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 […]
taxes
Posted inColumns
All taxes have consequences, let’s rethink 7D
By Ross KribbsGuest Column With national politics polarizing the country minute by minute, it’s easy to forget that most politics is indeed still local. And in a town like Carbondale — enviably supportive and neighborly — the challenge isn’t in finding agreement, but in feeling free to disagree, particularly with those we respect and admire. […]
Posted inLocal Government
GarCo Report: Hiring freeze, horse poop, MLK Jr. Day, unfunded mandates and more
Public comment in the afternoon of Monday’s Garfield County Commissioner (BOCC) meeting included West Glenwood Springs resident Jamie Darien with complaints about an unnamed neighbor who is apparently collecting fire hazards in his backyard. Darien said there is brush, dry grass, palettes and 30 to 40 hot tub covers that have also attracted mice and […]
Posted inColumns
Three uniquely delicious tax-advantaged accounts
One of the ways to build wealth is to be aware of, and savvy with, your taxes. Your money needs to be growing for you and it needs to be in accounts that match your objectives, tax bracket and life choices. Obviously, your tax preparer can best answer your personal tax questions, but in the […]
Posted inLocal Government
Would a vacancy tax work here in Carbondale?
As we all know, one of the greatest challenges facing Carbondale and the region is the lack of affordable housing. Our housing issues are a constant topic in news articles, municipal council meetings, task forces and election campaigns. Various efforts have been made to reduce the shortage — such as rent controls and deed restrictions, […]
Posted inNews
CRFPD agrees to property tax credit for 2024
In the wake of the failure of Proposition HH, temporary mill levy rate reductions were enabled by Senate Bill 23-108 to offset significantly increased property taxes. It’s up to each taxing district to decide what level of relief it will provide, balancing the district’s needs with those of its constituents.During the Carbondale and Rural Fire […]
Posted inNews, Uncategorized
GarCo Report: Budget Kick-Off #2 and a new weed ordinance
“Sharpen your pencils,” advised Garfield County Commission Chair John Martin after another county budget “kick-off” presentation at Monday’s meeting. County staff are wading into the annual budget process this summer. With two kick-offs under their belts and one more scheduled for August, they seem a little nervous about creating a balanced budget for 2024. And, […]
Posted inColumns, Opinion, Uncategorized
Welcome to Earth; please don’t mind all the junk!
There are two things we can count on in this world: death and taxes, and while death still appears to be an absolute, Garfield County property taxes are somewhat negotiable until June 8. The thing is, the county reassessed property values at the height of the roller coaster that is the housing market (especially in […]
Posted inNews, Uncategorized
New marijuana store eyes abandoned storefront
All trustees were present at their regular meeting on July 12 with the exception of Mayor Ben Bohmfalk. It was Mayor Pro Tem Erica Sparhawk’s first meeting in that role, leading the process in the mayor’s absence. Beyond the procedural minutia of municipal government — approving commission minutes — there were several items that involved […]
Posted inNews, Uncategorized
RFSD board endorses 5B to up wages
At an in-person meeting held at Carbondale District Office on Oct.13, the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) Board of Education voted unanimously to support RFSD Ballot Issue 5B, a mill levy override, on the Nov. 2 ballot. The mill levy override would increase pay for RFSD teachers and staff, with a portion allocated to the […]