Manitou Springs Ballot Measure for Tourism Tax Hike Leads in Preliminary Poll
A preliminary poll in Manitou Springs indicates that a ballot issue proposing a tax increase on tickets is leading with 62% of votes in favor. The proposed increase would raise the excise tax from 5% to 9.03% on tourism-related businesses…
Colorado Springs Pueblo, CO, November 3, 2026 — A preliminary poll in Manitou Springs shows significant support for a proposed ballot measure that would increase taxes on tourism-related businesses. The measure, aimed at addressing a budget deficit, is currently leading with 62% of respondents in favor, according to the initial poll results.
If passed, the proposed legislation would raise the excise tax on tickets sold by tourism-related businesses from the current rate of 5% to 9.03%. The increase is intended to provide additional revenue for the city and help offset a projected budget shortfall.
The Manitou Springs City Council has publicly supported the ballot initiative, signaling an endorsement from the local government. However, the measure has met with opposition from businesses operating within the tourism sector. These businesses have voiced concerns regarding the potential impact of the increased tax on their operations and revenue.
The exact timeline for when this ballot issue will be formally voted on, or further details regarding the specific businesses that would be affected, were not immediately available in the preliminary information. The poll indicates a lead for the measure, but further details regarding the scope and implementation of the tax hike will be crucial as the process moves forward. The financial implications for both the city and local businesses remain a key point of discussion.
Story summarized from the original created by Savannah Eller on gazette.com, see more information here.
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