First-of-its-kind ‘balanced approach’ unveiled to bridge Manitou Springs’ 2026 budget gap; Two-pronged plan combines parking revenue and a proposed increase to the ‘amusement tax’
MANITOU SPRINGS CO – Courtesy of Manitou Springs City Administrator Denise Howell
On July 29, 120 citizens attended the Manitou Springs City Council’s special meeting to learn about the city’s anticipated $4.3 million shortfall for the next budget year. Since Colorado Springs began permitting recreational marijuana sales in April, the increased competition has hit the two marijuana retailers in Manitou Springs hard. It’s a sector of the economy that was a boon to Manitou since 2014, contributing approximately 30% of the city’s budget.
Afterward, Councilor John Shada said, “We held the meeting to demonstrate to the community that we’re all in this together. For a community this size, this budget gap could mean a loss in funding for much-needed services like the ambulance and loved services like the Pool and Fitness Center. We want to address this head-on, so we’ve looked at several options that would sustain the necessary services we need to maintain our quality of life in Manitou Springs.”…