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OCN > 2401 > Monument Town Council, Dec. 6 – Town Council debates sales tax options, Loop Water Authority, Maverik gas station

Monument Town Council, Dec. 6 – Town Council debates sales tax options, Loop Water Authority, Maverik gas station

By Chris Jeub

The Monument Town Council (MTC) meeting in December covered topics such as potential self-collection of sales tax, Loop Water Authority Project participation, and budget resolutions. The meeting underscored practical decision-making for the town’s financial and developmental future.

Sales tax management options unveiled

During the presentation on sales tax future state options by Sophia Hassman, the MTC delved into the complexities of transitioning to a self-collected sales tax model under Home Rule. Hassman highlighted the benefits of increased oversight, quicker turnaround, and enhanced tax compliance, with the potential for additional revenue streams. Councilmember Marco Fiorito sought clarification on certifications needed for in-house management, to which the response emphasized that a CPA is not necessary, and the first year would require two trained employees. The discussion also included cost considerations, with the hybrid option emerging as the most economical at $228,798, compared to $344,840 and $457,710 for an in-house or contractual option.

Councilmember Laura Kronick asked about the timeline for fund receipts in comparison to the state and was assured that under the proposed self-collect model, funds would be received within two days, as opposed to the state’s two-month holding period. Mayor Mitch LaKind and Councilmember Steve King inquired about the potential revenue increase with self-collection, to which the response ranged from 8% to 15%, with a break-even point slightly over 2%. Amid these discussions, King sought the opinion of Mona Hirjoi, director of Finance, who expressed torn sentiments, citing increased workload challenges and the difficulty of retaining experienced personnel. Despite the uncertainties, King suggested the option of reverting to self-collection if the chosen approach proved untenable, a sentiment echoed by Town Manager Mike Foreman, who mentioned instances of other municipalities returning to the previous system.

Water Authority participation affirmed, for now

A detailed exchange during the discussion of Resolution No. 59-2023 aimed to affirm the town’s participation in the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority project. LaKind expressed a desire to extend the resolution indefinitely, prompting Councilmember Kenneth Kimple to seek clarification on the meaning of “participation.” Foreman clarified that the town had invested $250,000 in the project to continue with the design phase. Kimple, however, raised concerns about the lack of definitive answers regarding the project’s return on investment and advocated for a decisive move, stating, “It’s time to cut the string to ensure our water.”

As the dialogue progressed, tensions surfaced as Fiorito also expressed frustration, stating, “We’ve kicked this can down the road, and we’re going to continue drilling wells, [waiting for] a renewable water system.… I want this council to make a decision now.” Kronick echoed a sense of frustration, feeling as though the council was being “held hostage.” The discussion revealed a diversity of perspectives, with Fiorito advocating for a move toward the Northern Delivery System (NDS) for a renewable water solution, emphasizing its viability within eight months. The eventual vote resulted in a 6-1 approval, with Kimple voting “no,” reflecting the complexity and divergence of opinions within the council.

Budget resolutions and tax surplus

All budget resolutions passed unanimously, reporting a 19% tax revenue surplus. Councilmembers acknowledged the hard work of the town staff. Hirjoi and Foreman highlighted the 16.46% reserve and an additional 3% reserve in TABOR, totaling a 19.46% reserve.

Maverik Monument Junction back to Planning Commission

The discussion surrounding Ordinance No. 24-2023, addressing the approval of a planned unit development for Maverik Monument Junction, revealed a debate among MTC members. The proposed 1.5-acre commercial convenience store, slated to open in fall 2024, faced scrutiny over traffic implications and concern for too many gas stations in Monument. Mayor LaKind and Councilmember Kimple raised concerns about traffic inaccuracies and the impact on the town’s character, with Kimple expressing worry about emergency evacuation.

The debate escalated when the mayor questioned the absence of the traffic report in the Planning Commission’s documentation, leading to a temporary pause in the proceedings. Councilmember Jim Romanello defended the project, emphasizing the necessity of providing options for residents east of town and disputing claims that Maverik would cause excessive traffic.

Tensions flared when traffic engineer responses were challenged, with King expressing concerns about traffic complications. The debate culminated in the decision to send the motion back to the Planning Commission for further review, scheduled for February. The final vote reflected a split decision, with Kimple voting against the motion, asserting that it did not meet the criteria in the first place.

Land acquisition approved for Town Hall expansion

In Ordinance No. 26-2023, the council authorized the purchase of the Brower property. Foreman explained that the land would be used to expand the Town Hall and its parking facilities. The ordinance passed unanimously.

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The Monument Council usually meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month at Monument Town Hall, 645 Beacon Lite Road. With both of these Mondays being holidays (New Year’s Day and MLK Day), the next meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 2, and Tuesday, Jan. 16. Call 719-884-8014 or see www.townofmonument.org for information. To see upcoming agendas and complete board packets or to download audio recordings of past meetings, see monumenttownco.minutesondemand.com and click on Town Council.

Chris Jeub can be reached at chrisjeub@ocn.me.

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