Montrose Debt: Lack of Planning, Not Just Investments

A Little Context

In any discussion about city finances, context matters. My opponent in the race for City Councils District 1 seat,  Kevin Clay, recently defended Montrose's debt levels by pointing to our A+ credit rating and labeling major projects as necessary investments. He compared borrowing for infrastructure to a family mortgage. While strong credit is valuable and some debt may be unavoidable, this perspective misses critical flaws in how we reached this point.

The Core Issue

The core issue is not that Montrose has debt. The problem is why we carry so much of it. It stems from two main failures:

1. A lack of long-term foresight

2. Spending on nonessentials

Ignoring the Obvious

Consider our key facilities: The Wastewater Treatment Plant, constructed in 1984, is now 42 years old. Our Public Works facility dates to the 1960s, making it roughly 60 years old. Typical government buildings have a life expectancy around 25 years. Both needed replacement, which no one disputes. But where was the financial planning and good stewardship of the taxpayers’ dollars?  They were nowhere to be found.  No reserves were built by setting aside a portion of the budget over decades to offset these inevitable costs, instead we just spent every last dollar that came in without regard or care for the future expenses we knew were looming. Instead of proactive saving, we now borrow heavily.

Wasteful Spending on Non-Essentials

Compounding this, the city pursued less critical projects. When major infrastructure needs loomed, resources went toward things like alleyway murals costing $25,000 to $50,000 each and fish statues for roundabouts at $38,000 for the sculpture alone, before pedestal and installation. And giveaways with zero accountability for the use of taxpayer funds for things like commercial kitchens and other programs handed out like candy to those who are friends of the city administration. These choices strain the balance sheet with no actual accountability, leaving the taxpayers holding the bag when any of these project owners decides not to participate in providing tax revenue to the city either via a sale of the business after the improvements are made on the taxpayers dime or simply taking the funds and closing their doors.

The Public Works Facility Blunder

The Public Works facility decision stands out as particularly shortsighted. In 2006 the city bought 35 acres specifically for its eventual home. Rather than use that land, which showed real foresight by an earlier council, our council rubberstamped the proposal by the city manager and approved the new site. This required clearing trees and hauling in massive amounts of fill dirt. Taxpayers bore significant unnecessary costs. According to reports, this added approximately $23 million to the project, bringing the total project cost for a maintenance garage near $77 million, not the $54 million often cited.

Why the Defense Falls Short

Clay argues these are investments funded at good rates that leave the general fund intact. Yet better planning and wiser choices could have reduced borrowing needs dramatically. Debt is debt. It saddles our children and grandchildren regardless of labels.

Leadership Matters

Most Montrose residents had little idea of the full debt picture until recently. We must demand transparency and true long-term planning. Government should operate lean and clean with minimal debt. Essential infrastructure deserves funding, but through disciplined budgeting, not repeated borrowing after avoidable expenses.  A cycle that has become all too common when it is “the peoples money”.

Montrose deserves leaders focused on functionality and fiscal responsibility over showpieces. By addressing these planning gaps, we can build a stronger future without overburdening future generations.

Just One Mans Humble Opinion.

Michael J Badagliacco, “MJB”

Michael is a father of five, grandfather of three, a USAF Veteran, International Recording Artist, Entrepreneur, Editor of USA Liberty Report, passionate about Freedom, Liberty and the founders genius of the Constitution.  He is also currently a Candidate for City Council in Montrose, Colorado.