In May of 2025, the Town of Basalt held a series of contested public hearings on a potential $2,532 per bedroom per year fee for short term rental (STR) operations in order to generate revenue for affordable housing. The fee was approved by a vote of 4-3, but not without hours of debate between councilors […]
Local Government
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GarCo Report: Public to BOCC — No library money for RFTA, rein in sheriff, diversify economy
Public comments at Monday’s Garfield County Commissioner (BOCC) meeting took on some heavy local issues, but had to wait until a presentation by Western States and Tribal Nations (WSTN) finished up. Lobbyist Andrew Browning, WSTN president and founder, gave the BOCC an update on the global energy climate, liquid natural gas export facilities, including Costa […]
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Regional growth and collaboration showcased at the State of the Community event
Kicking off the State of the Community Business Luncheon, an event that brings together leaders and community members from across the Colorado River Valley, Erin Hunt, executive director of the Colorado River Valley Chamber, emphasized the importance of the gathering, a tradition that has been part of the organization for decades. Hunt underscored that the […]
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Foundational work underway for child care special district
Since the Confluence Early Childhood Development Service District was established last November by way of ballot measure 7A, the district’s newly elected Board of Directors has been busy laying the groundwork for a strong start to represent a diverse community. “It’s a really exciting time to be involved in local government,” said Carolynne “Carly” Kraemer, […]
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Glenwood Report: Permit lapse alleged for Glenwood ICE facility, City response coming
City of Glenwood Springs officials say they will issue more information soon about a possible lapse in permitting for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to operate out of a West Glenwood commercial plaza. Two members of the public, including the new chair of the Garfield County Democrats, Mae Gray, and resident Ashley Stahl, appeared […]
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RFSD Report: District launches mill levy override exploratory process
Earlier this month, the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) board of education officially launched a mill levy override (MLO) exploratory process. Superintendent Dr. Anna Cole shared this at the Feb. 11 board meeting in Carbondale. The research work will evaluate the possibility of initiating and promoting a ballot initiative for this autumn, November 2026. A […]
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Basalt Report: Council discusses plan for Willits housing and community space
For nearly two years, the Town of Basalt has been making conceptual plans and conducting outreach to plan a new community space and affordable housing complex in the Willits Town Center. The approximate 1.5-acre site is referred to in Town documents as Parcel 2E, and sits across from TACAW at the corner of Lewis Lane […]
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Carbondale Report: New pool poised to open May 23
All trustees were present for a quick regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24. First, a consent agenda was approved consisting of meeting minutes, accounts payable and two professional services agreements. The first asks Robert Schultz Consulting to draft a new request for proposals to develop the Town Center parcels into affordable housing, following the conclusion […]
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Voces Unidas urges attorney general to investigate Garfield County Sheriff’s Office
Over the past year, Latino advocacy organization Voces Unidas de las Montañas has recorded a slew of civil rights complaints in Garfield County. According to a recent online post published by the Voces Unidas Action Fund, over the past year people have been “disappearing” from Garfield County jail to later appear in Immigration and Customs […]
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GarCo Report: Focus on animals and at-risk teens
Yampah Mountain High School and Colorado River BOCES staff struck gold at Tuesday’s Garfield County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting. They asked for $25,000 from the national opioid settlement funds for an on-site intervention counselor. These funds are a result of 2021/2022 national opioid settlements resolving opioids litigation brought by state and local governments against manufacturers, distributors […]