Vivian Smotherman (D) of Durango announced her candidacy for the Colorado Senate District 6 seat held by Sen. Cleave Simpson. Smotherman is a farmer, a veteran and has spent over 2 decades working in oil and gas. She can be reached at JOANN@VOTEVIVIAN.ORG. Contributions and expenditures not reported. Sen. Cleave Simpson (R) of Alamosa has
From Capitol Connection Sponsors: Sen. Roberts, Speaker McCluskie, and Rep. Frizell Senate Bill 2 would allow local governments to create a property tax or rebate incentive program for property and landowners that own land or property designated as an “area of specific concern.” An “area of specific concern” is defined as the use of real
From Capitol Connection Senate Bill 33 came out of the Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning Tax Policy this past fall, previously known as “Bill C.” This legislation is sponsored by Sen. Chris Hansen (SD 31) and Rep. Mike Weissman (HD 36). This measure, if passed, would reclassify how short-term rentals are taxed for property tax years
According to Montrose Association of REALTORS® Association Executive Jacqueline Huff, AI-generated phone calls using foul and threatening language have surfaced in Montrose and appear to come from local real estate agents. Colorado Association of REALTORS® General Counsel Scott Peterson noted that hundreds and maybe thousands of licensees received an identical voicemail from an alleged licensee
Durango is accepting applications for the recently created Community Development Commission, a combination of the Planning Commission, Design Review Board, and Board of Adjustment. The Community Development Commission will consider: Land use, growth, development, and redevelopment within the City of Durango. Adherence to adopt design guidelines. Policies, plans, goals, and ordinances related to development and
The La Plata County Board of County Commissioners has approved an agreement between La Plata County, Archuleta County, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, La Plata Electric Association, and the Region 10 League for Economic Assistance & Planning to fund a new fiber optic cable between Allison and Pagosa Springs. The cable will run along State
The La Plata County Commissioners approved a proposal to raise building and planning fees effective Jan. 1, 2024. The change raises the cost of a building permit from $1.40 per square foot to $2.25 per square foot. Proposed Land use permit application fees will increase significantly as well. The fees have not been increased in
Ignacio Mayor Clark Craig (R) is running for House District 59, currently held by Barbara McLachlan (D), who is term-limited. Craig was elected Mayor of the Town of Ignacio in 2022. Before this, he served as chair of the Town of Ignacio Planning Commission. He is the Vice Chair of the La Plata County Planning
Special Session New Bills Senate Bill 23B-1: Property tax relief for Colorado homeowners: will reduce the residential assessment rate for the 2023 tax year to 6.7% from 6.765%. Also, homeowners will be able exempt $55,000 of their home’s value from taxation. Senate Bill 23B-2: Opting into a federal food assistance program: will provide up to
Owners Associations and Covenants: Forest Lakes does not have a Property Owners Association. As well, regarding covenants, this last October, the FLMD Board of Directors passed Resolution 2023-05 that contained the following: The Forest Lakes Metropolitan District Board of Directors adopts the following positions: The District does not currently have the legal authority to enforce