MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) — Manitou Springs faces a potential $4.3 million budget shortfall next year following the failure of ballot measure 2A, according to estimates from the mayor's office.

The shortfall stems from declining marijuana sales tax revenue, which has been a significant funding source for the city.

With 2A's defeat, city officials are scrambling to find ways to balance the budget while maintaining essential services.

"If we know we're gonna retire, we'll have less money, so we plan for it. And it didn't look like the city planned for it," said Don Wallace, a Manitou Springs homeowner since 1978.

Wallace believes the city should have saved money during better financial times instead of spending it. He says trust must be restored between the city and voters before he

See Full Page