The March Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) meeting moved forward several easement resolutions, created new board member positions for representatives of Garfield County and the City of Rifle and considered funding strategy options for Hogback transit services beyond November 2026. While RFTA has assured Hogback commuter routes until November, the organization is seeking collaborative solutions […]
Local Government
Posted inLocal Government
GarCo Report: Property value complaints, South Bridge permit dispute, CPW Commission woes
The Garfield County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting opened Monday without public comment. The board jumped right into five property valuation abatement hearings, three of which were resolved in the appellant’s favor due to distinct, clerical errors. County Assessor Jim Yellico and his team denied two requests that did not involve clerical errors. Remember, we’re looking at […]
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Carbondale candidate questions
Ballots are in the mail for Carbondale’s municipal election. These are due back by April 7 and can be dropped off anytime at the ballot box outside Town Hall. Two candidates are running for the mayor’s seat and four are running for three open trustee seats. Join The Sopris Sun and KDNK News for a […]
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GarCo Planning recommends denial of Harvest Village
On Wednesday, March 11, the Garfield County Planning Commission voted 6-1 to recommend denying the application for a proposed 1,500-unit development in unincorporated Garfield County, between Carbondale and Glenwood Springs. The commission denied the application at nearly 11:30pm, after hundreds of citizens came to the meeting in opposition to the project. Much of the time […]
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Carbondale Report: ADU updates receive first hearing, historic preservation guidelines revisited, new fire codes adopted
All Carbondale trustees were present for a code-heavy meeting on March 10. Rec Center equipment found temporary storage in the meeting room while the gym is transformed for the Carbondale Arts Fashion Show. The consent agenda included meeting minutes, an intergovernmental agreement for mosquito control, a resolution affirming the Town’s support for the Colorado Outdoor […]
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Basalt Report: E-bike safety, new chief of police and Midland design guidelines
During the March 10 council meeting, Basalt resident Kathleen Brehm came to the podium to voice concerns regarding e-bike safety. Brehm first came to Basalt Town Council on Jan. 27 to share her story. Two years ago, she was injured by an e-bike rider while walking on the Rio Grande Trail. After several surgeries, Brehm […]
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Glenwood Report: ICE facility concerns, City response riles public comments
Concerns related to the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in West Glenwood steered public comment again during the March 5 regular Glenwood Springs City Council meeting. Earlier that day, the City issued a press release acknowledging that occupancy permits for the entire Midland Center at 100 Midland Avenue were never issued 20 years […]
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For two, Basalt’s new STR fee is too much to bear
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 […]
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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 […]