The group came from all sections of our county and comprised men and women from several business sectors, nonprofits and agriculture. There were some who have lived here their entire lives and those who have only been here for 20 years or so. We received information from the county Road and Bridge department as well as the volunteer group that has been focusing on La Plata County’s long-term fiscal sustainability. In the end, all felt that some relief was needed to continue to support the basic functions of La Plata County. There was not unanimity as to the level of support, as some thought that a bare minimum increase in property tax would be more desirable. Meanwhile, a much larger part of the group felt that a bold step was needed to insure that our roadways and bridges could be maintained in the face of continued population increases. The proposed step would call for an increase in your property tax of only $6.50 a month for the average-sized home.

I am an avid bicyclist and have ridden most of our paved county roads over the past 30 years. It is clear to me as a conservative, retired businessman that basic maintenance is lagging due to a general lack of needed revenues. If basic maintenance is deferred, the cost of reconstructing our vital links will be much more expensive in the future. Won’t you join me in supporting a slight increase to our property tax base?

Steve Parker

Durango