Excise tax on the ballot in Cañon City this fall

CAÑON CITY, Colo. (KOAA) — Cañon City is asking voters whether to approve the city's first excise tax this fall to fund maintenance of a new public pool after residents rejected a property tax increase for upkeep costs in November 2024.

The ballot measure would impose a 2.25% tax on "amusement and scenic rides, recreational excursions and attractions," with annual revenue capped at $675,000.

Voters approved a 0.3% sales tax increase last fall to fund construction of the new pool after the previous facility closed in 2023.

City Administrator Ryan Stevens said the excise tax would apply to businesses like the Royal Gorge Route Railroad and local rafting companies.

"For scenic rides, it would apply to the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, for recreational excursions, it would apply to rafting t