Cortez city council

Ballots are coming in for Cortez’s municipal election, with officials expecting turnout to increase before the April 7 deadline.

Cortez voters are being asked to decide four ballot questions in addition to choosing candidates for five open seats in the April 7 municipal election. City manager Drew Sanders explained the questions at a forum Thursday before a handful of people.

A question about Pride Month drew the most sharply differing responses from candidates for the Cortez City Council at a forum Wednesday night.

Cortez city council candidate Travis Shepherd says improving transparency and addressing affordable housing will be priorities if elected.

Over-collected revenues from a sales tax for the Cortez Recreation Center cannot legally be used to fund parks in the city of Cortez. Officials explained that several times during Tuesday’s meeting of the city council.

City officials plan public "Ballot Question Breakdown" sessions to help voters understand four City Charter amendments on the April 7 ballot. Ballots will be mailed March 16 for the election, which also includes five City Council seats.

Saying her decision came “with a heavy heart and following deep reflection,” Cortez Mayor Rachel Medina announced her resignation at Tuesday’s meeting of the city council.

The City of Cortez is holding an information session for residents considering a run for City Council, as nomination deadlines approach for the April election.

The Colorado Department of Transportation is planning to designate a new school zone on a portion of U.S. Highway 491 and Main Street at the west end of Cortez.

A sharply divided Cortez City Council on Tuesday rejected a proposed ordinance that would have allowed people to bring firearms to council meetings.