This is part 3 of a series exploring Rio Blanco County’s special districts, how they are funded, and their transparency practices.
You can read part 1, “The ins and outs of special tax districts” in the Dec. 29, 2022 edition and part 2, “Explainer: how special districts work” in the
Jan. 5 Herald.
RBC | The Eastern and Western Rio Blanco Recreation/Parks districts operate similarly when it comes to board transparency, meeting agenda posting, public access to minutes and other general operations. Both hold special elections in May to elect new board members. Both districts make efforts to keep meeting minutes, agendas and other board information available on their websites which are listed in the article below.
RANGELY: WESTERN RIO BLANCO METRPOLITAN RECREATION & PARK DISTRICT (WRBM)
WRBM staff post board meeting notices on the front window of the Rangely Recreation Center on the Thursday prior to the monthly board of directors meeting. Some notices are also published in the HT as required. The board meets on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Rangely Rec Center. The primary contact person for board related information is Administrative Assistant Jennifer Noel. Future queries can be directed to Erin LeBleu, who is the designated election official for upcoming board elections in May; she is currently training to take on more board-related responsibilities.
Of the five positions on the district board, all are open for new candidates in the May election. According to Noel, only two of the sitting directors can be re-elected. The other three directors’ terms end this year. “Two were appointed last year, so their spots are vacant, and then one is being term-limited,” Noel said.
Noel told the HT major discussions generally revolve around the district budget. The most recent topic that involved public participation was when the board fielded questions about the proposed mill levy increase (which passed in the 2022 midterm election). In the near term, the main business affecting the district is the election of all five board positions and need for candidates. District residents can find nomination petitions on the front page of WRBM’s website at westernrioblancomrpd.colorado.gov/ along with meeting information, board member lists and more.
MEEKER: EASTERN RIO BLANCO METRPOLITAN RECREATION & PARK DISTRICT (ERBM)
ERBM staff publishes notices on the district website and at the front of the building prior to the board of directors monthly meeting. Some notices are also published in the HT as required. The board meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Meeker Recreation Center. Residents who cannot attend in-person can call 970-878-7432 to listen and participate during public comment.
Executive Director Sean VonRoenn advised that residents with concerns can start at the staff level when appropriate. “So if it’s an issue with a program, that form would go to the program administrator most responsible as kind of a first layer.” From there VonRoenn said concerns could go through the executive director, and then the board. Bringing issues to the board involves showing up for public comment, or scheduling an official meeting. “On more lengthy requests or dialogues, we have a pretty formal public concern process,” said VonRoenn. Residents can submit feedback at erbmrec.com/about, where they can also view board meeting minutes, agendas, and other documents.
According to VonRoenn, approximately 90% of district revenue comes from the mill levy (5.699 mills). Combined revenues from program/facility fees, rentals, investment returns and other sources fluctuate between 5-10% of overall revenue, depending on the investment market.
One of the most prominent discussion items in recent months has been Phase 2 of the Circle Park improvement project, involving multiple joint meetings with Town of Meeker Trustees as well as public feedback. You can find more information on that project at erbmrec.com/parks, then select the “Projects” button at the top. Budgetary discussions for 2023 having wrapped up. The main issue for the district in the near future is the election in May. The seats of board members Kent Walter and Travis Mobley will be up this year.
By LUCAS TURNER | [email protected]om
