2024 October Newsletter by townofseverance

Theme: Falling for Severance

Submission Deadline: November 30th, 2024

Hello Severance!

Message from Mayor Fries

Fall has arrived! School is back in full swing, leaves are changing into amazing colors, fall sports are back on the field and the court, hunting season has begun, and yes IT IS BUDGET SEASON AT TOWN HALL

Next to our free and fair elections, budget season is arguably the most important time of year for our town Our town charter requires the Town Manager to submit a proposed budget to your town council each year The process calls for a public hearing during a town council meeting to allow for citizen comment When the back and forth of how your tax dollars are spent is completed, the council votes to approve (or disapprove) the budget

All of the “power” in government boils down to the budget Nothing can happen without appropriated funds in the budget Last year, to get more citizens involved in the budget process, town staff and council held our firstever Budget Open House About a dozen or so citizens attended The council has decided to make this an annual event to allow citizens to come and ask questions and offer opinions on the proposed draft budget in a less formal manner and focus on our annual CIP (Capitol Improvement Projects). Many of these items were brought up in our town hall we had earlier this year, and we want to hear from you again now that it is time to focus on next year's projects, what is budgeted for, and prioritize the projects. Please plan to attend this year's Budget Open House on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 6:00 PM at Town Hall. Town staff, including management, the town finance director, and all council members, will be in attendance to help you better understand how your tax dollars are being spent. I know looking at a town budget can be daunting and intimidating. It is not that difficult to understand. If I can do it, you can do it. I depend on town management and staff to help me get my questions answered, and they can help you, too. Your town council wants you to understand how your money is spent and wants to hear from you about how you want it spent. We plan to see you there.

I am sure many of you remember the difficult and unpopular decision made by the town council to institute an “every household” Transportation Utility Fee last fall That decision was made during the budget process Now is the time to show up and give your opinion and ideas for our 2025 budget Now is the time for you to “move the needle” Your opinion is always appreciated, but after the fact, it makes it more difficult to make change effectively

Fall also brings Election Season Tuesday, November 5th is election day If you are registered to vote, your ballots will arrive soon in the mail from the Weld County Clerk's office If you are not registered to vote, it is not too late Register today through the Weld County Clerk Voting is the most sacred freedom we all enjoy

The State “Blue Book” arrived in my mailbox a few days ago This book lays out the ballot issues and gives the pros and cons for each It is thick this year! We should also receive a similar book from Weld County on issues of local concern that will be on the ballot. This will include information on the proposed Sales and Use Tax increase for Severance. This is a proposed 1% sales and use tax increase to fund the ongoing repair and replacement of townowned roads. TABOR laws do not allow the town government or the council as a whole to collectively or publicly discuss the ballot issue any longer. However, EACH INDIVIDUAL council member can. Please contact me or one of the six council members with questions regarding this ballot issue.

Fall is a busy time for all of us. Please prioritize some of your time to learn about your town budget and understand the issues on the upcoming ballot.

I am always here to help you however I can. Happy Fall to everyone and GO Silver Knights!

Matthew Fries, Mayor

Severance Town Council

Mayor Matthew Fries

Mayor Pro-Tem

Brittany Vandermark

Council Member

Stephen Gagliardi

Council Member

Craig Joseph

Council Member

Tad Borrett

Council Member

Dave Bruen

Council Member

Dan Meyers

2024 Election

The Town of Severance does not collect or process ballots for the November 5th, 2024 Election. However, we do have a drop box for Voted Ballots located outside of Severance Town Hall, 3 S Pkwy, Severance, CO

Website for Weld County drop-off & Polling locations: https://www.weld.gov/Government/Departments/Clerkand-Recorder/Elections-Department Website to make sure you are registered to VOTE:https://www.sos.state.co.us/voter/pages/pub/olvr/fi ndVoterReg.xhtml

If you are not registered or need to change your information, please use this link: https://www.coloradosos.gov/voter/pages/pub/olvr/verify NewVoter.xhtml TRACK the progress of your voted Ballot: https://weldvotes.ballottrax.net/voter/

NEW STOP SIGNS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AT PONDEROSA & BARASINGHA AND PONDEROSA &

Community Events

Wednesday, October 2nd 7:30am-9am| Coffee with a Cop

Wednesday, October 2nd 6pm-7pm | Citizen Advisory Board

Thursday, October 3rd 11:30am| Municipal Court

Tuesday, October 8th 6pm - 8pm| Town Council Work Session/ Regular Meeting

Wednesday, October 16th 6pm | Planning Commission Meeting

Tuesday, October 22nd 6pm-8pm| Town Council Budget Open House

Wednesday, October 23rd 11:30am| Municipal Court

Friday, October 25th 3pm-5pm| Trick or Treat Parade

Monday, October 28th 6pm| Tree Board Meeting

JOIN US FOR ...

Join us for a family movie night featuring Pete's Dragon (PG)! Experience the heartwarming tale of an orphaned boy in the Pacific Northwest who befriends a dragon. Bring blankets, pillows, and light refreshments will be provided!

SEVERANCE BOOKMOBILE HOURS & LOCATIONS:

THURSDAYS - FRIDAYS3:30 - 4:00 pm 2:30 - 3:30 pm at Range View Elementary 4:00 - 4:30 pm at Severance Shores Park at Overlook Park

To view the full Bookmobile schedule and stay updated on any changes, visit: bit.ly/CLDBOMOSchedule

SEVERANCE LIBRARY PROGRAMS & EVENTS FOR ALL AGES!

Explore our September program calendars for Severance Library below, categorized by age group. Click on a thumbnail to easily access the PDF calendar of your choice.

ADULTS 18+ TEENS (12-18) CHILDREN (6-9)

MORE Tuesday, October 8 6:00 pm

Enjoy a cup of tea as experts share insights; this month, the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society will cover sky-gazing basics and upcoming astronomical events REGISTER!

Severance Police Department

Please remember to keep your pet on a leash and clean up after them while in public areas. Letting your pet defecate on someone’s property can be considered a public nuisance

Additionally, in the Town of Severance, dogs and cats over 6 months old are required to be licensed Thank you for helping us keep our community clean and enjoyable for everyone!