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County gives green light for 2 measures

Voters will consider mill levy, Internet service in November

Registered voters will weigh a mill levy increase and the opportunity for improved Internet services this November now that La Plata County commissioners have officially approved the ballot items.

With two unanimous votes, commissioners Brad Blake and Julie Westendorff breezed through two measures in a special meeting Tuesday morning. Commissioner Gwen Lachelt was absent but has expressed support for both measures in previous public meetings.

The morning’s agenda drew no members from the public, though Richard Butler with the county’s Long-term Finance Committee sounded his support for the mill levy increase before the board.

Butler’s committee was charged with examining financial trends and revenues within the county over the past several months and brought a 2.5-mill increase proposal to the board. The commission settled on a “floating” increase subject to change but not to exceed 2.4 mills.

If voters approve, up to 83 percent of needed road and bridge infrastructure will result from the increased property tax, which currently rests at 8.5 mills.

Of the $5.3 million in expected revenues, $4.7 million would benefit the county. Over $600,000 would be allocated to Durango, $40,000 to Bayfield and $9,000 to Ignacio on an annual basis.

Westendorff referred to the vote as one of the most significant action items she can take as a commissioner.

“It’s incumbent upon us as commissioners to let the constituents know when the county is on an unstable path,” Westendorff said. “This wasn’t a number we pulled out of the sky. We have asked the committee to look at this for over two years, look at the facts and forecast on the revenue side.

“The cost for roads and bridges is not going down. Revenue from energy is not likely to go up, either.”

A resolution establishing board support for the county and municipalities providing Internet, cable and telecommunications services also received unanimous support.

Rural parts of the county suffer from poor Internet service, and the measure would allow the county to clear hurdles causing that, County Manager Joe Kerby said.

By approving the measure for the November ballot, the county is not committing to lay fiber or provide those services. Rather, the item lifts the constrictions of Senate Bill 152, which prevents local governments from providing those services.

Local rural communities such as Vallecito stand to benefit from voters’ approval.

jpace@durangoherald.com

Jul 12, 2016
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