Community task force kicks off with April 28 meeting

MEEKER — On April 28, the Community Task Force will hold its initial meeting.
The purpose of the task force is to research possible revenue ideas, communicate to the community and recommend community priorities of community infrastructure needs. That task force will be comprised of a representative from each special district in eastern Rio Blanco County, civic and business groups and citizens.
In late 2007, each of the special districts were surveyed to understand the general capital improvements being planned in the next five years. From that survey it was learned that seven special districts (school district, fire and rescue, sanitation, cemetery, Pioneers Medical Center, Town of Meeker and Rio Blanco County) are in need and are planning major capital improvements. How can all these public service needs be funded? How can we work together?
With almost 100 people in attendance, the feedback from the Feb. 27 meeting was to build coalitions and alliances to leverage more revenues.
Federal mineral lease dollars and other state and federal funds are important revenues for our community. However, in order to receive them a “local match” is required.
The task force is a working group that is the outcome of this community infrastructure meeting. The task force will research revenue opportunities and their criteria. Additionally, discussed at the Feb. 27 meeting was the need to have a louder voice on legislative matters. By working together we can have a more unified voice, when speaking to policy makers. The task force will look at opportunities to influence these audiences.
The Community Task Force meeting is a public meeting, Monday, April 28 at 7 p.m. at Meeker Town Hall. For more information call Sharon Day at 878-4960 or Pat Hooker at 878-9436.