A bus rider boards the local Glenwood RFTA bus in downtown Glenwood in 2019. Chelsea Self / Post Independent
Garfield County commissioners link tanking oil and gas revenues to an upcoming budgetary decision to sever funds from a regular bus route that connects riders from Rifle, Silt and New Castle to Glenwood Springs.
During a joint workshop between commissioners and Rifle City Council Tuesday night, county leaders described the 2021 budget facing challenges unseen in years. When they adopted the budget in December, projected expenditures outweighed revenue $101.7 million to $91.3 million.
“We’re probably looking at a reduction of probably energy development at 25% to 30% drop again in reference to revenue,” Commissioner John Martin said. “So well have to make the same accommodations in reference to expenditures, and we’ll try and keep that balanced budget.”
Chelsea Self / Post Independent
A new trail system at Rifle Arch is nearing the completion of 6.3 miles of trail, according to a Rifle department head.
Rifle City Planner Nathan Lindquist reported to the city council Feb. 3 that the first phase, which will likely cost $80,095, is scheduled for a spring completion. The second phase of the project includes the construction of a new parking lot, added signage and relocation of the existing hiking trail, among other improvements.
The second phase is estimated to cost $113,097.
In 2020, the city signed a contract with Gumption Trail Works to complete the first phase. Delays caused by Bureau of Land Management permitting issues, however, only allowed for 5.7 miles of trail to be completed before wintertime at $70,045, Lindquist said.
Ever since Rifle opted in 2019 to continue to waive certain development fees in order to spur growth, developers have saved about $347,063, according to the city.
A portion of those funds, according to the city, usually in turn are given to the parks and recreation department.
Rifle City Council on Wednesday approved to once again extend the waiver fee until April 2021 in order to help avoid hindrances upon any development currently taking place.
“We have seen our lumber costs build up significantly as a result of COVID,” developer Hal Hultquist told city councilors. “We’ve seen delays in the delivery of components that built these units… Quite frankly, we’re running behind as scheduled right now.”