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Pueblo West board votes 3-2 to accelerate construction of indoor pool despite staff warning on fire-tax risk
Summary
The Pueblo West Metro District board voted 3–2 on Sept. 22 to accelerate construction of an indoor aquatic center before securing a permanent funding solution for the fire department sales tax, despite staff warnings that the pool could add an estimated $400,000–$500,000 a year in operating costs and widen the district’s budget shortfall if the fire-tax revenue sunsets.
The Pueblo West Metro District board voted on Sept. 22 to accelerate construction of an indoor aquatic center before the district secures a permanent funding mechanism for its fire-department sales tax, a controversial decision that divided the five-member board and drew sustained public and internal debate.
The motion to “accelerate the construction of the indoor pool ahead of securing the fire department funding permanency” passed by roll call: Director Potter — yes; Director Roberts — yes; President Vickers — yes; Director Pasternak — no; Vice President Axworthy — no. Christian J. Hein, the district manager, presented staff analysis that recommended against accelerating the project until the district identified a solution for a fire-tax sunset.
“What I would share is that the indoor pool is sustainable by itself,” Hein said in his presentation, “but as soon as 6A sunsets, if there is no solution for it, you see that…
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