HomeMy WebLinkAboutbocc.min.ws.07312002 WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2002
7:00 PM Woody Creek Caucus Meeting at the Community School
MINUTES OF WORK SESSION
Date: July 31, 2002 Meeting Start Time: 7:00 PM
Commissioners present: Commissioners not present:
x Jack Hatfield Jack Hatfield
x Dorothea Farris Dorothea Faros APPROVED/ BY BOCC
x Michael Ireland Michael Ireland ON �L
x Shellie Roy Shellie Roy
Patti Clapper x Patti Clapper
WORK SESSION ITEM: —BUDGET PRESENTATION TO WOODY CREEK CAUCUS
Mick Ireland led the BOCC budget presentation. The presentation and questions and answers following were the only items on the
caucus agenda.
Shellie Roy distributed copies of the white paper,indicating they were copied at her expense, $1.25 per copy,and explaining that
County staff was restricted by law from supporting ballot issues. Mick Ireland made a presentation to the Woody Creek Caucus
regarding the financial status of the County,and also discussed population growth trends, what is happening to the commercial core,
and how that affects sales tax base.He reviewed the nature of the County's financial problem,what has been done so far,and what
might be at risk if a new revenue source is not approved by the voters. The meeting then opened up for discussion. Issues raised by
caucus members included the following:
• There was concern that with so much real estate changing hands there should be a Real Estate Transfer Tax.Mick
and Shellie explained that counties cannot levy such a tax,but that efforts are being made at the State level to write
and pass legislation allowing counties to do so.
• Caucus members asked why more Use Taxes aren't the answer to the county's deficit.Mick and Shellie explained
that Use Taxes have been voted down and are very expensive to administer.
• Caucus members are concerned that second homes are being used as businesses and should be taxed accordingly.
They discussed finding a way to determine when a home is a business and how to charge a sales tax.
• Many caucus members are opposed to road and trail improvements in Woody Creek and would like the county to use
those funds to offset its deficit instead. They even suggested using money set aside for Open Space to offset the
deficit.Mick explained why Open Space funds could not be touched without voter permission.Mick said getting a
referendum like that passed would take much study and discussion and would not be a short-term solution to the
deficit problem.
• There is some concern about a proposed runway extension at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. Shellie asked the
group to attend a presentation by Bill Tomcich in September. She promised that discussions of a possible runway
extension have nothing to do with larger,noisier planes landing here.The group seemed satisfied to withhold
judgment until after Tomcich's presentation.
The Woody Creek Caucus appeared to informally support Pitkin County and all it is doing to balance the budget. Some members even
stated that the proposed property tax increase is a"small price to pay"to maintain the desirable services of the county and keep Pitkin
County from becoming only a"road and bridge"county. Some members said they could support a tax increase if they could be
convinced the county will creatively and aggressively pursue other taxing and revenue generating options.
STAFF DIRECTION: No staff direction/Informational only
Adjourned at: The meeting concluded at 10:20 pm.
Respectfully submitted: Respectfully submitted:
Pat Bingham,C i Relations Silvia Davis,Clerk and Recorder
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