Cortez meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Cortez City Council agenda includes Lodger's Tax increase, truck purchase, water plan

The Cortez City Council's July 28 regular meeting agenda included a proposed 4% increase to the city's Lodger's Tax, a new truck for the Street Division, and a budget amendment. The council also held a work session that day to review a draft Water System Master Plan. The Planning and Zoning Commission met Aug. 4 for a public hearing on a site plan. Minutes for these meetings have not yet been published, so the outcomes of the items are not yet known.

City Council Regular Meeting — July 28

The agenda included:

• **Ordinance No. 1375**: A proposed 4% increase in the city's Lodger's Tax, to be placed on the Nov. 3, 2026 election ballot.
• **Resolution No. 13**: An agreement with Montezuma County Clerk and Recorder for the 2026 General Election.
• **Purchase of a new 1-ton dually truck** for the City Street Division to replace Unit #992.
• **Ordinance No. 1372**: Second reading of an amendment to the 2026 Budget.
• **Renewal of Medical Marijuana Center license** for Durango Organics, LLP (DBA DO Cortez) at 1013 East Main Street.

City Council Work Session — July 28

The work session agenda included a draft presentation of the Water System Master Plan and interviews for the Airport Advisory Committee with Bernard Karwick, Chris Caciagli, and Brian Lyons.

Planning and Zoning Commission — Aug. 4

The commission held a public hearing for Resolution No. 6, Series 2026, a major site plan for 127 N. Market St. The agenda also included a review of draft Resolution No. 7, Series 2026, and a report on permits issued from April 16 through July 15, 2026.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings were listed for the next 14 days.

Cortez officials weigh park plan, recreation repairs, and liquor licenses in recent meetings

Cortez City Council's July 14 regular meeting agenda included more than $248,000 in proposed contracts for parks planning, recreation center repairs, and airport infrastructure, along with public hearings on two liquor licenses. However, minutes have not yet been published for any of the three recent city meetings, so final outcomes and vote tallies are not yet available in the public record.

City Council Regular Meeting — July 14

The council was scheduled to consider awarding the 2026 Parks and Recreation Master Plan to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for $193,000. The master plan would guide future development and improvements across the city's parks and recreation system.

Also on the agenda was a $55,422 contract for the 2026 Recreation Center Hardwood Floors Repair Project, proposed for award to Sport Court of the Rockies LLC.

The council was set to consider a competitive quote to replace the Airport leach field with Ramco Developments, LLC. No dollar amount for that project was listed in the agenda summary.

Two liquor license public hearings were scheduled:

• A new Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License for Pitchers on Main LLC.
• A Tavern Liquor License renewal for Sierra's LLC, DBA Patron.

Because minutes are not yet published, it is not confirmed whether any of these items were approved, tabled, or continued.

City Council Work Session — July 14

Council held a work session that included interviews for the Airport Advisory Committee. The four candidates named on the agenda were Eddy Lewis, John Hernandez, David Bostrom, and Robert Wright.

The session also included a discussion on the intended purpose and use of Lodger's Tax, a tax paid by visitors staying in local lodging that helps fund tourism-related services.

Judge Beth Padilla presented information on Teen Court, a program that typically allows young offenders to go through a peer-based alternative to the traditional justice system. The agenda did not specify whether council was asked to take action on the presentation.

Planning and Zoning Commission — July 7

The Planning and Zoning Commission agenda included a public hearing for Resolution No. 5, Series 2026, covering Land Use Code Revisions. The commission was also scheduled to receive an overview of the City of Cortez Comprehensive Plan and requirements under SB24-174, a state bill that affects local planning.

Members were set to discuss upgrading the Comprehensive Plan, which serves as the city's long-range blueprint for growth and development.

The commission also put out a call for volunteers to fill vacancies on the Historical Preservation Board and the Board of Adjustment.

Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published, so no decisions or recommendations are confirmed in the available record.

What this means for residents

The proposed parks and recreation master plan, at $193,000, would shape how Cortez prioritizes future park upgrades and recreation programs. The recreation center floor repair addresses maintenance at a facility used by residents for fitness and youth programs. The airport leach field project relates to wastewater infrastructure at the Cortez Municipal Airport. Liquor license hearings affect which businesses can sell alcohol locally. And the land use code revisions and comprehensive plan discussion will influence how Cortez grows and develops in coming years.

Coming up

No upcoming public meetings are listed in the next 14 days, according to the available schedule. Residents are encouraged to check the City of Cortez website for newly posted meetings or schedule changes.