Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Pueblo, Colo. - The Pueblo County Board of County Commissioners has adopted a solid, balanced, $171 million functioning budget that will support the operating costs of Pueblo County for the 2017 calendar year.
"It's an interesting challenge this year because we are balancing the excitement of the future with the passage of 1A joining the list of marijuana excise tax, CDOT and other projects, with the continuing needs that grew out of the recession — roads, services, jail and other facility needs. The budget is a plan for both ends of the spectrum," Pueblo County Commissioner Terry Hart said.
The following are some of the anticipated revenues and expenditures included in the 2017 budget:
· Sufficient funding to keep all existing programs intact.
· $750,000 to address critical building system issues at the Pueblo County Jail from marijuana revenues.
· A net $1.9 million to relocate the Department of Social Services to County owned property, rather than leased property. However, all funds spent on DSS building redevelopment will be paid back overtime through lease payments.
· Appropriations for the anticipated $1.5 million in revenues generated by marijuana taxes and fees collected by Pueblo County for 13 Pueblo County infrastructure and community improvement projects.
"We are utilizing marijuana funds for a long list of vital projects in Pueblo County. For instance, $750,000 will go towards fixing up the worst dilapidated parts of the jail. That is critical. Marijuana funds also will help sponsor the Medal of Honor Convention here in Pueblo and help us address homelessness and opiate addiction in our community. The voters overwhelmingly supported keeping marijuana legal; and because of that we now have the opportunity to fund these important needs in our community," Pueblo County Commissioner Sal Pace said.
Pace continued, "Finally, we are well poised to reach out to the bond market in 2017 to work towards the build out of the 20 projects related to Ballot Initiative 1A. Working collaboratively with the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, we will be able to make significant community capital improvements in Pueblo thanks to the voters."
Here's what else the approved budget will go towards:
Use of net Marijuana revenues (Marijuana Cash fund) Critical building system needs at the jail $750,000
Pueblo West tax sharing for pueblo west roads $200,000
Sheriff body camera and taser purchase under 5-year plan $129,000
Fleet vehicle replacements $100,000
Increased funding for Arts Center $79,000
Pueblo Zoo operations $65,000
Upgrade AV system in BOCC chambers $63,000
Home of Hero sponsorship of Medal of Honor Convention $50,000
Marijuana research work CSU-Pueblo $50,000
Homeless prevention projects $50,000
Human Relation Commission Opioid epidemic assistance program
$41,100
Pueblo Veteran's Ritual Team contribution toward van purchase $10,000
Latino Chamber small business conference sponsorship
$7,500
Gang Alternative P
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Pueblo County Commissioners Use Marijuana Money For Various Projects
Author: Adam Uhernik
Contact: 719-457-8217
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: KKTV 11 News
"It's an interesting challenge this year because we are balancing the excitement of the future with the passage of 1A joining the list of marijuana excise tax, CDOT and other projects, with the continuing needs that grew out of the recession — roads, services, jail and other facility needs. The budget is a plan for both ends of the spectrum," Pueblo County Commissioner Terry Hart said.
The following are some of the anticipated revenues and expenditures included in the 2017 budget:
· Sufficient funding to keep all existing programs intact.
· $750,000 to address critical building system issues at the Pueblo County Jail from marijuana revenues.
· A net $1.9 million to relocate the Department of Social Services to County owned property, rather than leased property. However, all funds spent on DSS building redevelopment will be paid back overtime through lease payments.
· Appropriations for the anticipated $1.5 million in revenues generated by marijuana taxes and fees collected by Pueblo County for 13 Pueblo County infrastructure and community improvement projects.
"We are utilizing marijuana funds for a long list of vital projects in Pueblo County. For instance, $750,000 will go towards fixing up the worst dilapidated parts of the jail. That is critical. Marijuana funds also will help sponsor the Medal of Honor Convention here in Pueblo and help us address homelessness and opiate addiction in our community. The voters overwhelmingly supported keeping marijuana legal; and because of that we now have the opportunity to fund these important needs in our community," Pueblo County Commissioner Sal Pace said.
Pace continued, "Finally, we are well poised to reach out to the bond market in 2017 to work towards the build out of the 20 projects related to Ballot Initiative 1A. Working collaboratively with the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, we will be able to make significant community capital improvements in Pueblo thanks to the voters."
Here's what else the approved budget will go towards:
Use of net Marijuana revenues (Marijuana Cash fund) Critical building system needs at the jail $750,000
Pueblo West tax sharing for pueblo west roads $200,000
Sheriff body camera and taser purchase under 5-year plan $129,000
Fleet vehicle replacements $100,000
Increased funding for Arts Center $79,000
Pueblo Zoo operations $65,000
Upgrade AV system in BOCC chambers $63,000
Home of Hero sponsorship of Medal of Honor Convention $50,000
Marijuana research work CSU-Pueblo $50,000
Homeless prevention projects $50,000
Human Relation Commission Opioid epidemic assistance program
$41,100
Pueblo Veteran's Ritual Team contribution toward van purchase $10,000
Latino Chamber small business conference sponsorship
$7,500
Gang Alternative P
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Pueblo County Commissioners Use Marijuana Money For Various Projects
Author: Adam Uhernik
Contact: 719-457-8217
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: KKTV 11 News
