Thanks for listening to Rio Blanco County news. Here’s our community newscast for the week of September 17.
Whether you prefer to vote in person, by mail, or drop off, this week’s front page has a comprehensive guide to voting in the November 3rd election. It also addresses the nationwide concerns over mail-in vote security, lists details about in-person polling locations and ballot drop boxes for Rio Blanco County, and more.
On Friday the HT crew spent the day at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds, honing our live streaming skills, to bring the people of the internet near and far a broadcast of the 2020 Meeker Mustang Makeover. The event, which also attracted in-person attendance, is being called a “record success,” by event organizers.
Meeker School Superintendent Chris Selle told the District Board this week that Colorado’s Proposition EE on this year’s November Ballot is currently the only viable hope for Rural School Funding in the Next few years. Prop EE would generate said funds by increasing State taxes on nicotine products. It would also raise funds by imposing a new tax on e-cigarettes. More updates on Meeker School District, including the high school construction project are on page 2A.
Rangely’s Department of Public Health and Environment holds two drive through flu vaccination clinics next month. Find times and locations in News Briefs on page 3A
Rio Blanco County is one of three in Colorado to receive approval to transition into the “Protect Our Neighbor” status for COVID-19 response. The status, which was also granted to Mesa and Gilpin counties was granted based on certain metrics like ability to do contact tracing, hospital capacity and others. The new Covid status also allows all businesses to reopen at 50 percent capacity. Large gatherings of up to 500 people will also be permitted. Social distancing and mask usage are still required by the state as part of the change. More on Protecting Our Neighbors on page 6A
Also on 6A, a photo of Meeker Library’s new “Charlie Cart”, part of an education program to educate kids on culinary kitchen skills.
Amidst the swirling chaos of 2020, some bright spots still shine through, like for example, Colorado’s housing market. The state’s median home price is up to $443,925 dollars. Denver is one area where prices are very high at a median cost of more than $600,000. This is motivating new home buyers to purchase property in alternative places, like Rio Blanco County where in July, 20 homes were sold. More than double the average. More on the reason for the increase is on page 7A.
Meeker Town Staff and Trustees expect to cut around $400,000 to help balance the 2021 budget, which faces a 1.4 million dollar shortfall. Cuts proposed will all come from capital improvement items. The town will dip into reserves to balance the remaining shortfall. You can read exactly what will get cut on page 7A
Rio Blanco County also faces a large budget deficit in 2021, 2.3 million dollars. Commissioners say “all options” are on the table, with the exception of reserves which currently sit at 17.7 million dollars. So far the board has proposed cuts including 4 full time positions, cutting 5% of each department’s expenses, and merging various departments. During a Tuesday work session Commissioners and County Attorney Todd Starr also discussed the potential of hiring a new position of County Commissioner Coordinator, which would cost more than $100,000 a year, including benefits. More on Rio Blanco county is on page 8A
Rangely’s 40th annual Septemberfest car show attracted more than 80 entries from Colorado and Utah. Results are listed on page 8A
That’s all for this week. Find more in print and online at ht1885.com Thank you for supporting community journalism.
