Manitou Springs City Council Backs Tax Increase for Budget Shortfalls
The Manitou Springs City Council unanimously approved a resolution supporting Ballot Issue 2A, which proposes increasing the city's amusement tax on tickets and door fees from 5% to 9.03% to generate over $1 million annually and address budget shortfalls.
Colorado Springs Pueblo, CO, October 6, 2026 — Manitou Springs City Council has officially lent its support to a proposed tax increase aimed at bolstering the city’s finances. The council unanimously approved a resolution endorsing Ballot Issue 2A, a measure that seeks to raise the municipal amusement tax.
If approved by voters, Ballot Issue 2A would increase the amusement tax rate on tickets and door fees from the current 5% to 9.03%. This proposed adjustment is projected to generate more than $1 million in annual revenue for the city.
The primary stated goal for the increased tax revenue is to address existing budget shortfalls. The resolution passed by the council signifies a unified stance in favor of placing the measure before the electorate and advocating for its passage.
Details regarding the specific budget areas that would benefit from the additional funds were not elaborated upon in the resolution itself, beyond the general aim of addressing shortfalls. The council’s unanimous vote indicates a consensus among its members regarding the necessity of this fiscal measure.
Ballot Issue 2A will now proceed according to established election protocols. The outcome will ultimately rest with Manitou Springs voters, who will decide whether to approve the tax rate increase. The proposed hike is specifically tied to the city’s amusement tax, impacting admissions and entry charges for entertainment events and venues within the city limits.
Story summarized from the original created by Savannah Eller on gazette.com, see more information here.
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