RBC I Special district voters on the western end of Rio Blanco County approved a mill levy increase for the Western Rio Blanco Recreation and Park District, creating a partnership with Rangely School District, as well as voting in two new board members. Voters on eastern end of the county elected three new directors to the Eastern Rio Blanco County Health Service District and voters elected two to the ERBM Recreation and Park District.
The WRBM ballot question asked voters to approve a .75 mill levy increase, expected to generate more than $320,000 in the first year and sunset in 2016, with the generated funds designated to cover the costs of athletics and other extracurricular activities for the local school district. Voters approved the ballot question by 35 votes, with 338 voting “yes” and 303 voting “no.”
“It was a narrow margin and I knew it would be close,” Tim Webber, executive director of the WRBM said of the ballot question passing. “We’re really excited and looking forward to making this relationship work and be a model for everyone to look at.”
Rangely superintendent of school Todd Cordrey copied in the Herald Times on a letter to staff after votes were totaled May 8, which read in part:
“The Rangely community has decided to support our school district with a mill levy increase tonight. The community has once again affirmed their belief that education is a fundamental component for a child’s success and a community’s prosperity. They have also affirmed their belief in our school district and our ability to provide an education worthy of their children. We now must affirm to them that we are worthy of their investment.”
Jennifer Noel, Dennis Medina and George Fortunato were elected to four year terms and Jeff LeBlue was elected to a two year term.
Voters in Meeker elected Steve Parr, Terry Goedert and Richard Ellsworth to the ERBC Health Service District and Travis Mobley and Diane Hutchins will begin serving on the ERBM Recreation and Park District Board.
ERBM board election
Vote for two
Travis Mobley 113*
Diane Hutchins 55*
James Varland 53
Kent Walter 35
Dan Schwartz 10
WRBM Board Election
Three – Four year terms
Jennifer Noel 484*
Dennis Medina 475*
George Fortunato 435*
Rick Brady 217
Two-year term
Jeff LeBleu 564*
Question A to increase
mill levy
338 Yes
303 No
ERBC Health Services District
Vote for three
Steve Parr 110*
Terry Goedert 93*
Richard Ellsworth 81*
Avis Loshbaugh 79
Kent Borchard 68
