Manitou Springs City Council voted to move forward with replacing water meters and updating telecommunications equipment in City buildings during this week’s meeting.
In September, Council received an update on the Colorado Energy Office’s performance contract audit, which found that the meters currently in use are 15 to 18 years-old, and many provide faulty or inaccurate readings. The City was hoping to receive grant funding to offset the cost of the $2.7 million project, but was unable to secure funding.
“Nobody really knows what’s happening with federal funding,” said City Administrator Denise Howell during a March 4 council meeting. The congressional direct funding that we were going to get – $500,000 for the water meters – it looks like we’re not going to get it. They of course don’t know yet, so they did send me a link and want me to reapply, which I have done.”
The alternative is to finance the cost of the project over 20 years through the Colorado Energy Office Energy Performance Contracting Program, which assists local governments to incorporate energy and water conservation measures with little or no upfront capital.
In addition to concerns about federal funding, City Council is preparing for a loss of revenue as Colorado Springs begins recreational marijuana sales.
“We may lose half of our income because of the marijuana taxes,” said Councilor Julie Wolfe during a Nov. 19, 2024 council meeting.
Councilor Judith Chandler raised concerns about the City’s uncertain financial future. “I can’t justify putting [water meter replacement] in our top five priorities,” she said, calling financing the project “fiscally irresponsible.”
Chandler and Councilor John Shada wanted to wait and attempt to reapply for grant funding for the project, but the mayor and other members of council voted to go ahead with the project.
“We lose about 660 acre-feet of water, about 30%, that’s a heck of a lot of water,” said Mayor John Graham. “I don’t think the meters are going to solve all the problems but they’re going to solve some.”
Existing meters are not accurately billing customers and do not have leak detection capabilities.
Handbook updates, MACH grants and more
- Council also approved a resolution updating the city’s employee handbook concerning military leave. The move ensures compliance with applicable law while balancing the needs of both employees and the city, clarifying the policies surrounding military leave and helping to prevent undue financial hardship for affected employees.
- Council finalized its $299,089 contract with Silverback Construction for the phase 1 temporary parking lot improvements at the Dillon Mobility Hub. The project is scheduled to be completed by June 1.
- Joy Porter was appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission.
- Paul Arlinghaus was appointed to the Open Space Advisory Committee.
- Council approved the Manitou Arts Culture and Heritage Board Recommendations for the 2025 Grant Awards.
- Council heard the first reading of an ordinance concerning permit applications for work in public rights of way. The ordinance corrects contradictory language currently in the municipal code.
