Our money or theirs? Itís too easy for C. Springs to annex the commercial area of Falcon using legal methods. Even if was ìdifficultî (some feel), why leave a door open? Others say the city is not interested. Why not? If you carve out the money maker and leave the rest, would you?The town of Fountain did this (commercial annexation) years ago. The area west of 85-87 along Security Widefield is Fountain! Itís almost all commercial area. Smart folks.Setting up a city will be no picnic. Hereís what we do not have to do;ï Schools-District 49 exists.ï Sewer- initial proposed area all residents have septic.ï Water-all residents have wells & are responsible for their own water.ï Fire protection-The Falcon Fire chief has signed a letter that nothing changes and no additional monies needed.That leaves roads and police. Hereís my ìbudget:îï According to the county, for 2005 maintenance cost was $25,307.61 for roads in the ìtownî of Falcon. Use $50,000.ï County says, Police cost per deputy-work comp, benefits, insurance and salaries is $63,032 per. There are car(s), equipment, etc. 100,000 per person and maybe 3 officers = 300,000 a year.ï Building to house police and? Example, land and building for $1,000,000 is ,653.03 a month + utilities and maintenance. Use $120,000/year.ï Total Falcon ìbudget:î $470,000 / year. OK, half a million. 2005 sales figures times 1.6% sales tax for $770,000, a surplus of $300,000.The incorporation does not affect ìFalcon/Peyton Plan.î Falcon may have its own additional plan if the vote goes thru to incorporate and to use home rule. The Charter committee develops town plan (how to operate, not how much) after incorporation, submits to voters. If voters reject, charter committee reworks plan and resubmits to voters. Then an election for town council. Next budget is developed by council. Elections cost $1100 based on cost of our upcoming election. (Donations.)The population of the proposed area is about 2500.What do you get for this? You can come to local officials, which you elect, when you have a road or police problem. You can get involved in the process; voting on what you want, to running for office to help shape policy. What do you lose if incorporation doesnít go thru? You may eventually pay part of millions of dollars in taxes Colorado Springs will take to do with as they please.Dave BeadlesFalcon
