What is 2B?
Ballot Question 2B is a smart, sustainable way to fund operations of the new pool without raising property taxes.
This November, Cañon City voters will decide on Ballot Question 2B—the final step needed to make our new pool a reality.
Voters approved 2A and 6B in November 2024, which secured funding to build a new pool facility. However, construction cannot move forward without having the pool's operational funding in place. That’s what 2B provides.
2B proposes a 2.25% excise tax on ticket sales for amusement and scenic rides, recreational excursions, and attractions. This small tax will be added to the price of those activities, with about 95% of the cost paid by visitors rather than local residents.
The revenue will go directly to pool operations, covering lifeguards, maintenance, programs, utilities, and everything needed to keep the doors open for families year after year.
No new property tax. No mill levy increase. Just a small contribution from visitors that brings lasting benefits to our community.
Vote YES on 2B to keep Cañon City swimming.
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SHALL THE CITY OF CAÑON CITY TAXES BE INCREASED BY SIX HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($675,000) ANNUALLY AND BY WHATEVER AMOUNT IS GENERATED THEREAFTER FROM AN EXCISE TAX ON FEES, CHARGES AND TICKET SALES FOR AMUSEMENT AND SCENIC RIDES, RECREATIONAL EXCURSIONS, AND ATTRACTIONS IMPOSED AT THE RATE OF TWO AND A QUARTER PERCENT (2.25%) TO BEGIN ON JANUARY 1, 2026 TO BE PLEDGED TO SUPPORT OPERATIONAL COSTS OF THE COMMUNITY RECREATION POOL OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE CAÑON CITY AREA METROPOLITAN RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT (THE “PLEDGED REVENUES”) AND, IF EXCESS FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE, DEPOSITED INTO THE CITY’S CAPITAL RESERVE FUND FOR COMMUNITY AMENITIES AND SHALL CITY OF CAÑON CITY AND THE CAÑON CITY AREA METROPOLITAN RECREATION DISTRICT BE AUTHORIZED TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT CREATING FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS EXTENDING BEYOND THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR TO PAY OVER THE PLEDGED REVENUES TO THE RECREATION DISTRICT; AND SHALL ALL REVENUE BE COLLECTED, RETAINED AND SPENT AS A VOTER APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE OF THE CITY NOTWITHSTANDING ANY REVENUE LIMITS PROVIDED BY LAW?
3 Reasons to
Vote YES on 2B
Reason #1
Swim Lessons Save Lives
Drowning is a leading cause of death for young children. Without a public pool, many Cañon City kids won’t have the chance to learn to swim outside of the dangerous Arkansas River. Our new pool facility will offer safe, affordable swim lessons, giving children the skills they need to stay safe in and around water.
Drowning Statistics
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4000 unintentional drownings occur annually in the US — about 11 deaths per day
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1 in 5 people who die from drowning are children 14 years and younger.
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Fatal drowning remains the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for ages 1-14.
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Structured swim instruction can cut the drowning risk for children aged 1–4 by up to 88%.
“Every year, there are drownings that take place in the Arkansas River. Our children, our grandchildren—they need to know how to swim well.”
Keith P.
“The river’s awesome, but it gets crowded and congested, and that water flows fast, so it’s good to have a safe option as well.”
Breanna K.
“I surf the river and [the kids] don’t know how to swim. I just hear ‘Help.’ I’ve saved some with lifejackets and some without. They need to learn to swim before they get in the river.”
Gabe R.
Reason #2
Health for Every Generation
From toddlers to seniors, the pool facility will offer programs for all ages and abilities, including water fitness, lap swimming, rehabilitation, and social connection. It’s a place where the whole community can stay active and healthy, year-round.
“We’re a big retirement community, so it would benefit seniors if they had a pool where they could do exercises. A place for our kids to take swimming lessons, where high school kids are able to compete. It’s another place where people can gather.”
Debbie B.
“I represent the senior citizens of Cañon City who would enjoy the availability of the pool to participate in water aerobics and other various forms of water activities, such as lap swimming.
Above all, there is a need for a pool for children of all ages to enjoy during the summer season. An active swim team would be of great interest to the town and would probably have a larger membership with an indoor pool.”
Harriet H.
Reason #3
Quality of Life for Our Community
Strong communities invest in places that serve their people. The new pool facility is designed to be a safe, welcoming space where our kids can learn to swim, our seniors can stay active, and our families can enjoy time together year-round. A modern community pool is an amenity our citizens deserve, enriching daily life and ensuring Cañon City remains a great place for all of us to live, work, and play.
“I grew up here, and I have a lot of core memories at the public pool. I want to live in a community that provides that same opportunity to my kids.”
Josh A.
“As a swim team mom, I really miss having access to a pool and being able to do our home meet here in Cañon City. It helps the town and the community grow in ways you wouldn’t imagine if you’re not involved with the swim teams.
Every little thing that we have for the community helps to draw people here, keep people here, and that just helps us promote and benefit our community as a whole.”
Breanna K. & daughter Pippa
“I’m on 3 swim teams, so I love swimming, and whether it be training or hanging out with friends, I think it’s great for the community. And a pool attracts tourists and homeowners, which helps bring extra income into the community.”
TJ E.
