Pueblo city council approves tax increase for homeowners to help repair roads

In a 5-2 vote, Pueblo city council approved a one-dollar tax increase for homeowners to help repair roads in the Steel City.

Mayor Nick Gradisar was the one who proposed increasing the structure fee from $2 a month to $3 a month. He spoke with us after the meeting saying he is happy City council took his suggestions.

“We’ve neglected it for far too long and this will allow us to get started on some of those necessary repairs that the citizens in the community expect,” says Gradisar.

Potholes and cracked streets have plagued Pueblo for years. It’s the number one complaint residents have according to multiple surveys. That’s why in 2017 homeowners decided they would be willing to help pay for road repairs.

Some homeowners we spoke to say they are all for the increase because it is just a dollar. However, others like Gina Martinez say they don’t have an extra dollar to give.

“I wouldn’t be able to pay it I’m struggling on my own,” Martinez says, “That dollar is going to make a big difference.”

While residents will have to pay an extra dollar a month, this ordinance will actually give a break to small retailers including restaurants and bars.

Before the new fee structure was passed, homeowners paid $2 a month; small service businesses $10 a month, small retail stores paid $50 and large retail shops paid $100.

Now, starting on October 1st, homeowners will start paying $3 a month and small retailers, restaurants, and bars with less than $100,000 in net taxable sales will only pay $25 instead of $50. Everything else stays the same.

Mayor Gradisar and City council agree more options need to be looked at including a sales tax increase that will have to be put on the ballot to let voters decide.