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Council to meet with rec district to finalize pool ballot language after months of debate
Summary
After extended debate over a proposed seasonal pool and the use of a 0.3% sales tax to fund capital and operations, the council voted unanimously to hold a joint meeting with the recreation district (and invite the school superintendent) to provide direction to attorneys and finalize ballot language; the meeting was scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m.
The Cañon City Council voted Aug. 3 to meet jointly with the recreation district to refine proposed ballot language for a community pool question and to invite the school superintendent to the session.
Christina Post, a board member of the recreation and park district, told the council the rec district board on July 28 voted unanimously to recommend placing a question on the Nov. 3 ballot to continue the existing 0.3% sales tax and dedicate the revenue to both capital construction and operations for a seasonal pool design (two bodies and a slide). Post said a year‑round facility was not supported by the board’s recommendation. Rec district director Kyle Horn told the council the scaled option had an initial cost estimate of roughly $16M–$18M and that bond underwriter assumptions discussed at a staff meeting suggested interest in the 4.5%–5% range.
Council members pressed for precise numbers and timeline compliance with TABOR. Council member Tony argued lifecycle operating and maintenance costs substantially increase total program costs over decades and urged transparent disclosure. Several citizens urged caution or withdrawal and some urged moving forward; one city attorney noted that TABOR/refund questions depend on final ballot language. After discussion, Council member Amy Schmieser moved and Council member Sarah McCullough seconded a motion to hold a joint meeting with the recreation district (and invite the school superintendent) to provide direction to city attorneys on ballot language; the motion passed unanimously. Mayor Lund said council will use that meeting to try to provide the specifics attorneys need for compliant ballot language and that staff will work to avoid last-minute confusion for voters.
