County, Opinion

From My Window… It appears as though state has lost 1,500 RBC workers

Sean McMahon, Editor
Sean McMahon, Editor
Looking out my window this week offers me a cloudy picture of what is going on in our fair county and/or state.

I want to begin with information released in the February newsletter from the Yampa Valley Data Partners on Friday past. This is a monthly newsletter that reports quick facts from Moffat, Rio Blanco and Routt counties:
Employment: Favorable December 2014 unemployment rates in Moffat (4.2 percent), Rio Blanco (3.2 percent) and Routt (3.0 percent) combined for a tri-county improvement of 1.2 percent from one year earlier. The December 2014 Colorado unemployment rate was 4.2 percent, with the U.S. rate at 5.6 percent.
Industry: Mining held its place as the largest industry in terms of total wages for Moffat and Rio Blanco counties in the third quarter of 2014, accounting for about a fifth of all wages. Construction led the way as the largest wage-producing industry in Routt County.
Retail Sales: Latest available state retail sales figures showed Routt County (7 percent) and Rio Blanco County (5 percent) outpacing year-to-date figures from the previous year, with Moffat County running behind its previous-year figures by about 6 percent.
Real Estate: January 2015 median list prices for homes were up 10 percent in both Rio Blanco and Routt counties, and were down by 9 percent in Moffat County, compared to the same period last year. Favorable foreclosure ratios were running at lower than 1 of every 1,000 homes.
Energy: January 2015 coal production was up 47 percent in Moffat and 86 percent in Rio Blanco, and down 45 percent in Routt, compared to January 2014. Moffat oil and gas numbers slightly trailed January 2014 figures, while Rio Blanco oil and gas outperformed the previous January.
Climate: The end of February found snow-water at Rabbit Ears, Buffalo Pass, Ripple Creek and Burro Mountain running 10 percent to 20 percent below 10-year averages. Stagecoach and Yamcolo reservoirs were holding at 10 percent to 25 percent above usual water levels. The Yampa River and White River were flowing 9 percent to 20 percent above their 2007-2014 averages.
Everything I have read seems to follow that things are and have been pretty good for Rio Blanco and Moffat counties and a bit down for Routt. As a matter of fact, state statistics have shown things to be doing downright well in Rio Blanco County for almost the last year.
Well, at least until January, when the Colorado Department of Employment took a new look at things, which drastically changed the situation or outlook in Rio Blanco County.
According to a press release issued by Bill Thoennes of the Colorado Office of Government, Policy and Public Relations this past week, as of Jan. 1, Rio Blanco had lost roughly 1,600 people from its available workforce, more than 1,500 were off the employment list (jobs lost) and its unemployment rate rose from 3.4 percent to 6.1 percent.
Thoennes is not the person responsible for the facts, just for reporting them. But, he wrote the following in starting off the monthly state unemployment report:
Colorado Employment Situation: January 2015
Important note: It is a routine practice at the beginning of each year for the Bureau of Labor Statistics to revise estimates for prior years based on new information available and updated methodologies. Revisions to the unemployment rate and all related household survey-based series as a result of the benchmark process this year were particularly significant due to a change to American Community Survey-based inputs. All series were revised back to 1976.
His comments sound like some ominous news is going to follow. It did.
The next logical thing to do is to report what the state reported about Rio Blanco County for December 2014.
In a quick snapshot: Rio Blanco County’s unemployment rate for December was 3.2 percent, which was 1.1 percent lower than in December 2013. The county unemployment rate had slid from 4.3 percent in December 2013 until October and November, when the rate was 3.0 even and then it rose by .2 percent in December.
In December, the state reported, there were 4,161 persons in the available Rio Blanco County workforce. That meant there were 4,029 folks employed and 132 who were unemployed, for a 3.2 percent jobless rate.
Last week, the state issued its report for January 2015, and it appears that the state department is talking about a different place entirely.
For January, the state reports, there were 2,647 folks in the available workforce, there were 2,485 who were employed and there were 162 on the county’s jobless roster for a 6.1 percent unemployment rate.
What?
Figuring it was a mistake, I emailed Thoennes back and told him I thought there was an error in reporting and would he please check.
He wrote me back saying that he had checked with whoever it is one checks with and that the figures were correct.
I emailed him back saying that something is wrong or has been wrong for more than a year.
In a single month, I will guarantee that Rio Blanco County didn’t lose 1,514 people from its available workforce, didn’t lose 1,544 people from its list of job holders and, if everything from the 2014 reports was accurate, the 6.1 percent unemployment rate for January was insane.
He said he’d check again, and, again, the figures from January came back as correct.
I am not a fortune teller. I am not privileged to have access to the State of Colorado’s computer system. I don’t have all the wisdom that is available out there.
But I am smart enough and I suspect most of those in this county government are smart enough to recognize bull, er, baloney when they see it.
This county did not lose more than 1,500 people from its workforce during the month and it didn’t have roughly 1,500 fewer jobs in one month.
So, what does it all mean?
It means to me that either the state’s “official” employment/unemployment figures are nothing short of fiction or that the figures from January of this year are nothing short of fiction.
Either the state lied or has been mistaken regarding all of the 2014 figures or the January 2015 figures.
One set is just plain wrong!
Which is it?
Who knows?
But we are supposed to trust our state government and its figures? I don’t any longer.
And I know I would certainly like to have all the salary paid by the state to all of those state employees who are being paid to be accurate.
Either we were off all last year, which is convenient during an election year, or we are off in January. I don’t know which.
I mean, I would love to know, but I would also bet our county officials would like to know if we have had the wrong numbers for several months or just for one month.
Was Rio Blanco’s jobless rate in the low 3 percents for the last six months or in the 6.1 percent range they say it is now?
I don’t know who to believe, but it is supposedly the same agency coming up with both sets of figures, and when you don’t believe or can’t trust all the accountants in the state employment offices to come up with consistent and accurate numbers, then who can you believe?
It’s kind of makes you question what else is wrong with the state’s figures, and that does not instill a feeling of confidence.

Comments are closed.

Come say hi!

@ht.1885
  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
  • Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

Thank you, advertisers!