In a recent Woodland Park City Council meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the ongoing violations of the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between the Woodland Park School District (WPSD) and the city concerning sales tax distributions. Mayor Kelly Case was commended for addressing these issues, which have persisted since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both the city and the school district were found to have failed to adhere to the IGA, particularly in the timely transfer of sales tax proceeds, which were supposed to be made monthly but instead occurred every other month in batch payments.

The meeting highlighted that none of the payments made in 2023 complied with the stipulations of the 2016 IGA, raising questions about accountability within the city council. Suggestions were made to establish a nonprofit to oversee these payments, but many attendees dismissed this as unnecessary bureaucracy, arguing that responsible governance should not require additional oversight.

Further complicating matters, accusations of financial misconduct were directed at WPSD, stemming from a local conspiracy website that alleged fraud related to a $270,000 transfer of ESSER funds to Merit Academy. However, it was clarified that the previous administration had mishandled the allocation of these funds, which are intended to benefit all public schools, including charter schools.

Community members expressed frustration over the perceived double standards in accountability, questioning why the school district is held to higher standards than the city. The council was urged to act based on facts rather than public opinion or unfounded allegations, emphasizing the importance of transparency and adherence to the legal agreements in place.

As the meeting progressed, speakers underscored the financial challenges facing the school district, which is reportedly over $30 million in debt. They called for the city council to honor its commitments and ensure that the funds voted on by citizens are delivered to the schools as intended. The discussions reflect a broader concern about trust and transparency in the management of public funds, with community members advocating for responsible governance that prioritizes the needs of students and schools.