Cañon City council advances three citizen proposals — community pool, Western Gateway and Skyline Incline — for Aug. 3 review

Cañon City council members voted July 21 to advance three citizen proposals for further vetting and to bring a final recommendation to the council on Aug. 3. The clerk’s tally showed the combined community-pool option received six council votes, the Western Gateway riverfront proposal three votes, and the Skyline Incline two votes.

Mayor opened the special meeting by reminding the public that the 0.3% sales tax passed in 2024 continues to be collected and that the council must decide whether to place a measure on the November ballot. After six citizen presenters described alternatives for the existing fund balance (about $2.1 million collected to date, with roughly $1.35 million remaining after $750,000 spent by the rec district), councilors discussed clustering similar proposals so pool supporters would not split their votes. “The intent I heard is that a vote for a community pool concept should advance the community pool for further evaluation,” Councilmember Amy said during debate.

The council also unanimously directed the city administrator to re-engage the Canyon City Area Recreation and Park District and legal counsel during the next 13 days to work through TABOR, bonding and ballot-language questions. City Administrator Ryan Stevens confirmed earlier clarifications about prior expenditures and said staff will prepare neutral fact sheets to help the council weigh options before the Aug. 3 decision. The council adjourned after setting Aug. 3 for a longer meeting to complete its deliberations and, if necessary, send formal ballot language to attorneys.