Is a new Westminster Municipal Court on the docket?

We stminster City Councilors have expressed their support to pursue a new municipal court facility and instructed the staff to identify various funding options.

Now city staff have presented capital financing alternatives with the recommended choice to be certificates of partici-

The city has used those certificates of participation for city building construction and large equipment purchases like fire trucks over the past 30 years. The concept is to build the new facility immediately north of the existing facility which currently is being used for parking. Staff has estimated the cost to be $30 million. The new facility’s debt service would be paid annually without a need to seek raising taxes. The certificates only require city council authorization while sales tax bonds or General Obligation bonds would require a vote of the people. A new municipal court facility with improved security would be a welcomed addition to this part of the city.

Property taxes to soar in 2024

Recently, nine county assessors representing Front Range counties held a press conference to share the bad news. They alerted the state legislature and the public that property values have soared from July 1, 2020-June 30, 2022 which is the next cycle for adjusting values for property tax purposes. Their statements seemed almost fictional with increased property values ranging from 33% to 47%. For those homeowners who sold their houses during this time span, consider yourselves fortunate. For those of us who owned our homes then and still own the same property today, consider us the losers. Property taxes are going to reach an all-time high unless something is done before next year. However, I should point out that the increase in property value does not necessarily totally track the same percentage increase in actual taxes to be paid.

Unfortunately, it may be the straw that forces some owners to sell their homes and perhaps move to a less expensive state.

We need help

The state legislature and the governor had a pretty clear idea that this tax tsunami would hit, with the new property values taking effect on January 1, 2024. That is no surprise, but why did they hold back until the end of the session to address the problem?

They did earlier earmark approximately $221 million to be set aside in the state’s 2023-2024 fiscal year for tax relief. On “May Day” or May 1st, the governor announced that voters will be asked to approve a measure at the November election this fall to address the spike in property taxes starting in 2024. He said the measure will do three things - provide immediate property tax relief, address the problems with voter deletion of the Gallagher Amendment and provide a mechanism to prevent property tax rates growing faster than income. The latter would be tied to the DenverBoulder Consumer Price Index.

Too many families and taxpayers will be impacted too severely if this package does not happen.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO CIVILITY?

Well, if you haven’t noticed that civility went out the window some time ago in America, you must have your head in the sand! I despise what our society has evolved into including losing patience, courtesy and politeness.

Our behavior has shifted to an “it’s all about me” mentality. People have become more opinionated, outspoken and brash, I especially see this last group whenever it involves “politics” and communicating their opinions to elected officials. I have especially seen this at Westminster City Council meetings with citizens speaking on issues (especially about the new water treatment plant) and social media messages which are heard during city council meetings.

Name calling and accusations have especially been demeaning lately. In part, I blame this growing trend on Trumpism as well as social media. Former President Trump is a role model for people to blast opponents with hurtful words, false accusations and name calling with whatever tone of voice you choose to use.

The way individual citizens and organized groups talk to elected officials is downright disgusting and shameful. Furthermore, it spills over not only on social media, but face to face as well.

Social media is an easy way to chastise and call out people. It has