I agree with Kelly Hegarty regarding the proposed tax hike (Letters, Herald, Sept. 3) that stringent county planning regulations have significantly impacted oil and gas revenues.
La Plata County commissioners are asking voters to approve a tax increase, but before asking families and businesses to shoulder more costs, we need to take a hard look at the policies and practices that have been choking opportunity for years.
The problem isn’t just about budgets and tax revenue. It’s about a county government that too often discourages investment, frustrates property owners and drives businesses away. Anyone who has tried to build, remodel or open a business in the county knows the maze of delays, inconsistencies and moving goalposts that define the experience. Many have simply given up, and some have even left the area entirely. That is not sustainable for a community that wants affordable housing, thriving small businesses and a healthy local economy.
La Plata County has developed a statewide reputation for obstructing businesses, even those that are broadly beneficial or widely supported.
I urge everyone to check out and support the recently launched Code Rights Project at CodeRights.org. It is a nonpartisan, community-led effort to document inefficiencies, overreach and inconsistencies in La Plata County’s planning, building and legal processes in order to propose fair, transparent and efficient reforms. The goal is to make local government work better for everyone, including businesses and our working families.
Many of the problems holding the county back are internal. Stronger, clearer and fairer processes can attract investment, create jobs and expand the tax base without raising the cost of living.
Russ Smith
Durango
