Episode 26 ~ October 15, 2020

This week’s print edition is crammed full of relevant information, including 7 pages listing details of the 2020 state of Colorado Ballot initiatives. You can read those starting on page 3B. Also, this week’s public notices starting on page 10b list the 2019 delinquent tax list for Rio Blanco County, budget notices, public meeting announcements, agendas and more… Speaking of budgets, HT staff spent nearly 3 weeks poring over Rio Blanco County budget discussions, which have focused primarily on the potential to move emergency dispatch to Craig, as well as a “restructuring” of certain county departments, which may or may not save money and help balance $2.3 million budget shortfall. Read all about it starting on the front page. The discussion surrounding emergency dispatch is still not quite over, as RIo Blanco County Board of Commissioners and staff are still gathering data. The board held a public meeting Tuesday morning prior to the regular meeting, in which Meeker town officials and Sheriff Anthony Mazzola pushed for further clarification and a budget subcommittee to determine the real costs and responsibilities of the local dispatch center. Read about that meeting on page 7A. Prospective jurors found themselves summoned to court this week for a trial regarding multiple suits, filed by the Elk Creek Ranch Owners Association against William Wheeler of Elk Creek Ranch Development, and against YZ Ranch LLC. Read about the ongoing litigation on the front page. The Rio Blanco Water Conservation District board has contracted with Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc. out of Dillon to conduct a feasibility study for a proposed rural water supply district near Rangely, which would aim to provide reliable high quality drinking water to properties outside of the town. More details about the study are on page 2A. An Ag Water Update meeting will be held on Friday October 16 at 4pm. Topics on the agenda include demand management, the impact of a call on the Colorado River, the Yampa-White-green Basin