The Durango City Council approved increased rates for city services and contentious changes to the organic park program Monday night as part of the 2015 budget.
The budget expanded from about $79 million in 2014 to about $88 million for 2015, or about 11 percent.
Most of this increase is in the capital fund, which expanded from $15.7 million to about $22.8 million to pay for construction projects.
One of the biggest projects is a $9.1 million taxiway resurfacing project at the airport, largely funded through a federal grant.
The operating budget, which funds daily city activity, bumped from about $63 million to about $65 million, a change driven mainly by inflation and new positions, said Finance Director Julie Brown. The City Council approved 12 new year-round positions for a total of 328.25 employees citywide in 2015.
Out of the multimillion dollar budget, the dropping of two parks from an organically managed program drew the most comment.
Councilors removed Brookside Park and Riverview Sports Complex from the program because of the percentage of weeds was greater than the city standard. At Riverview, the grass was also becoming a safety hazard for players.
The city agreed to manage nine parks organically as a compromise that preempted a ballot initiative that would have banned synthetic herbicides and fertilizers.
The resolution creating the program stated the pilot program would last for three years. Some advocates said the city was breaking the agreement by taking two parks out of the program early.
Katrina Blair, an organic advocate, proposed a compromise to maintain acreage in the program equivalent to the original 17.8 acres. She asked the city to add Fassbinder, Rotary, Roosa, Viles, Crestview and Animas City parks to the program.
Councilor Christina Rinderle voiced her support for continuing the conversation with Blair and other concerned residents.
“I think this is a very fair compromise,” she said.
Director of Parks and Recreation Cathy Metz said the proposed compromise would likely be more expensive than managing Brookside Park and Riverview Sports Complex organically. But she did not have exact figures.
City councilors agreed to consider a compromise at study session but will not incorporate it into the 2015 budget.
Other major budget changes included water and sewer rate increases and new trolley fares.
In January, average bills for sewer services will increase 64 percent, from $21.39 to $35.13 per month. The average household’s water rate will increase 37 percent, from $24.23 per month to an estimated $33.13. Water rates will be tiered based on usage.
The city also expanded the utility-rebate program to help those who need it most. The program had not been updated since 1991, and the council approved substantial increases to rebates.
For example, a family of three making less than $33,050 can qualify for a $295 rebate. Previously, it would have had to make less than about $20,000 annually and would have qualified for only $145. Rebates vary based on income and family size.
Residents also will need to dig into their pockets to pay a $1 trolley fare for each ride. The trolley became a free service in 2009 to help encourage ridership. But the Durango Transportation Department has been continuously losing money on the service, and ultimately, a majority of councilors supported the change.
To help offset the effect, the city will be offering an increased discount to nonprofits that purchase one-time tickets for those in need. The one-ride tickets will be 45 cents, down from 90 cents.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
