News Flash

With Garden In A Box's collection of starter plants, plant-by-number maps, and plant care guides, low-water landscaping doesn't have to be intimidating. Pre-order in March for pickup and planting in June.

You pick up the pre-ordered plants at your selected pickup event, then take them home and plant them according to the maps. Follow the watering guidelines and seasonal care for your garden, then spend all the time (and money) you save simply enjoying the summer.

How it Works: 

Plant low-water plants according to the planting map. 

The Garden In A Box program offers two times to purchase gardens during the gardening season:

Pre-order in March for pickup and planting in June.

Pre-order in June for pickup and planting in August and September

Join the interest list for all 2026 Resource Central Garden season news and updates, or contact Noah Petersen at the Cortez Service Center for more information. 

The City of Cortez invites community members to attend a series of Ballot Question Breakdown events. These sessions are designed to help residents understand the ballot questions for the April 7, 2026 election.

Thursday, February 26  

12 to 1 p.m.  

Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce

20 West Main Street

This session takes place over the lunch hour and offers a helpful way to learn more about the upcoming ballot questions.

Thursday, March 19  

5:30 to 6:30 p.m.  

Cortez Public Library

202 North Park Street

Thursday, March 26  

5:30 to 6:30 p.m.  

Cortez Public Library

202 North Park Street

These events are open to all Cortez residents who want to stay informed and engaged in the election process.  A sample ballot is available for review in the Elections tab here on the City of Cortez website.  A paper version is also available for review at Cortez City Hall. 123 Roger Smith Avenue in Cortez, CO. 

We are excited to announce the next session of our Whistle Ready! Lifeguard prep program. Get a head start on your summer job now. Teens must be 15 years old by March 29, 2026.

Classes will start February 25th at 4:45-5:30pm. 

Classes will be each Wednesday night through March 18th. Make sure you sign up for this FREE lifeguard prep program by February 24th!

And don't miss the Summer Seasonal Hiring Job Fair!

Friday, March 20, 2026

11am - Cortez Recreational Center 

425 Roger Smith Avenue, Cortez CO 

Your voice will shape the future of Cortez. Cast your vote in the April 7, 2026 Municipal Election. Ballots will be mailed on March 16 to all registered, active voters within city limits. Make your impact felt and help guide our community’s future!

Key Election Facts for Cortez Residents

Election Day: April 7, 2026 - 7am until 7pm at Cortez City Hall- 123 Roger Smith Avenue, Cortez CO 81321

Ballots Mailed: March 16 to all registered, active voters who live within the city limits

A 24-hour official ballot drop box available (will open after ballots are mailed out) is located in the west parking lot of City Hall - 123 Roger Smith Avenue.  The parking lot and drop box is accessible from Montezuma Avenue and Roger Smith Avenue. 

Election Type: Mail ballot only

Check Your Registration: Visit GoVoteColorado.gov to confirm you are active and your mailing address is correct

Update Voter Registration In Person: Montezuma County Clerk’s Office, 140 West Main Street

City Council Seats: Five seats are available.  The top three seats will hold a four-year seat, and the remaining candidates chosen will hold a two-year seat on the council. 

Candidates (ballot order):  

(Do not select more than five candidates)

Travis Shepherd

Kathleen Swope

Charles P. Borchini Jr.

Michael Earl Bischoff AKA “Gandolf”

Carly Wolf

Clarisa Osborn

Randy Vialpando

James McGinley

Bruce Burkett

Dennis Spruell

Claire West

Ballot Questions: Four proposed Charter changes included in Ordinance No. 1353, Series 2026 https://www.cortezco.gov/1006/2026-Ordinances

Returning by Mail: Ballots may be mailed back, but allow enough time and postage for delivery and receipt by April 7, 2026 at 7 p.m. 

Questions: Contact Cortez City Clerk Danielle Wells — 970 565 3402

Need assistance? Call Cortez City Hall - 970-565-3402

Have a question about the new City Sales Tax and Use rate change? Thinking about running for a City Council seat?  Did you hear about the opportunity to become a Parks and Recreation board member?  Looking for a job at the swimming pool?  Need to pay your water bill?

Call or stop by! 

Monday - Thursday 7:30am - 5:00pm

Friday - 8:00am - 12:00pm

970-565-3402

123 Roger Smith Avenue (Corner of Roger Smith and Montezuma Avenue)