The proposed stormwater fee is the largest transfer of responsibility and cost from the developers to the public in this city’s history. The city needs a stormwater fee, but this ballot issue fails on three critical points:

1. It lacks specifics. Will this be outsourced or made into another utility? Where is the cost analysis? Will it be added to your utility bill? If so, why?
2. Its’ unequitable. Developers made large profits but are not paying their fair share.
3. It’s not complete. There is a teaser rate of $5 month that can increase without a vote of the taxpayers. We are awaiting finalization of EPA suit.

Why the rush? Taxpayers allocated $6 million in TABOR surplus refunds in April, for the next two years. To argue that the real reason is to transfer money to other parts of city government is to deny your right to know where this money is really going. Hold your elected officials accountable for transparency and equity and vote “NO” so they will get the message! Support your rights not their privilege!

Note: From the EPA case 1:16-cv-02745 Filed 11/09/16 United States of America and State of Colorado v. City of Colorado Springs: “During the 2013 Audit, the EPA identified at least two water quality control structures that had been placed in State waters at the Flying Horse Pond Filing 26 and the First and Main Town Center developments. Neither of these developments provided for treatment of stormwater prior to the discharge into State waters”.

Bill Murray, City Council member at-large