Bonds, Longmont Bonds: Ballot Issues 3A, 3B, 3C

LONGMONT, CO -- City of Longmont voters will have a chance this November to weigh in–not once, not twice, but three times–on whether the city can issue municipal bonds to raise funds for a variety of infrastructure projects. There would be no direct cost to residents, and the city would not be permitted to raise taxes in order to make future payments on the bonds and interest–all repayment would have to come from the general city budget as funded by current taxes.

Issue 2A would raise up to $16.4 million for rehabilitation and improvement of city buildings, such as the civic center, library, safety and justice center, and other facilities. The proposed repairs would extend the buildings’ life expectancy and improve accessibility, safety, and energy efficiency. Phase 1 of some of these renovations has already begun.

Proponents argue that by issuing bonds, the city will be able to move more quickly toward repairs and avoid larger costs in the future. Opponents note that the city already had to cut its 2019 budget due to sales tax shortfalls, and should instead reprioritize current funds. The total estimated cost to the city including bond interest is $26.6 million.

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Issue 2B asks for bonds to raise up to $9.6 million to either renovate or replace two local fire stations: Fire Station #2 at 2300 Mountain View Avenue and fire station #6 at 501 S. Pratt Parkway. The city states taht these 2 fire stations are no longer functional for the needs of the community or safe for first responders without repairs and upgrades.

Supporters say that these are core facilities that must be maintained, and that bond financing will spread the costs between current and future taxpayers. Opponents claim there are other, more appropriate funding mechanisms. The total bond cost is estimated to be up to $15.5 million.

Issue 2c is the most controversial of the three measures, and asks for bonds to raise money for improvements to buildings and irrigation at Centennial Pool, Ute Creek Golf Course, Twin Peaks Golf Course, and Sunset Golf Course. The city states that these improvements are necessary to accommodate an increased number of user, to update outdated irrigation systems, to provide for the safety and security of city-owned maintenance equipment, and to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Centennial Pool is currently closed indefinitely after a faulty sump pump caused extensive damage this August. With the seasonal closure of Sunset Pool last month, the city is currently without a local, public lap pool.

Supporters say that these public facilities benefit all residents and have already passed their expected lifespan. Opponents say there are other ways to generate the funding. Some residents who are neither golfers nor swimmers have spoken out against the notion that the improvements will benefit the entire community. The total bond cost associated with measure 3c would be up to $11 million.

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