Photo: Pagosa Springs Town Council and local supporters pose for a ‘Pride Month’ photo at Town Hall, June 3, 2025.
Early in the June 3 meeting of the Pagosa Springs Town Council, we heard a proclamation that declared the month of June to be ‘Pride Month’. A short excerpt from that proclamation:
WHEREAS, all people should have the fundamental right to express who they are in all facets of their lives, whether at school, in their families, in public, or in their workplace…
WHEREAS, all are welcome in Pagosa Springs and diversity is an asset that enhances and enriches the lives of all Pagosa Springs residents…
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved, that we, the Town Council of Pagosa Springs do hereby proclaim the month of June 2025 is recognized as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month and encourage all residents to respect and honor our diverse population and celebrate and build a culture of acceptance and affirmation.
At the conclusion of the meeting, a rather different discussion centered on how to best enrich the lives of all Pagosa Springs residents.
1. Create a new policy that allows the establishment of developer-initiated ‘metro districts’ — a taxing entity that can shift subdivision development costs and risk from the developer to the future property owners within the subdivision?
2. Or forego a new policy, and require subdivision developers to assume the risk and costs for the project with their own private financing, as has been the case with all the subdivisions that currently exist in Archuleta County?
I shared some of the public’s testimony in Part One, when local residents expressed opposition to the adoption of a new metro district policy.
Then we heard from the Town Council.
Council member Gary Williams proposed that the ideal growth rate for our Pagosa Springs population is between 1%-2% per year. Any policy adopted by the Council should aim to promote that type of growth rate — not less, and not more — so as to preserve the existing character of our town. He implied that a developer-initiated metro district policy might cause the population to grow too quickly, and also expressed his concern that metro districts might promote urban sprawl.
Council member Leonard Martinez disliked the idea of “another micro authority in our community.”
“We’ve had a lot of micro authorities, doing the best they can… but we’re lacking some big stuff, because we have so many micro authorities. This was introducing another micro authority, and don’t think it’s in our strategic interests to go in that direction.”
Council member Brooks Lindner thanked the public for their input, and then explained why he didn’t support the creation of a metro district policy, at this time.
“We had great discussions during two work sessions. It was really beneficial to have our Planning Commission members here; they provided really good insight, for me and I think for the rest of us.
“I thought there were compelling arguments from Council members and from the Planning Commission, that took me in the direction of not wanting to move forward with metro districts, right now, at this time.”
He felt that having a subdivision within the town that carries a high property tax burden might make those subdivision residents adverse to overall town needs that require additional funding.
Council member Matt DeGuise:
“My main concern with metro districts, in general, is that we already have a subdivision that is not filled out. Why would we be subsidizing another development? I think that just creates too much risk…”
Mr. DeGuise is here referring to the Aspen Village subdivision that includes Walmart. That subdivision was begun in 2006 and is still less than 50 percent built out.
Council member Maddy Bergon said, she would not approve a metro district, “if I were asked today.” But she didn’t want to close the door completely on the idea of metro districts in the future.
“I’m not passionate enough about [metro districts] to say, ‘Yes, this is what I want to see.’ But I’m not passionate enough against them to say a hard ‘No’…
“We have this great vision for the future, but what are the actual, tangible steps we need to take?… I’m interested in listening to the public concerns, and determining if there’s a way those concerns can be addressed…”
Mayor Pierce noted that she is honored to work with a Council that is so thoughtful and intelligent.
“We have really dug into this topic a lot, and I just want everyone [on the Council and staff] to know how much I appreciate you.”
Then Council member Mat deGraaf moved, “that we no longer pursue metro districts as a policy for the Town of Pagosa Springs.”
His motion sounded a bit too definite for some of his fellow Council members, and after some back-and-forth, he amended his motion.
“I move that the Town of Pagosa Springs does not pursue metro districts at this time.” Mr. Martinez seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
David Dragoo, representing the development company that had requested a metro district policy to facilitate a 100-acre development near the Pagosa Springs Medical Center, had attended the meeting via Zoom, but had not offered any comments during the public comments portion of the meeting.
I noticed that he left the meeting following the unanimous vote to delay any metro district policy development to an undefined future date.
The majority of the audience also left right after the unanimous metro district vote.
So those people missed the final discussion of the evening, concerning about $40 million of necessary repairs and upgrades to the Town sewer system, estimated by the Town’s consultants, Roaring Fork Engineering.
The community will have a chance next week, however, to learn more… while enjoying light snacks.
From the Town website:
Join members of Town Council and staff at upcoming public meetings to:
- Learn how our sewer system works and where it is troubled
- Understand who’s responsible (PSSGID + PAWSD)
- Discover why we’re falling short on funding
- Explore options to fix it: 1% sales tax increase, property tax increase, monthly fee increase
- Ask questions and share your thoughts.
Attend an upcoming meeting and be part of the solution!
Monday, June 16*, from 6-8 pm
Community Center Dining Room (appetizers provided)
Tuesday, June 17, from 12-2 pm
Town Hall Council Chambers (light lunch provided)
Wednesday, June 18*, from 6-8 pm
Community Center Dining Room (appetizers provided)
*Childcare (ages 5-12) available on these dates if requested by Friday, June 13, at noon. Please call 970-264-4151 x0 to schedule.
Can’t make a meeting in June?
Additional meetings are being finalized for mid-July. Stay tuned for more meeting dates.