INSIDE Diggers dig, set and spike
PAGE 15
Subscribe. All local, all the time. $40/year. Discounts available.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
Serving Clear Creek County since 1973
WWW.CLEARCREEKCOURANT.COM
BACK IN SCHOOL FOR 2021-22
75 CENTS
County expected to ask voters for 1% sales tax Money to be used for Road & Bridge
BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Empire doesn’t have an estimate in how much it will cost to clean up the lime, or calcium carbonate material, or how long it will take. Stein said the material will likely kill five to seven trees in the area, but so far, it hasn’t reached a nearby culvert. “If we have some major rain, that’s my worry,” he continued.
The Clear Creek Board of County Commissioners scheduled to discuss and expected to approve a ballot question Tuesday asking voters to approve a 1% sales tax to fund Road & Bridge operations and projects. If passed, the overall county sales tax rate would go from 1.65% to 2.65%, but wouldn’t apply to grocery purchases. County staff members anticipate that the 1% countywide sales tax would bring in $1.7 million in its first year. County officials have projected at least a $30 million deficit for Road & Bridge over the next 20 years; and since initial discussions in March, the commissioners favored a sales tax increase as it would capture more payers, namely visitors, who use county roads. During the Aug. 24 commissioners meeting, consultants said a recent survey found that found 66% of respondents would vote to pass a 1% sales tax. The survey also showed the residents were concerned about the condition of the roads and wanted to prevent costly repairs. The biggest concern about a sales tax has been the impact on mu-
SEE DUMPING, P3
SEE SALES TAX, P9
GCS third-grader Graysen Goscinski and his classmates play a math game during a morning learning session on Aug. 19. To see more PHOTO BY CORINNE WESTEMAN photos and learn more about the school year, turn to Page 16.
Someone dumped concrete illegally in Empire BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
An illegal concrete dump in Empire has damaged several trees and will require an extensive clean-up effort. While it is damaging, it is not considered a toxic waste dump, town officials have clarified. According to Police Chief John
Stein, sometime before the morning Aug. 25, someone apparently cleaned a cement truck onto town property on the northeast side of town. The property will be a parking lot for a future park. Stein said his department is talking to different companies to see who is responsible, but if someone doesn’t come forward the cost burden will fall on the town.
Josh Spinner - Broker, Owner Local Expert since 1999
Voted Best Realtor Clear Creek County
Supply is LOW! Sell for TOP $$$ G IN M N CO OO S
Zillow Premiere Agent Realtor.com Agent joshuaspinner@gmail.com
303.567.1010 Cell: 303.825.2626
For a home loan call Jennifer Hager (720) 593-4385
Stunning Retreat
3bed 2bath Views!
Creek-side, Fixer
Idaho Springs, nice lot VOLUME 49 ISSUE 65
Visit www .clearcreek courant.com for breaking news and updates.
Follow us on Facebook Visit www.facebook.com/pages/ Clear-Creek-Courant/171267532910583