Week of July 28, 2022
FREE
DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
ParkerChronicle.net
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 14 | LIFE: PAGE 16 | CALENDAR: PAGE 19 | SPORTS: PAGE 22
VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 35
Parker may need to raise taxes or slash services in next decade As build-out nears, revenues projected to decline BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Over the next 10 years, the Town of Parker may need to either reduce its services or raise taxes, according to a presentation given to the town
council July 18. That’s in part because as the town nears build-out, revenue growth is projected to slow significantly, said Mary Lou Brown, finance director for the town. “We need to really have some serious conversations about tax increases or material new revenue sources, probably within the next couple of years,” she said. The current projections show the
town’s cash flow balance dipping low and in some cases going negative between now and 2032. “The projected general fund cash balance is inadequate beginning in 2030 and the recreation fund balance is inadequate in 2031,” according to the presentation. “The parks and recreations and public improvement funds have years where the cash balance dips too low.” Some of the factors beyond build
Fentanyl: A growing crisis regionally, nationally
out that are impacting the town’s financial state are inflation, the possibility for recession, staff growth to keep up with an increasing population and aging infrastructure. The town expects to see declines in revenue growth from building permits, property taxes, sales tax, use tax and excise tax. The town’s sales tax is forecasted SEE FINANCES, P11
County plans to ask for extension of open space tax Ballot language will be discussed in future business meeting BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
substance use disorder and, more frequently, people who are occasional users and often think they are taking a drug other than fentanyl. “The change is probably that we’re seeing a significant number of people … who get something they think is a pharmaceutical product,” he said.
The fate of Douglas County’s open space fund appears to be in the hands of November voters after two commissioners voiced support for placing it on the ballot July 18. Commissioners George Teal and Abe Laydon voted in favor of moving forward with the action during a worksession where commissioners heard from municipalities, advocacy groups, recreational organizations and residents. “To see this level of community support for something that is truly critically important, it’s overwhelming,” Laydon said. “I am with you.” The Douglas County Open Space Initiative, a citizen committee created to seek commissioners’ support for the extension, presented their proposal. Their
SEE FENTANYL, P6
SEE COUNTY, P4
DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian Besser, left, and District Attorney John Kellner speak during a July 6 news conference on PHOTO BY ROBERT TANN two recent large-scale fentanyl seizures in Colorado.
Law enforcement, others grapple with solutions BY ROBERT TANN AND MCKENNA HARFORD RTANN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM, MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
From his vantage point as a toxicologist in the emergency departments of UCHealth’s
Highlands Ranch and Anschutz locations, Dr. Kennon Heard said fentanyl is easily the most common drug involved in the overdoses he treats. “This is going to be on par with seeing a stroke or a heart attack,” Heard said, estimating overdoses are treated multiple times a week, if not daily. “It’s that common of an event.” Heard sees both people with
Evergreen Jazz Festival July 29, 30 & 31
Big Talent! Small Venues! Great Setting!
Dancers Welcome! Free Parking! EvergreenJazz.org
303-697-5467