A series of free ‘Community Conversations’ has been planned to allow government leaders to explain the perceived need for higher taxes and how the increased revenues might be used.
Voters in Archuleta County could potentially be asked to weigh in on three tax issues on the November ballot — a property-tax-funded bond issue for a new PreK-8 school facility on Vista Boulevard; a tax measure related to the Pagosa Springs Medical Center; and a possible increase to the County Lodging Tax.
The first event will be a panel discussion covering all three potential ballot measures, and is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13 at 5:30pm at the Pagosa Springs High School auditorium, and will feature Rick Holt, Archuleta School District superintendent; Longinos Gonzalez, Archuleta County manager; and Rhonda Webb, CEO and chief medical officer at the Pagosa Springs Medical Center.
The moderator will be longtime journalist Rick Holter, who now chairs the Pagosa Springs Main Street board.
None of these three government entities have made a final decision about whether to place a tax measure on the November ballot, but a group of local organization would like to begin the conversations this spring, to give everyone plenty of time to learn about and consider the possible increases. The organizations promoting the Community Conversations include the Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation, the Archuleta County League of Women Voters, the Archuleta County Republican Party, and the Archuleta County Democratic Party.
The May 13 kickoff discussion will be followed in coming weeks by separate sessions specifically addressing each potential ballot question.
A proposed bond issue to fund a $126 million Pre-K school facility on Vista Boulevard
Thursday, May 21, 5:30pm Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association (PLPOA) Clubhouse, 230 Port Ave.
A discussion about Pagosa Springs Medical Center finances
Monday June 1, 5:30pm, PLPOA Clubhouse.
Possible increase in the Archuleta County Lodging Tax, and the use of the resulting new revenue
Wednesday, June 10, 6:30pm, Pagosa Springs High School auditorium.
All events are free and open to the public.