Well, the appraisal for the prison was short of the expected amount. This will cause the city to start thinking of your money. Can we raise taxes? Can we raise water rates? How can we get more money to spend?
If the city of Walsenburg would spend money on renewing infrastructure, replacing fire hydrants, and paving streets, it wouldn't seem so bad when they ran into financial problems. Most of the expenditures (in time and money) are on securing sewer, water, and gas for the Northlands. We can't seem to get lines replaced in the older part of town where most of the water and sewer customers reside. These customers are also the tax payers who pay for the city ventures.
Another big project is the replacement of most of the city's computers. This expense will come up soon. We have an IT contractor who is charged with keeping our equipment operating. Maybe we could put off a purchase until we get our finances in better shape.
We talked of making cuts in the 2014 budget. A 10% cut was made in city employee salaries. The police dept was also reduced in number. An additional member of the police force left, but was replaced quickly. When we are under financial stress and an employee leaves, why replace him right away?
We also have another financial burden in our water park. It is a money-losing venture. The city's solution is to lower the entrance fee and do as little advertising as possible.
Whatever is placing our federal government in unbelievable debt seems to be contagious to our cities and some of our states. It is simple mathematics. If you don't have money don't purchase anything.
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