The Salida City Council will hold a work session this Monday, October 14th at 6:00 pm in the Tuber Building council chambers, located at 448 East First Street.
The Financial Management Plan (FMP) discussed at the September 16 working session will be updated and formally submitted to Parliament. This presentation, prepared by the City’s Finance Department in collaboration with UMB’s Finance Group, focuses on Salida’s fiscal past and present. Using these numbers, we offer several hypotheses depending on what Congress decides to do in the future.
For example, what would happen if a city decided to establish a fire prevention zone? What if voters approve yet another sales tax increase? What if Congress decides to do nothing? All these possibilities will be considered.
Next, council will hear about the finances of the soaking pool project and debate whether to continue moving forward with the project when funding is so low and costs are rising. There are options for Congress to consider between “continue construction” and “no construction.”
The world’s largest Christmas tree will be lit in Salida in 2023. Photo credit: Carly Winchell
After this, Congress will discuss what can be done about road access to Tenderfoot Mountain and the aging infrastructure at the summit. A public comment session was held on August 6th calling for the narrow road to be reopened.
Until 2023, the gates to Spiral Drive will remain open during the summer months. The gates were not opened that year due to structural concerns about heavy traffic, from bicycles and pedestrians to heavy vehicles.
Additionally, the current volunteer group that maintains the lights on Mt. S. has stated that they will not be maintaining the lights in 2025. This work has been in the works for some time. The City Council is expected to provide direction to staff on the issue.
Finally, the City Council will review the housing development projects it has approved over the past few years and review their progress. A handy spreadsheet showing all approved projects can be found on page 27 of the packet.
Community development staff will also present draft comparative figures for the past and future. The number of building permits, the impact on interest rates and development, and the number of inclusive housing units expected over the long term are just a few examples.
As always, please note: No decisions are made in the work session. They serve to provide direction that ultimately leads to binding ordinances and resolutions. Click here for the complete agenda packet and how to participate online.
Featured photo: The Tuber Building sign where Salida City Council meetings are held (Photo by Taylor Sumners)
