Colorado Springs Council affirms annexation of 1876 acres near Bradley and Curtis Roads

The Colorado Springs City Council convened on April 8, 2025, to discuss the future of the Carmine Line annexation, a significant issue concerning the annexation of 1,876.24 acres located northwest of the intersection of Bradley Road and Curtis Road. The meeting focused on whether to affirm or repeal Ordinance 25-16, which had previously been approved by the council on January 28, 2025.

City Planning Director Kevin Walker presented the details of the annexation, emphasizing its geographical context and the implications for city development. The council was tasked with deciding between two legal options: either affirm the ordinance, which would lead to a public vote, or repeal it entirely.

During the discussion, council members expressed varied opinions on the financial implications of a special election, estimated to cost around $500,000, excluding additional city staff costs. Council Member O'Malley argued that the expense was justified to allow voters to express their preferences regarding the annexation, while others, including Council Member Crow Iverson, raised concerns about the financial burden on the city, especially given current budget constraints.

A motion was made by Council Member Risley to affirm the annexation, which was seconded by Council Member Tallarico. The council debated the implications of the vote, clarifying that an affirmative vote would not automatically send the issue to the ballot but would indicate a refusal to repeal the annexation. After thorough discussion, the council voted on the motion to affirm the ordinance, which passed with a 6 to 3 vote, with Council Members Crow Iverson, Donaldson, and Hingeam voting against it.

Following the affirmation, the council proceeded to discuss the ballot language for the upcoming special municipal election scheduled for June 17, 2025. The council reviewed two versions of the ballot language, ultimately opting for a clearer and more concise version that would ask voters whether they approve the annexation of the Carmine Line Addition.

The meeting concluded with a vote on the revised ballot language, which passed with an 8 to 1 majority, indicating the council's commitment to allowing the citizens of Colorado Springs to weigh in on this pivotal development issue. The discussions highlighted the ongoing tension between growth, resource management, and fiscal responsibility within the city, setting the stage for a significant public referendum in the coming months.