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TABOR Input Needed

by KREX News Room
by Danielle Kreutter

Story Created: Dec 6, 2012 at 11:19 PM MDT

Story Updated: Dec 6, 2012 at 11:19 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - The city of Grand Junction has teamed up with the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Junction Economic Partnership to hold an open house to gather feedback on the next TABOR decision.

As the previous Taxpayer Bill of Rights cycle comes to an end, officials are hoping to be proactive.

"We think right now we can do debt services of about $2.4 million and so we're trying to identify a project if there is excess TABOR funds that come up in 2015," said Jim Doody of the Grand Junction City Council.

They are asking voters if they were to exceed the TABOR limits set for sales tax revenue, would the voters prefer the extra funds be given back to them, or if they would like to see it invested back into the community.

Three projects were presented at the open house including one asking to build two new fire stations and relocate two others, which officials say would bring many benefits.

"A greater coverage area and [it will[ meet some national response time standards for a greater population base," said Fire Cheif Ken Watkins.

Watkins says the project would also even out the workflow of the stations, making them more efficient.

Developing Las Colonias and Matchett parks is another potential project which would be used by the whole community.

"Both parks will see a different type of use, whereby Las Colonias would be mroe of a passive type development for biking, picnics, concerts and things like that. Matchett Park could be more of an active park much like you see in Canyon View," said Rob Shoeber of Grand Junction Parks and Recreation.

Allocating TABOR funds to transportation projects like finishing the 29 Road beltway is another option.

"The benefits that the community would see would probably be reduced travel times long term through less congestion and so forth ... safety would definitely improve," said Trent Prall, Engineering Manager for the city of Grand Junction.

City officials also say they'll gladly accept feedback for any other project the community suggests, or if they would like to see the refund option instead.

Comments will be collected until December 21 through the Grand Junction city website: www.gjcity.org.

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MIKE said on Friday, Dec 21 at 5:52 PM

IF THE CITY HAS A SET PLAN FOR THE MONEY I DONT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THEM USING THE MONEY BUT TO SAY WE HAVE SEVERAL PROJECTS WE COULD USE THE MONEY FOR IS JUST ASKING FOR TROUBLE.I BELEIVE IT MAY BE TO LATE SET UP PROPOSALS FOR THE USAGE SO I THINK THE MONEY SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE TAXPAYER AND NOT LEFT TO THE WHIMS OF THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE I AM SURE THEY COULD SPEND EVERY DIME AND NOT HAVE A THING TO SHOW FOR IT

Disgusted said on Friday, Dec 7 at 11:41 PM

Doesn't matter Heather. We voted no on the new cop shop 3 times and they still built it even though we cannot afford it. The current city council views the voters something to be ignored. Welcome to The Peoples Republic of Mesa County.

Heather said on Friday, Dec 7 at 4:48 PM

Disgusted, the T in TABOR stands for "taxpayers" .. the city can't spend any of this money unless the voters say they can. Theres no way the city can spend that money unless we vote for it. Read up..

Anonymous said on Friday, Dec 7 at 3:47 PM

Of course they have decided to spend more....our comments mean nothing. Just our ability to continue laying those golden eggs. But think of all the good that came from this, some gov 'worker's' sycophantic relative or friend will be paid a generous salary and benefits to compile all those important comments. Public servants indeed.

Disgusted said on Friday, Dec 7 at 12:32 AM

They have already made up their minds, looks like the taxpayers get screwed once again!

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