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Untitled Alexis Kenyon
Polis looks to compromise over property tax issues
Gov. Jared Polis has called a special session in Colorado starting next week to address property tax issues. According to The Denver Post, the last-minute session is an attempt to prevent Initiatives 50 and 108 from appearing on the November ballot, which could lead to severe budget cuts for schools and local services.
Initiative 50 proposes a 4% cap on annual property tax revenue growth while Initiative 108 would significantly reduce assessment rates, potentially slashing local government revenue by $3 billion in the first year.
The proposed legislative deal would cut property taxes by an additional $255 million in 2025, building on a $1 billion reduction already enacted this year. Lawmakers would need to approve any deal by Sept. 6 in order to remove the initiatives from the ballot.
Prospect Energy loses rights to operate in Colorado
The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) has revoked the rights for Prospect Energy, a Houston-based oil and gas company, to operate in the state of Colorado. The ECMC endorsed a settlement agreement with the company, which faced millions of dollars in fines for issues such as illegal flaring, spills and ongoing air pollution.
Persistent violations at facilities like Krause Tank Battery, where state inspectors documented emissions of hazardous chemicals including hydrogen sulfide, which poses significant health risks, drove the decision.
The agreement requires Prospect Energy to allocate its remaining funds toward securing and cleaning up its sites rather than paying $1.7 million in fees. According to the Colorado Sun, the company’s 59 wells will be transferred to the ECMC orphan well program for eventual plugging and abandonment. Prospect Energy’s owner, Ward Giltner, must seek commission approval for any future oil and gas operations in Colorado.
Local governments, including Larimer County and the city of Fort Collins, have been actively involved in addressing the environmental and safety concerns posed by Prospect Energy’s operations. These efforts reflect broader regulatory pressures on small operators in Colorado, particularly following the passage of Senate Bill 181, which prioritizes public health and environmental protection in oil and gas regulation.
Unable to maintain work force, Under the Sun in Boulder Closes its doors.
Under the Sun in south Boulder closed its doors this weekend after 11 years of operation. Owners of the popular restaurant and brewery told the Boulder Reporting Lab that business never fully recovered after the COVID-19 pandemic. The downturn led to understaffed restaurants that became easily overwhelmed during rush hours .Owners also cited high housing prices that made it difficult to maintain year-round staffing.
Many reasons for Under the Sun’s abrupt closing align with larger trends of restaurant closures in the Boulder area. In addition to staffing shortages, restaurants across the city face increased food prices, higher fees and utilities, rising property taxes on equipment and furniture, along with wage increase requirements without exemptions.
Naropa announces plans to sell central Boulder campus
Naropa University announced plans last week to sell its central Boulder location after nearly 40 years at 2130 Arapahoe.
The university stated in an email that “with over 40% of students and a significant portion of the staff and faculty now operating primarily in hybrid and virtual spaces, we are redefining the very essence of what it means to be a community.”
According to the email, the central Boulder location will remain in operation until at least 2026. They said, “After 2026, Naropa will have the flexibility to manage its departure over several years based on our campus relocation goals and university strategic planning.”
It went on to say, “We do not anticipate departing campus before June of 2027.”
10 Hospitalized after Extreme Heat at Pikes Peak Region Air Show in Colorado Springs
Extreme heat at Pikes Peak Regional Air Show in Colorado Springs this weekend led to about 100 people seeking medical treatment on Saturday, with 10 hospitalized. The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory, predicting temperatures between 93 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Fire Chief Randy Royal praised the quick response of emergency personnel for preventing more serious injuries.
