MEEKER | Lease negotiations between the Town of Meeker and the Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Park District (ERBM) regarding parks maintenance have ended with ERBM’s board voting to terminate the lease agreement, returning responsibility for maintenance of the Town’s multiple park properties to Town staff.
ERBM has managed park maintenance for over a decade. Costs have risen from $50K a year to $350K a year, putting a strain on the recreation district’s budget as valuations from property tax revenue continue to drop. The ERBM board approached the Town in August and proposed, among other options, that the Town sign over the park properties to the rec district’s ownership. Several work sessions followed, ending in an impasse. Based on the terms of the lease, the town has six months to prepare to take over maintenance responsibilities. Town Clerk Lisa Cook has transferred $300K into the public works department for park maintenance in the 2026 budget, which is set for public hearing and adoption in December.
Town Administrator — and former mayor and trustee — Mandi Etheridge announced her resignation during Tuesday’s meeting. Etheridge has held the position since 2021 and said she will stay long enough to ensure a “smooth transition.”
In public hearings, trustees approved a conditional use permit for a short term rental (STR) at 1315 Park, owned by Phil and Deb Morlan. Deb Molan addressed the board with concerns about code enforcement, noting surrounding properties have abandoned vehicles, appliances, weeds, dead trees, trash and rubbish “all the way out to the road.” Complaints have been filed but they haven’t seen any response.
“We want to offer a first-class Meeker experience, but we can’t do this without your assistance. Your ordinances are thorough, concise and well-written. A little fair and consistent enforcement would help us,” Morlan said.
Trustees also approved Resolution 12, establishing an emergency reserve in the general fund for the fiscal year according to state statute, and approved a grant application for local planning capacity that can be used for professional development and site planning for town-owned property at the top of Third St.
In staff updates, Cook said sales tax revenues are higher this year than they were in 2024. “We held pretty strong,” despite the fire impacts, she said.
Police Chief Ed Thompson said about 34 kids took part in the elk bugling competition. There were two arrests last month, and they’re still waiting on delivery of a new police vehicle.
Public Works Superintendent Jak Kilduff said his department has been working on trimming trees and will try to get to the alleys before snow comes, if possible. Signs have been installed for dead ends and not-through streets to address citizen complaints. Town wells No. 5 and No. 6 are still off, and No. 3 is “on and off.” And the chlorine residual meter broke and has to be replaced.
Etheridge told the board staff has been working with the state to get funding to program fluoridation equipment to start fluoridating the town’s water supply again. In 2014 the town’s fluoridation equipment broke down. In 2019 voters approved a fluoridation plan. Since then, the town has been working on getting the needed equipment. Last year, the state provided $75K for the equipment and installation, and another $75K is needed to program the equipment.
Etheridge said the state’s deadline is in June of 2026. “We would put this on hold with the state in the event we want to put this before the voters again in April,” she said. If voters approved fluoridation again, it’s possible it would be too late to access the additional funds from the state.
“If voters do not want fluoridation, we would likely have to give the equipment back or pay for it,” adding that there’s also the option to delay the vote and add it to the November ballot.”
Trustees brought up recent studies that indicate water fluoridation has a “dubious benefit.”
“There are enough questions it’s incumbent on us to look at the data,” said Trustee Jeff Madison.
A decision whether to put fluoride on the ballot again has to be made by the second meeting in January.
Trustees also approved a request from Shawnie Moody to place a memorial bench at Circle Park in memory of her grandfather, Delton Gerloff. Gerloff, who died in 2022, was a 17-year firefighter. Moody’s family company, M Services, will purchase and install the bench for free.