The La Plata County commissioners are holding study sessions to find a way to justify two looming tax increases. This includes employing the Denver consultants, CRC Associates. A web search emphasizes CRC’s ability to “shape public opinion” for their clients.
I have a novel idea. How about just being straightforward and answering basic questions?
What is the highest county priority for new taxpayer dollars – road and bridge improvements or building an expanded airport? If the county had only one choice, which one would it be?
We are told that the Road and Bridge Department has been underfunded for years and now needs an extra $50 million. While I acknowledge that Road and Bridge needs attention, why not $40 million or $30 million? Shouldn’t the commissioners tell us about the larger projects they anticipate? I am willing to listen, but show me the details.
If gas and oil tax revenues rise over the next decade, as they surely must, will the proposed property-tax increases receive an early sunset?
Why was it deemed cost effective to remodel and expand the Durango sewer plant, but the only possibility for the proposed $85 million to $100 million airport terminal requires new construction? Why not $25 million or $35 million for remodeling and expansion at the current location?
The current airport terminal’s original design plan anticipated future expansion at its south end. The north end also easily lends itself to enlargement. Those two steps would solve current security, baggage, parking and other issues. Why was a remodel and expansion not given genuine attention?
Airport boardings decreased in 2015. Why should we trust the rosy growth estimates from the vested interests of the Airport Authority?
Why are La Plata County taxpayers being asked to pay for a huge regional airport at no cost to non-county travelers? What happens to those growth projections if the Farmington area also decides to build a regional airport?
So, rather than hiring Denver consultants to find ways to manipulate apparently ignorant voters such as myself, why not provide local taxpayers with transparency and useful information?
John Ritchey
Durango
