Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities Black Hills topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pueblo council delays formal endorsement on Black Hills Energy ballot measure until feasibility report is released
Summary
The Pueblo City Council voted 5-2 on March 24 to postpone a resolution urging a yes vote on the May 6 measure that would terminate the city's franchise agreement with Black Hills Colorado Electric, citing the forthcoming feasibility study due April 7.
Pueblo City Council on Monday voted 5-2 to postpone consideration of a resolution urging a yes vote on the May 6 ballot measure that would terminate the city's franchise agreement with Black Hills Colorado Electric (doing business as Black Hills Energy). The postponement was intended to allow council and the public time to review a consultant feasibility report expected April 7.
The resolution, introduced by staff under authority of the Colorado Fair Campaign Practices Act, would have formally encouraged voters to support the ballot measure. After more than an hour of public comment and debate among councilors, Councilor Roger Gomez moved to postpone council's action until the council's April 14 meeting; Councilor Brett Boston seconded and the motion passed 5-2.
Why it matters: The ballot question could trigger a process to end the city's franchise agreement with Black Hills Energy and open the possibility of municipalization or other alternatives to the investor-owned utility. Supporters say Black Hills charges Pueblo the highest rates in the state and that a change could lower rates; opponents and some councilors warned the financial, legal and logistical implications are not yet known and said it was premature to urge a public yes vote before reviewing the feasibility study.
City staff told the council the city is authorized under state law to take a formal position; the staff report cited the Fair Campaign Practices Act as the relevant authority permitting municipal bodies to urge votes on ballot matters. Several speakers at the public hearing urged the council to delay. Others urged immediate action, arguing Black Hills is a costly provider. Staff also told the council the city contracted a consultant to study feasibility and expected that report on April 7.
Council debate reflected a split: Councilor Regina Maestri and others criticized moving forward before the study was public, saying the public does not yet have the facts to decide. Councilor Roger Gomez and Councilor Mike Martinez argued Black Hills is a corporate "bully" and said voters should be encouraged to vote yes to remove the company from Pueblo's utility market. Councilors repeatedly urged residents to attend town halls the mayor and council are holding about the issue.
Public testimony was mixed. Supporters for off-ramping pointed to high rates and economic impacts; opponents and some residents warned the city and other taxing entities could face financial and legal consequences if a municipal takeover proceeded without detailed analysis.
The council's postponement leaves the resolution on the table for April 14, after the feasibility report is delivered to council. Council members and staff said the council could later rescind or affirm any endorsement depending on the consultant's findings.
Votes at a glance: Motion to postpone formal endorsement to April 14 — Mover: Councilor Roger Gomez; Second: Councilor Brett Boston; Outcome: Passed 5-2.
What's next: Staff expects to present the consultant's feasibility report on April 7; council scheduled follow-up discussion after that date. Any formal endorsement by the council would be a separate action.
