The City has a population of approximately 5,400 residents and serves as a regional shopping hub for surrounding unincorporated areas and small towns. Combined with the effect of tourism and second home owners, Salida’s municipal government serves a population estimated at more than twice the size of its residential base.

Salida is organized as a statutory city under the constitution of the State of Colorado. The City operates under a council-mayor form of government with six council members, a mayor, treasurer and clerk serving in elected positions. 

The broad services provided by Salida’s employees across the various funds include the following:

Public safety

o   24/7 police protection, vehicle, bicycle and foot patrol, crime prevention and law enforcement; vehicle identification number inspections, school safety, special event support, DUI awareness programs, drug task force, regional preparedness, E911 board representation, general code enforcement

o   24/7 professional fire response (structural and wildland), emergency medical services, hazardous material response, technical rescue (ice, swift water, confined space, high and low angles), installation of smoke detectors, inspections and plans reviews, code enforcement, fire prevention and CPR classes, fireworks displays, staffing for fire protection district, regional preparedness and various other education and civic activities

Public works – operation, maintenance and improvement of streets, alleys, walkways, parking lots, parks, play features, public structures, underground distribution or collection lines and appurtenances, trees, and other public infrastructure, as well as vehicle, equipment and facility maintenance

Water and Wastewater plant operations – Treatment and distribution of municipal water; collection, treatment and safe discharge of wastewater (including wastewater services for the Town on Poncha Springs); lab testing, acceptance and treatment of outside septage

Community development – land use and zoning, administrative review of development plans, subdivision exemptions, building permits and sign permits, long range and current planning, historic preservation, grant writing and reporting

Arts and recreation – hot springs swimming pool, lessons, fitness and recreation programs, rentals of parks and recreation facilities, activities and special events for community members of all ages, liaison with outside organizations (chamber of commerce, small business alliance, etc.); professional event center

Administrative services – liquor, marijuana and arborists licensing, vendor and special event permitting, billing and collection of water and wastewater services, · protection of water rights, birth and death certificates, municipal court, grant writing and reporting, intergovernmental facility management, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting, financial reporting, human resources, legal, cash management / treasury, risk management, records management, public information, meeting coordination, support for elected officials and other general government and administrative services

Other – costs in the general fund that do not fall under the responsibility of one of the department heads such as a subsidy for the airport, contracted services of the municipal prosecutor and judge, utilities for city property not in public use and community grants.