On the November ballot, Pueblo West Metropolitan District residents will consider Issue 6C, a proposal that would allow the district to waive the state‑mandated 5.25% property‑tax limit for fiscal year 2026 and all future years. If approved, the district could retain and spend any revenue that exceeds the limit, directing the surplus to its Parks and Recreation Department.

What the measure would change

The language of the measure states that the district would be permitted to collect, retain, and spend all revenue it receives in fiscal year 2026 and thereafter, as a voter‑approved revenue change under Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution. It also seeks to exceed the 5.5% property‑tax revenue growth limitation in Colorado Revised Statutes §29‑1‑301 and the 5.25% property‑tax limit in §29‑1‑1702, using any excess solely for park and recreation services.

Why the district is seeking the waiver

District officials argue that the current tax cap restricts their ability to maintain and expand park facilities that serve families throughout Pueblo West. They contend that allowing the district to keep surplus funds will enable needed upgrades to playgrounds, sports fields, and community gathering spaces without imposing a new tax rate on homeowners.

Fiscal impact and voter considerations

The measure does not propose raising any tax rate or adding a new tax. Instead, it would let the district retain revenue that would otherwise be returned to the state under existing limits. Critics note that this could reduce the amount of property‑tax revenue that flows to other local services, but supporters counter that the district would still be bound by the overall tax‑rate ceiling set by voters.

How the vote will be counted

Issue 6C will appear on the ballot alongside other local measures in Pueblo County. Voters will mark “Yes” to approve the waiver and the associated revenue‑use provisions, or “No” to keep the current tax‑limit structure in place. The district has scheduled informational meetings at the Pueblo West Community Center on October 20 and November 5 to answer resident questions.

What’s at stake for families

For parents and grandparents who rely on safe, well‑maintained parks for recreation, the outcome of Issue 6C could directly affect the quality of local amenities. The district emphasizes that the proposed changes align with its mission to provide family‑friendly outdoor spaces while respecting taxpayers’ desire to avoid higher rates.

Next steps

If approved, the district will begin implementing the new revenue‑use policy in the 2026 fiscal year. Should voters reject the measure, the district will continue operating under the existing 5.25% cap, seeking alternative funding methods for park projects.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.