Questioning the county commissioners’
fiscal management strategies
Editor:
In early 2014, notice was given that the Henderson Mine would be closing within the next 10 years. Such knowledge is important to Clear Creek County because the mine pays $24 million annually in taxes to the county.
Responsible fiscal response would dictate austerity in spending; however, just the reverse has taken place. Annual county budgets have increased each year, which include the county board spending several million dollars annually over revenue. An example is reflected by a 35 percent increase in the administration piece of the budget from 2014 to 2015.
During the following month, notices for estimated closing of the mine reflected even earlier dates, and major layoffs have taken place. As I read news from the Courant, each time the closing date gets earlier, major spending is announced, i.e. purchase of Shadows Ranch for $600,000, Georgetown Lake property for $595,000, the Idaho Springs lumberyard property, etc.
These taxpaying properties now provide no income but shift to a burden of maintenance and upkeep. Major spending is directed to the Peaks to Plains Trail, and strong endorsements are given offering money for affordable housing projects in Idaho Springs and Georgetown.
Even with the recent announcement that county revenue is expected to be reduced next year by some $3 million , the county bought four voting machines for $192,000 and paid $200,000 for a grinding machine at the transfer station.
Don’t despair yet. It gets worse.
The commissioners are now asking residents to authorize a Clear Creek County health service district, which will have its own taxing authority starting out at almost $2 million and will get more expensive when Henderson closes.
Good news! The Colorado Constitution provides that we taxpayers can say “no.”
Omer Humble
Idaho Springs