necessary, particularly when the city has a troubling history of neglecting other historic structures, like the crumbling Carnegie Building just across the street.

Renovating and maintaining a 109-year-old building is no small task. Is this really where we want to direct taxpayer dollars and city employees’ time and energy?

Beyond direct costs, the community faces significant opportunity costs. If this plan moves forward, the underground parking lot will encroach into Buckley Park, Durango’s only downtown park and a cherished gathering space.

Constructing this facility in the heart of downtown will create a void between the central business district and the midtown area, negatively impacting the city’s commercial core. Rather than enhancing economic activity, a government complex with limited public engagement will stifle foot traffic, diminish retail activity, and reduce downtown Durango’s potential as a lively, dynamic destination for residents and visitors.

Maybe the old high school building should be entrusted to a group with actual experience renovating historic buildings, one that could creatively transform it into a vibrant downtown addition that produces real sales tax revenue for the city. A mixed-use development could bring new businesses, housing, or cultural attractions to the area, providing economic benefits that far exceed the limited public engagement of a city hall and police station.

Instead of sacrificing green space for parking, why not invest in expanding Buckley Park? A permanent, well-designed stage and concert venue could transform the park into a premier cultural hub, bringing economic and social benefits to the city (think Telluride Town Park).

Funds could also be directed toward making downtown and adjacent commercial areas more pedestrian- and bike-friendly. These visionary projects would yield far greater long-term benefits than a costly government facility that removes valuable property from the tax rolls and stifles economic development.

Our community is great, and as citizens, we need to stand up, exercise our voices, and remind the city that their ideas sometimes need to go back to the drawing board.

As a citizen of Durango, I wish I had been more vocal when the city decided to rebuild the sewage plant next to our riverfront park. This area could have become one of the premier whitewater parks in the state – our town park, a music venue, complete with restaurants (think Salida). Instead, we have an awkward mixed-use space – an amazing public recreation area that smells like poop.

This is another one of those times when we need to speak up. Durango voters should demand a smarter, more responsible approach to city planning. Rather than approving a tax for an expensive and potentially mismanaged renovation, residents should push for a more cost-conscious, intelligent solution.

Furthermore, our system of voting on local issues works best when ballot measures are simple and clear, not manipulative or misleading.

By rejecting this proposal, we send a clear message to local leaders: fiscal responsibility and public input must guide major spending decisions.

This is not our only chance to direct funding toward trails and open space, but this is our last chance to prevent another costly mistake. Let’s vote “against” 2A and encourage city officials to explore clearer, more reasonable alternatives. Durango deserves a better, more thoughtful solution to its municipal needs.

Charles Shaw is a dad, a lifelong bike commuter, owner and creator of the Smiley Building and a 30-year resident of Durango.