COLORADO CITY METRO DISTRICT
During the Board of Directors Study Session at the Colorado City Metro District regular meeting on October 31, Board Member Clint Gross questioned a proposed increase in the base water rate of $5 during a discussion about the 2024 budget.
Gross mentioned that there were concerns about water quality, an enforcement order and the number of gallons that cannot be accounted for. And yet, we were proposing increased rates.
Chairman Neil Elliot saw the process a bit differently; he asked where the $5 number came from and suggested that itmight not be enough. Both agreed that a logical explanation of what the amount was based on would be a great help. This clarification/explanation will be at the first November meeting.
A hearing on the budget is set for the second meeting in November (November 28).
A significant amount of time was spent during the regular meeting in discussion about a resident who had appealed to the board about a water rate with some interesting, although not public, circumstances for a large overage.
The customer had entered into a payment plan with the district as allowed by rules and regulations, but had ceased keeping up with the terms of the repayment. The board seemed very reluctant to forgive any of the amount owed, but did step slightly outside the rules and regulations.
And, by a 3-0 vote, allowed District Manager Jim Eccher to see if a second agreement can be met and kept.
As per regulations, the customer has had their water shut off.
Repairs to a water and sewer department vehicle were approved by a 2-1 vote of the board. The Service Center placed a $14,000 bid to replace the transmission and the engine in the vehicle.
Some questions about the lack of additional bids were expressed by the board, but the motion passed. A proposal to buy parcels #4724404008 and parcels #47244044009 was tabled. The $6,000 offer price was discussed and talk ranged to as much as $25,000 for both parcels. Eventually the motion was tabled until the next meeting, since Board Member Sarah Hunter and Board Member Greg Collins were excused for this meeting. Hunter’s opinion was mentioned since she is a real estate broker.
The Colorado City Architectural Control Committee (CCACC) brought forth three building projects. A fence at 4721 St. Vrain Drive; a carport at 4540 East Jefferson; and a garage at 3916 W. Colorado were all approved.
Misty Sprague, of Valley First, asked the board for their blessing in the study session portion of the meeting. The organization has nearly passed half of the $3,485,000 they are seeking for the Greenhorn Meadows Park Revitalization project.
The letter would be an affirmation to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and would provide the specified land for public recreation in perpetuity. After much discussion, the board agreed to give verbal support to the organization but were reluctant to give written support. The board also gave a $50K commitment to “in kind” work on the project.
There were about a dozen community members in attendance. Three of the community members took advantage of the citizens input part of the meeting.
The Colorado City Metro District meets the second and last Tuesday of each month with a study session beginning at 6:00 p.m.