Manitou Springs residents to decide on increasing sales tax for arts and heritage fund

Manitou Springs residents will vote to include a proposed increase in sales tax on the November ballot.

The proposal would increase the sales tax by 0.3 percent and generate about $300,000 in funds for local art and heritage venues.

“It would be something we never had before,” said Peggie Yager, the treasurer for Miramont Castle in Manitou Springs. “It would be huge.”

Miramont Castle would be one of the historical venues benefiting from the potential sales tax increase. The arts and culture fund would also improve facilities at Carnegie Building, Manitou Art Center, Manitou Springs Heritage Center, and Hiawatha Gardens.

“We need to have our chair lifts to keep us accessible for people with disabilities,” said Yager regarding possible improvements for Miramont Castle. “Those could cost upward of $50,000.”

Natalie Johnson, the executive director for the Manitou Art Center, said a sales tax increase would probably affect the city’s tourists more than its residents.

“I do also think that in general, our residents believe that 30 cents of every 100 dollars they spend going toward art culture and heritage is worth it,” Johnson said.

Manitou Springs Mayor Ken Jaray said preserving the culture, heritage and arts in Manitou Springs was important.

“I support the proposal,” Jaray said. “I think that we have really been known and have developed a great collection of local artists, of local art.”