Headlines — July 13, 2022

July 13, 2022

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The City Of Boulder Seeks Input From Businesses On Proposed Climate Tax 

The City of Boulder is seeking input from local business owners regarding a climate tax. Local businesses already contribute around $4 million a year to climate and sustainability programs, but a portion of the current tax is due to expire. The survey is open until at least July 26, and the tax question may appear on the November ballot.

The new tax could end up replacing the city’s Climate Action Plan and Utility Occupation taxes. The proposal would be collected on the businesses Excel’s energy bill and would raise the annual funding for climate programs to $8 million.

Housing Market Trends 

The Colorado Association of Realtors released statistics about the housing market that took place last month. 

Colorado Housing prices have continued to rise this summer despite cutthroat competition between buyers, an increase in inventory, high gas prices, high-interest rates, and a flood of new properties on the market. 

The number of single-family and condo listings across the Denver area rose almost 50 percent in one month between May and June.

Across the state, the number of single-family homes for sale rose even more between May and June–close to 52 percent. 

Douglas county realtor Cooper Thayer said, “The market this year looks vastly different from last year with inventory doubling and on average, lasting nearly a week longer on the market.“

With the increase in options, realtors across the state recommend that buyers be smart about looking for homes and try to consider variables such as gas prices, interest rates, and even summer traveling.

CDPHE To Update Public COVID-19 Outbreak Data 

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is updating its data dashboard. Starting today, the Covid-19 data model will now look like the models of other repository pathogens.

According to a CDPHE press release, respiratory pathogens like influenza require reporting and investigation of outbreaks in congregate living settings where the risk of transmission and more severe outcomes can be higher than in the general population. 

Air Pollution Control Division Prioritizes Community Outreach And Feedback In The Development Of Suncor Permits 

Later today, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission will host two public hearings over the Suncor permit draft that will focus on reducing air pollution in Commerce City. The draft proposal includes new monitoring, testing, record keeping, and reporting. 

The first hearing of the day will be from 9 AM to 11 AM and the second will be from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. The hearings are open to the public via zoom. Links are available via the CDHPE website.

Polis Visits Volunteer Firefighters 

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis was in Southwest Colorado on Tuesday. Rocky Mountain Community Radio’s Lucas Brady Woods reports his visit included a meeting with Rico’s volunteer fire department.

Governor Polis says the backbone of fire protection in Colorado is its volunteer fire departments.

They cover the vast majority of the area of our state. And in this hotter, drier climate, we really need to rethink ways we can more adequately support the resources we need. At Tuesday’s meeting, officials from Rico’s volunteer fire department told the governor that their biggest need is funding for a new firehouse and equipment.

Fire Chief Todd Jones says some of the department’s gear is more than 30 years old, including at least one of their fire trucks. He also says they don’t have enough room in the current firehouse to store it all. Here’s Polis again.

POLIS2: we’ll be happy to work with you on figuring out how to finance the new facility for sure because… you’re not alone in facing this other problem facing the Rico fire department personnel retention. Chief Jones says incentives like higher pensions would help. Support for first responders was also discussed, including paramedics and search and rescue workers. Other than his stop in Rico, Polis also planned stops in Norwood and Silverton on Tuesday. 

Mosquito Traps In Boulder County Test Positive For West Nile Virus 

Boulder County Public Health has confirmed that mosquitoes caught in local traps have tested positive for the West Nile Virus. 

Symptoms of the virus include extreme fatigue, head and body aches, skin rashes, and swollen lymph nodes. These appear three to 14 days after being bit by a mosquito that carries the virus.

There is no cure or vaccine for the virus, and Boulder County Public Health urges residents to know the preventive steps, like the use of DEET-enhanced insect repellent, dressing in long sleeves and pants, avoiding the outdoors from dusk until dawn, and draining standing water outside your home. 

Backyard Compost Workshops 

Boulder County’s Resource Conservation Division will host workshops on how to start and maintain backyard composting. 

The first workshop is next Monday the 18 over Zoom from 6 PM to 8 PM. The second will be in person on July 23 from 10 AM to noon at the Boulder County Recycling Center’s Education Room.

More information is available at boco.org/compostworkshops

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