A Pueblo group suggests that the half-cent sales tax should keep funding job creation

Pueblo’s half-cent sales tax is meant for job creation in Pueblo. A group in Pueblo suggests that the Pueblo City Council keep it that way.

Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce Chairman Rod Slyhoff represents Puebloans for Jobs. He made a presentation to council Monday night.

He shared the history of the half-cent sales tax. The tax went into effect in 1985. Slyhoff said previous councils have tried to change the language of the tax and people ended up voting it down.

It previous attempts, past councils have tried to use the money for infrastructure or public safety.

Slyhoff said if council wants to change the purpose of the tax, they should listen to what the people have to say.

“I suggested that we do some polling of the voters to kind of get a feel of what they are thinking,” he said.

Councilman Dennis Flores said some of the tax money should go toward tourism in Pueblo and make an attraction that would bring people to the city.

Councilman Chris Nicoll agreed with Slyhoff that the tax funds should go toward economic development in the city and attracting more companies to come to Pueblo.

The half-cent sales tax brings in nearly $7 million a year to Pueblo.