The City of Salida has a projected “flat” budget for 2021—meaning no significant increases or decreases. Considering the loss of City revenue from fees for recreation and events due to COVID, that’s a win. What makes this possible?
First and foremast, City staff have carefully controlled their operating costs through the 2019 pandemic, being under budget all year. Second, residents and visitors alike have strongly supported the local economy, “buying locally” even in these tough economic times. The combination of increased sales taxes and City spending controls have offset the loss of revenues from the SteamPlant and Aquatic Center.
Despite the conservative estimates for 2021, the City will continue to serve residents and the community by maintaining and building on its current services, including several new proposed projects and plans that will contribute to the local economy. Water and Street projects lead the list but new amenities that the community has asked for are also included. By tapping modestly into Salida’s fund balance reserves, these projects can be accomplished without hurting the fiscal health of the City.
“Bottom line, the way I see this budget is that we are keeping all services intact, we are moving forward on significant projects, we are maintaining a strong workforce - all of which should contribute toward keeping the local economy thriving,” said Aimee Tihonovich, finance director for the City.
Below are a few highlights of the proposed projects for 2021
Gallery transmission main water line replacement
The aging piping critical for distributing potable water from Salida’s primary groundwater source to the City will be replaced, further ensuring a dependable water source for all residents.
Proposed Project Budget: $1.9M
Street rehab projects
The ongoing street rehabilitation projects planned for the next year include the realignment, pedestrian improvement projects and other safety upgrades at Poncha Boulevard’s complex intersections with Crestone Avenue and Third Street.
Additional projects include the reconstruction of B Street from First Street to Park Avenue, and I Street from Sackett Avenue to First Street, as well as needed asphalt, sidewalk, curb and gutter repairs at various locations across town. These improvements will keep Salida streets safe and passable for all users.
Proposed Project Budget: $600K
Centennial Park skatepark construction
With the help of major funding from a Great Outdoors Colorado grant, a new skatepark will be completed at Centennial Park. This project was chosen by the community during the Open Space and Trails Master Plan engagement process and highlighted as a priority to residents. Additional improvements to parking, “curb appeal” and access all around the perimeter of the Aquatic Center are also part of the same plan and already underway.
Rollover from 2020 Budget: $401K
Highway 50 Phase IV streetscape project
The streetscape improvements along Highway 50 are now in their final phase, and will include a completed sidewalk, lighting and parkway upgrades from Palmer to Oak Street, similar to the improvements directly to the west of it. This is consistent with the prior planning recommendation for the highway and will improve pedestrian accessibility while providing an aesthetic improvement to Salida’s eastern gateway.
Proposed Project Budget: $1.48M
Hot springs outdoor soaking pools construction
The City is continuing to pursue the development of five new outdoor soaking pools adjacent to the Salida Hot Springs Aquatics Center.
Proposed Project Budget: $960K
Looking ahead to late 2021 and into 2022
Pasquale Springs improvements
Much of the aging infrastructure necessary for the treatment, storage and pumping of spring water into Salida’s water system will be replaced, expanding the capacity of the Pasquale Springs site and providing greater resilience in the event that the treatment plant becomes inaccessible. Planning and securing financing are scheduled for late 2021. Actual construction is set to begin in 2022 with funds rolling over from 2021.
Proposed Project Budget: $2M
“The recent Salida Financial Management Plan analyzed projections for operating revenues and expenses as well as planned capital projects and fund balances out 11 years to 2031 said City Treasurer, Merrell Bergin.” It shows that the City is on solid financial footing. “Even with all the turmoil caused by the pandemic, Salida is fortunate to be able to balance careful financial stewardship with the growing demands for services from residents and visitors. This makes Salida an even more inviting place to live, work and play, he continued.” A vision for the future while taking advantage of a “pause” in the world economy allows Salida to move forward in a window of opportunity.
The City has, and will, continue to prioritize working with local contractors on each of these projects, putting money back into the local businesses and their employees. For more information or to follow along on the development of these exciting projects, sign up for the City’s monthly newsletter.