The 2024 budget for the Town of Meeker was reviewed in a public hearing Tuesday, Nov. 21. There were minor amendments from the preliminary presentation in October, including increases in interest income for all funds and reductions in salaries and withholding to reflect actual salaries.
The Town’s total budget for the General Fund is $5.6 million with $3.3M budgeted for systems development. $1.4M of reserves will be required to balance the General Fund. For the Water Fund, the budget is $1.3M which includes $695K for capital improvements. $560K will be required to balance the Water Fund.
Passage of a state property tax relief bill in special session will delay the ability of special districts to certify their mill levies, including the Town. The 2024 budget calls for the town’s full mill levy at 9.781 based on $27M of gross assessed valuation, to generate $200K in property taxes.
“We know that’s going to change,” said Town Clerk Lisa Cook. The new bill will reduce property valuations for residential properties — no relief for commercial — which will reduce tax revenue. A provision in the bill for “backfilling” local government from the state will not benefit the Town because the town’s assessed value growth is above the 15% limit in the bill.
The Board also approved a special event liquor license for the Meeker Arts and Cultural Council during the Meeker Skijor event at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds on Dec. 30-31. The Lions Club will provide concessions. In new business, Trustees approved a $5,000 donation to Meeker Skijor to assist with advertising, consumables, and part of the payout for this year’s event. Approximately 400 people attended on Saturday last year, 300 on Sunday, and about 250 attended the dance. Of the 110 teams registered, 75% were from out of town. Organizers said they heard good reports from hotels and restaurants.
A planned bid award for replacement lighting for the downtown corridor was delayed. The Board had requested to see two sample lights from two of the bidders. One of the samples received was the wrong one and a new one has been ordered. Once the Board has an opportunity to see what both types of lights look like, they’ll decide which bid to award. The new LED lighting is expected to be Dark Sky-friendly.
A replacement police department vehicle that was ordered last January is now being outfitted with necessary equipment and may be received by the end of 2023. Also since last January, the Meeker PD has had an officer vacancy. Police Chief Eddie Thompson said that vacancy has now been filled.
In other business, trustees:
– Approved the preliminary plat for the proposed Rohn Ridge subdivision near Pioneers Medical Center (PMC). Phase 1 of the project includes plans for 92 residential lots. According to the minutes from the Nov. 7 town meeting, Town Attorney Melody Massih is reviewing the proposed covenants for the subdivision regarding short-term rentals. PMC’s administration and board have not indicated any intention to purchase “any number of lots at this time.”
– Approved a resolution establishing the April 2, 2024, municipal election. Three board seats are term-limited and those trustees cannot run again. The mayor is also up for reelection, but is not term-limited. Petitions will be available for circulation Jan. 2.
