Surplus marijuana tax revenue could go to Pueblo parks

Pueblo County voters will decide whether to pocket a marijuana refund or let the county use it for parks.

Pueblo County commissioners underestimated how much money the county would collect last year from its 3.5 percent sales tax on recreational marijuana. The county collected about $150,000 more than anticipated.

Under the state’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights, the county must ask the voters whether it can keep the surplus or issue a refund. Commissioner Sal Pace said the refund would be $1.48 for county residents.

Pace said if the county is allowed to keep the money, it would be spent on upgrading several parks, including: McHarg Park (Avondale), Runyon Field (Pueblo), Liberty Point (Pueblo West), and John Arellano Park (Salt Creek).

“One of the bigger projects would be a spray park at Runyon Field which is a real gem for the county,” Pace said.