Opinion

Be an informed voter … however you vote

I’m not going to tell you how to vote when it comes to the two local school bond initiatives that will be on the ballot in the Nov. 4 general election.
But I will tell you this, you owe it to yourself to make an informed decision.
I don’t go along with some of my know-it-all-brethren who like to tell people how to vote. I used to think it was the obligation of the print media to use its editorial page to try and dictate public opinion. But I wasn’t always comfortable in that role. It made it seem like the editorial writer was setting himself or herself up as having all of the answers, as being smarter than everybody else.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned after being in this business for more than 25 years, it is there are people out there who are a heck of a lot smarter than me.
If you want my opinion, I’ll give it to you. I’ll even offer my opinion if you don’t want it. But just because my opinion appears in print, it doesn’t mean I’m suggesting you should agree with me, or that my opinion is better than yours. What you think, what you believe, is up to you.
However, I believe the newspaper does play a role, an important one, in informing people about the issues. We’ve reported extensively on the school bond initiatives. We’ve printed people’s letters to the editor about the school proposals. We’ve published advertising messages encouraging support of the school initiatives, paid for by those who back the plans.
In my view, there’s a lot at stake here.
Something eventually will have to be done with the two towns’ schools, whether it’s now or in the future. I’ve toured schools in both districts. I’ve seen up close what the needs are. And they are real.
School administrators and board members, I don’t believe, have exaggerated the seriousness of the situation. They have made do, for a lot of years, with what they have had to work with. That doesn’t mean they have always made the right decisions. In Rangely, for example, I’ve heard people who still question the handling of the Early Education Center, which was vacated by the school district in 2004 and is now leased to private businesses.
And in Meeker, I’ve heard quite a bit of concern about what would happen with the current elementary school in the event a new one was built. There’s been talk the county would consider building a justice center — a fancy name for a jail — on the site of the old grade school.
The town of Meeker actually owns the site the elementary school sits on, and leases it to the school district for a $1 year. Under the agreement, if the building is not used as a school, ownership of the building goes back to the town. The county has expressed an interest in the site, if it were to become available, which does make sense, given its proximity to the courthouse, located across the street. County Administrator Pat Hooker has also said the county would try to reuse the sandstone from the elementary school, which would be a nice touch.
However, recently, I’ve heard talk that Colorado Northwestern Community College would be interested in expanding into the elementary school, if it became available. The college, with its main campus in Rangely, has a satellite branch in Meeker, at 345 Sixth St.
At this point, the town of Meeker isn’t saying much, other than to say it will consider all possibilities. The CNCC option, it seems, at least based on concerns I’ve heard from people about a jail, uh, I mean, justice center, would seem the more palatable choice.
“Actually, it is in the embryo stage,” said Town Administrator Sharon Day of the CNCC option. “It is an opportunity everybody would like to look at. There has been an inquiry. How far we go, it’s hard to say, until we really know what is happening (with the bond issue). The (town) board will be open to exploring possibilities. As this point, the board just wants to make sure the community understands they will be open to any opportunities. It will be a very public process, so people will have a chance for input.”
Whatever happens with the current elementary school, it needs to be done right. The site is a prime location, located on Main Street, close to the downtown retail district, and easily accessible and visible from Market Street or Highway 13, one block to the south.
Back to the school bond initiatives. Yes, they are expensive. Very expensive. We’re talking about a lot of money — $24 million in Meeker, and $15 million in Rangely.
But it will cost even more, much more, the longer it is put off, because construction costs are only going to continue to rise. Tim Webber, director of the Rangely Recreation Center, which recently launched a $7 million remodeling of its 30-year-old building, told me from the time he first started looking into the numbers to when the project actually started, construction costs had quadrupled.
There was a story in Sunday’s Grand Junction Sentinel about the considerably higher construction costs on the Western Slope, compared to other parts of the country.
The front-page example of a proposed grade school in Grand Junction had a project cost of $14.5 million on a 48,000 to 49,000 square foot building, at a cost per square foot of $295 to $302.
How does that compare with the Meeker proposal? Of the $24 million bond initiative, nearly $17.4 million is earmarked for the new elementary school. The balance of the $24 million would go toward improvements at the middle school and high school, in areas such as heating and ventilation. The size of the new grade school would be 69,598 feet, with a per-square-foot cost of $250.
“One and a half years ago, we were talking about $175 a square foot, and now we’re talking $250 a square foot,” said Meeker School Board President Mary Strang. “That’s a 40 percent increase.”
Both the Meeker and Rangely school projects come with hefty price tags. And, understandably, given the shaky economic climate, people are nervous. According to the numbers school officials are using, when you break it down, here’s how it works out: In Rangely, on a house valued at $200,000, property taxes would increase almost $41 a year. In Meeker, the average homeowner (of a $185,000 house) is estimated to see a tax increase of $90.
I have to admit, I’m not a business owner, nor am I homeowner. So, personally, I won’t be directly affected if the school bond issues are approved. But if those increased property taxes are passed on, then we will all be affected one way or another, at least indirectly.
So, yes, business owners and homeowners will be directly impacted, but the vast majority of the bond repayment, however, will be paid by the energy companies in Rio Blanco County. Upwards of 80 percent, in fact. That’s a huge consideration in all of this.
There’s another factor, the way I see it. What will this election say about our communities, if we approve or vote down the school bond issues? I think it will make a strong statement, one way or the other. I don’t have any children in the school system here, but I believe the needs at the schools are genuine. And I believe it’s important to make the investment to keep our schools in tip-top shape. They don’t have to be palaces, but functional, efficient and even state of the art. Whether these specific plans put forward by the two school districts in the county are the best possible options, that’s up to voters to decide.
But don’t take my word for it. Talk to people who are knowledgeable about the projects. Visit with a school board member. Spend some time reading up on the plans. Better yet, take a tour of the schools. Find out for yourself. If you have questions, ask them. There’s still time to educate yourself about the issues.
You owe it to yourself to be informed, that much I can tell you.

Jeff Burkhead is editor of the Herald Times. You may e-mail him at [email protected]

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@ht.1885
  • Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
  • Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
  • More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
  • 🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
  • The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
  • Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
  • Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
  • The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
7 hours ago
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1/9
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
8 hours ago
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Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce! Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues! @bailey_waldref_rew 💚💚💚 Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! #locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
11 hours ago
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More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
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The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier. “For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.” Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
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