Manitou Springs City Council approves excise tax ballot language

The Manitou Springs City Council held its regular meeting on Aug. 5.

Excise tax ordinance heads to ballot

Manitou Springs City Council approved an ordinance submitting a ballot issue to the voters of Manitou Springs for the City’s Nov. 4 regular election to increase the City’s excise tax on ticket sales and admission fees. This ballot question is part of the “balanced approach” plan for addressing the City’s projected $4.3 million budget shortfall advocated by Councilor John Shada and Mayor Pro Tem Natalie Johnson. In addition to increasing the “amusement tax” from 5% to up to 14%, the City will also need to divert $1.9 million of parking revenue to the streets department.

The “amusement tax” has not been adjusted since 1972, and would only apply to businesses charging admission fees or utilizing tickets. “A zip line ticket, a $99 zip line ticket would be an increase of $9,” explained Johnson during a July 29 town hall. “A train ticket, $67, would be an increase of $6 … and then, again, an admission ticket of $12.75 would be an increase of $1.15.”

Council will hold a second reading and public hearing of the ordinance on Aug. 19.

Tank completion confirmed

Council approved a resolution confirming the completion of Mesa Tank II. The resolution was required as part of a Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) grant. “We got a DOLA grant and at this time we are applying for final reimbursement from DOLA,” explained Manitou Springs Finance Director Rebecca Davis. “In order to get this final reimbursement, they do need to see official proof that the project is completed. They’ve stated that a resolution by City Council saying it’s completed would be the proof that they need.”

The new tank was brought online on April 9, 2025. It increased the City’s total finished water storage capacity to more than 3.5 million gallons, alongside the original Mesa Tank – 2 million gallons – and the Crystal Hills Tank. This expanded capacity enhances water pressure, supports fire protection and ensures service continuity during maintenance. The ribbon-cutting that officially commissioned the completed 1.1-million-gallon water tank was held on April 17, 2025.

PPRT agreement approved

Council approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Pikes Peak Regional Transportation Authority which authorized a $130,351.88 reimbursement to the City of Manitou Springs for four contracts with Workshop 40, who performed work for the Hiawatha Gardens Mobility hub.

Land donation to Black Canyon Open Space

Council accepted three parcels of donated land, adding about 1.5 acres to Black Canyon Open Space.

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