MEEKER | The town’s board of trustees held its final regular meeting for 2024 on Thursday, Dec. 12. Trustees, all present with the exception of Tiffany Jehorek, approved the adoption of the town’s 2025 budget. Town Clerk Lisa Cook said the town’s valuation for property taxes was almost the same as 2024 and expected to generate $246K in property tax revenue.
Trustees approved the appointment of Dr. Mario Sullivan with Colorado Northwestern Community College to the Yampa-White-Green Basin Rountable.
Most of Thursday’s meeting was occupied with discussion about the Circle Park Riverfront project $1.6M contract. Language added to the contract since it was presented in November raised concerns for both the Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Park District Board and the town trustees. Town Attorney Melody Massih recommended conditional approval of the contract. Trustees directed town staff to seek clarification on an added $20K in expenses, but approved the contract contingent on removal of the added language and updating a date.
Town Manager Mandi Etheridge told the board the town has been invited to participate in a flood history signage project conducted with the Army Corps of Engineers. The project, which will incur no cost to the town, will provide informational signage about historical flooding along the White River at Circle Park. The board agreed to participate.
Etheridge clarified questions about an upcoming vacancy on the library board. The library board includes two members appointed by the Town, two members appointed by the County Commissioners, and one joint appointment approved by both the town and the county. Board President Meredith Deming’s term is up in January, creating a vacancy on one of the town seats. Deming is eligible to run again. Interested candidates can complete an application available on the Town’s website to be turned in by Jan. 15, 2024. The board will appoint the position at its Jan. 20 meeting.
Etheridge notified the trustees about a cricket abatement meeting on Monday through the county and conservation districts, to plan spring 2025 abatement strategies.
In mayor’s remarks, Travis Day said he recently toured the new solar farm between Meeker and Craig and said the Town needs to add language to its land use regulations. Etheridge said the county is doing the same and the town will follow the county’s lead.