Garfield County Libraries seeking voter approval to extend existing mill levy

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County has approved a resolution request by Garfield County Libraries to submit a ballot issue in the November 3, 2026, General Election. The library district is requesting voter approval to extend a portion of its ad valorem property tax levy.

Library district revenues come from one quarter of Garfield County’s one-cent sales tax, and a 2.5 mill levy property tax (two different mills), all approved by voters. One mill of the overall rate that was passed by voters in 2006 expires in 2027.

“It’s not raising any taxes, it’s an extension of the mill levy,” said Garfield County Libraries Board President Adrian Rippy-Sheehy. “It was unanimously passed by all five of the library trustees present (at our meeting), and the two who were absent submitted letters of support.”

Revenues from the sunsetting mill can be used for repairs and ensuring the libraries are safe, clean, and accessible; to retain staff; to provide books, technology, and materials; support programs aimed toward seniors and children; support partnerships with existing nonprofits that support food security, or deal with mental health issues or domestic violence; and fund other library programs and services.

If passed by the voters, the district would continue collecting revenues from the one mill beginning in 2028, with no sunset provision this time.

The Board of County Commissioners supported placing the ballot issue on the November 3, 2026, General Election ballot unanimously, 2-0, with Commissioner Mike Samson excused from the meeting.

Board urges contributors and additional communities to pitch in to bring purchase to the finish line

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners is reaffirming its support for permanent protection of the water rights associated with the Shoshone Hydroelectric Power Plant. The board is asking all contributors and additional communities to pitch in to help finalize the purchase.

In June 2024, the board voted unanimously to approve a $3 million commitment to support the purchase of the water rights, making the county the largest local government financial contributor to the Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Coalition. The Colorado River Water Conservation District (CRD) is actively working to purchase the water rights from Xcel Energy for $99 million, and the funding gap to complete the purchase is now just $1.7 million.

Glenwood Springs resident Joe Mollica requested that the board remain focused on the Shoshone water rights to ensure the funding gap is filled and the rights preserved.

He noted that in 2007, then Garfield County Commissioners John Martin and Tresi Houpt supported funding the whitewater park in Glenwood Springs to the tune of $200,000.

“This pushed us over the limit and I’m still grateful. We have a beautiful water park in west Glenwood because of that,” Mollica told the board. “I’m here to implore you to do whatever you need to do [to help close the $1.7 million gap] and finish that [Shoshone] water right and get it.

“Think about Garfield County, Colorado [helping to secure] possibly the most important water right in the country,” he added. “You think about 40 million people, the Imperial Valley, growing fruits and vegetables for most of the country, it’s critical.”

The two nonconsumptive Shoshone water rights will keep up to 1,408 cubic feet per second (CFS) of water in the Colorado River.

Commissioner Perry Will told Mollica that the purchase will be completed and that the $1.7 million funding gap is not seen as a roadblock to the CRD securing the water rights.

“The county is not looking for a feather in our cap; we’re just wanting to make sure this water is secured for the Western Slope and our communities. There is no sense of urgency here,” Commissioner Will said. “The county is on top of this along with the river district, and we won’t be letting today’s water check write tomorrow’s obituary for our western communities. Garfield County and the Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Coalition will not sit on the sidelines when it comes to the Shoshone water right.

“We understand its tremendous value to western Colorado, and we intend to fight to protect it. This water right is too important to our community, our economy, and our future to simply let it slip through our hands,” he added. “Garfield County has already invested $3 million in the Shoshone water right, but good government means spending taxpayers’ dollars wisely. The Colorado River District is working diligently to raise funds with a variety of partners to close the $1.7 million gap. We will fight for this right, but we also fight for our taxpayers.”

“The severe drought conditions of 2026 have underscored the importance of water security for West Slope communities,” said Amy Moyer, chief of strategy for the Colorado River District. “Permanently protecting the Shoshone water rights for future generations is more relevant now than ever. Our coalition has stood strong behind this project for years. Together, we have raised over $97 million of the $99 million purchase price and remain confident in our ability to raise the final funds. With the support and leadership of local governments like Garfield County alongside other local organizations and water providers, we can act together to protect the future of the Colorado River.”