I’ve read with interest the letters calling for the 2015 Durango sales tax to be used in service of general fund shortages.

It is worth noting, this popular ballot measure, approved by over 70 percent of the voters, has strict language on how it is to be spent. Specifically, it prohibits use in the general fund.

I was involved in efforts to pass this tax in 1999 and lobbying for its extension in 2015. It was presented and sold to the public on the basis of Rec Center debt service, creation of new parks and open space and extending the Animas River Trail.

Maintenance of these new assets was also envisioned. Upkeep of spaces that predate the tax’s creation, ones already paid from the general fund, were not.

The public’s 2015 vote in support of parks and open space and the most recent 2018 vote against a tax increase for other priorities were both unequivocal and must be respected by our City Council.

Robbing one for the other, without citizen approval, clearly is not the answer.

Perhaps the city and the public need to revisit how the 2015 Sales Tax Fund is allocated. This would be reasonable and prudent.

But it needs to be done on the ballot, with full participation of the public.

Short of this, any reallocation would be in direct opposition to priorities clearly expressed by the voters, on their ballots, twice!

The citizens of Durango are all stakeholders and deserve to have their votes respected.

Andy Corra

Durango