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HB25-1211: A developer giveaway disguised as water conservation?
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Approved, Rocky Mountain Voice, State, Top Stories

HB25-1211: A developer giveaway disguised as water conservation?

By Jen Schumann | Contributing Writer, Rocky Mountain Voice Framed as a water conservation bill, HB25-1211 passed the Colorado House on March 17, with unanimous Republican opposition and four Democrats voting against it. Despite its stated goal of ensuring fairness in water tap fees, critics argue the bill primarily benefits developers over homeowners, forcing local water districts to subsidize high-density developments while shifting costs to existing ratepayers.​ Democrat Reps. Rebecca Stewart and Sheila Lieder, sponsors of the bill, argue it is necessary to prevent water districts from using tap fees to discourage development.  “The bill makes sure that special districts aren’t using the levying of tap fees in order to influence land use, discourage more water-efficient...
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Taxed and voiceless: How a debt trap turned Meadows Metro District residents into an ATM for bondholders
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Approved, Local, Rocky Mountain Voice, Top Stories

Taxed and voiceless: How a debt trap turned Meadows Metro District residents into an ATM for bondholders

By Jen Schumann | Contributing Writer, Rocky Mountain Voice Imagine paying a $200 tax each month for a community infrastructure project that was completed decades ago. To add insult to injury, consider being told that you’ll continue doing so for 100 years.  That’s the reality for approximately 20,000 property owners who reside in Meadows Metro District (MMD), Castle Rock's largest neighborhood in Douglas County. The MMD ‘limited tax’ general obligation bonds were issued in 1989 to finance infrastructure, including roads and sewer systems. The project’s initial price tag was $57 million. But residents have paid approximately $400 million, with a remaining debt of $600 million due to a negative amortization structure.  How did a ‘limited tax’ bond turn into a debt that...
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Special district elections: RTD board will have elections to eight district seats
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Approved, Denver Metro, Rocky Mountain Voice

Special district elections: RTD board will have elections to eight district seats

By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice Non-partisan elections of persons who sit on city councils, school districts, fire and water boards, and more, almost always are overshadowed in what is termed "down-ballot elections." One Rocky Mountain Voice reader, Chuck O’Reilly, has taken on the challenge to identify some of these elections in a multifaceted project in the area where he resides. Following is information on the project in Mr. O'Reilly's words: This project has multiple purposes.   First, to analyze the nomination process of each district and timely information for voters of the process, so that those who wish to do so may become a candidate for the respective board in their area.  Later, after the individuals qualify for the respectiv...
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