Woodland Park Repeal To Allow Business Incentives

Woodland Park City Council is once again asking voters to allow city assistance for businesses.

Under City Charter Section 9.17, the use of city funds, resources, waivers of fees or any other provisions as business incentives is prohibited.

The ordinance was adopted in 1988, according to city manager David Buttery, when major retailer tried to come into Woodland Park with the request that the city waive fees and provide infrastructure extensions.

?At that time, those things were allowed,? said Buttery.

A local business man formed a group to pass an ordinance to not allow incentives for businesses and it was adopted by voters.

?Since 1988, Woodland Park has not had the ability to offer incentives,? said Buttery.

In 2002, a ballot question went to voters to repeal the charter amendment and it failed, said Buttery.

?The economy has changed. In April 2011, council directed me to explore the opportunity for business assistance,? he said.

During a city council meeting on Jan. 19, Buttery was directed to draft an ordinance to allow business incentives.

The first reading of the ordinance was on Feb. 2.

?The ordinance proposed did not meet the council?s intent,? said Buttery.

Council members thought the wording was too specific as to what kinds of business assistance could be offered and would like the language to be more general, said Buttery.

A motion was made to change the ordinance language that was drafted to repeal the amendment. It passed four to three.

Buttery is working with the city attorney to change the ordinance language and will present it at a public hearing on Feb. 16.

Council will then decide whether or not to put the repeal on the April 3 ballot.

Business owners in Woodland Park have mixed feelings about allowing the city to provide assistance to businesses.

“I’m definitely in favor of it, I’d vote for it. It’s out of city funds, but I think if businesses thrive here in Woodland Park, eventually we’ll see money come back to taxpayers in the form of sales tax or business revenue,” said Brandon Parham, manager The PC Shop.

Michael Sturdevant, owner of the Donut Mill, doesn?t think the city can help businesses survive in Woodland Park.

?It would be great if the city had money to kick back, but with businesses going out as fast as they do, I’m not sure the city can afford too,? said Sturdevant.

Sturdevant said he?s seen five businesses in the last year close down. Just last month, Jo-Mama?s, a popular pizza place, foreclosed.

The Donut Mill has been open since 1974. Sturdevant said business is great in the summers, but his business is lucky to pay bills on time during the winter.

?This is really a tourist destination and if you can?t fund yourself through the winter, I don?t see how the city can help in anyway,? he said.