In a previous blog I mentioned that a city official agreed that Walsenburg has about $30 million in contingent liabilities. These would include replacement of water and sewer lines, replacement of the gas transmission line, replacement of the water supply line from LaVeta, replacement/repair of the water tank, and resurfacing of city streets.
With these kinds of expenses required to maintain basic services, it should be clear where our priorities need to be. Why is there no urgency to solve these problems? Why is the Northlands Sewer Project always first in line for time and money? If the residents and owners of the Northlands aren't contributing their time and money to the project, why is it so important to the city council?
Maybe Walsenburg citizens aren't sending a message to the council on where their priorities are. Is it true that our basic services are not important? Could it be that our council is avoiding these problems? The money for the loans and legal fees will be in the range of $5 to $10 million for the Northlands Sewer Project. That amount would be a good start on some of our city projects for basic needs. I wonder if there are potential council members in the community that would put basic services in a different order than the present council? We currently have four members who are affiliated with a political party known to stand for fiscal responsibility. Does that not apply to city policy?
Any shortfall in the city budget always brings talk of additional mil levies and other taxes. The burden is placed on responsible homeowners who are rewarded by being billed for expenses for other areas while their needs are put on indefinite hold.
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