Ballot Measures Focus on Roads, Parks in Colorado Springs

Listen Now
0min 54sec

Colorado Springs City Council gave preliminary approval to place two measures on November's ballot that would benefit roads and parks.  

Mayor John Suthers formally presented his proposals at Tuesday's council meeting, one of which will ask residents for a .62% sales tax increase for road repairs.  It would sunset in five years and generate around $50 million each year.

Critics say that money can be found in the existing budget, but Suthers says that's just not realistic.

"There is not $50 million to be had without cutting a third police or a third of fire," Suthers said in prepared remarks to Council.

The second ballot issue seeks a TABOR retention of $2.1 million that would go toward city parks. 

Council now has to approve issue language and submit the items to the county's Clerk and Recorder by September 4.

Editor's note: The original copy stated that the sales tax would raise $50 million in five years. The correct amount is $50 million dollars annually for five years.  The above copy reflects the correction. The audio remains unchanged.  We regret the error.