Hey Fountain! Can you believe that summer is over, and school is starting back up? Where did the time go? I hope everyone has found some enjoyment in the season and are looking forward to the busy month ahead in Fountain. As we look toward the end of summer and fall arriving around the corner, I want to remind residents that Fountain City Council is considering a ballot initiative to ask voters to join the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA). And what is PPRTA? What is this ballot question all about? This is a sales tax increase? Where does the money go? Well, I have some good information for you. Please click here, PPRTA FINAL 5-17-2023 (civiclive.com), to learn all about it! Most of Fountain is not currently a part of the PPRTA (some parts already are), which helps fund road maintenance and road projects for its member communities. In the past it made sense that Fountain stay out, as there was not a good return on tax money spent for Fountain residents. However, the situation has changed, and now participation is something that citizens could really consider as an option to help with our streets, so City Council is in the process of evaluating whether to put the question to a vote on this November’s ballot.
The City Council will make their final decision on whether to move forward with the ballot question on August 22nd. Citizens are encouraged to come to the City Council Meeting at City Hall at 6pm that day and contribute to the discussion and make their voice heard if they would like to. Before the Council meeting, the City is also hosting a town hall meeting on Monday, August 14th at 6pm, to discuss the PPRTA and what this ballot question proposes. There is a virtual option for this meeting, and you can register here: Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams. City staff will be available to answer questions and provide additional information to residents about PPRTA as well as about our city streets. We will also continue to provide information on our city website, www.fountaincolorado.org. I would encourage everyone to learn more about this potential ballot question, and in just a few more months, VOTE!