Monte Vista council weighs letter on San Luis Valley Aquatics district as residents warn of tax, TABOR risks

The Monte Vista City Council discussed whether to endorse a letter supporting the formation of the San Luis Valley (SLV) Aquatics Park and Recreation District on March 6, as residents and business owners urged caution over potential property-tax increases and a proposed debrucing of the Colorado Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR).

The council voted to modify the meeting agenda to remove Resolution 2025-05 and add an item described as a “letter of support” for the formation of the SLV Aquatics Park and Recreation District. That agenda change passed on a voice/roll call vote.

The issue drew lengthy public comment. Grace Young, introducing herself as a representative of San Luis Valley Aquatics, said the group would make its full service plan available to Rio Grande County on March 10 and criticized a handout shown to the council as “a limited selection of properties…intended to provoke concern.” She said SLV Aquatics has published an FAQ and other materials and that a comprehensive analysis will be provided when the district’s service…