The State of La Plata County Address 

 

Durango, CO – On behalf of the La Plata County Board of County Commissioners, Chair Wally White gave the State of the County address at this morning’s Business Agenda meeting.  The State of the County (below) reports on the financial status of La Plata County, gives updates on the County’s strategic plan implementation initiative called “Managing for Accountability and Performance” or MAP and on the La Plata County Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update.  It also outlines priorities and projects of interest for 2010. 

For additional information,  contact the La Plata County Administrative Office at (970) 382-6210.

 

 

 

THE STATE OF LA PLATA COUNTY

January 12, 2010

 

La Plata County Board of County Commissioners

Wallace “Wally” White, Chair

Joelle Riddle, Vice Chair

Kellie Hotter, Commissioner

 

Our first business meeting of the new year is an opportune time to report to the citizens on the State of La Plata County. 

 

The past year has been a challenging one for government at all levels; however, we are pleased to report that La Plata County is in a strong position, both financially and organizationally.  Our 2010 budget is $69.7 million, compared to our 2009 budget of $78 million, and represents an 11% decrease in expenditures for the coming year. We anticipate revenues to be $70.8 million in 2010, representing an $840,000 increase over 2009 revenue projections. In addition, it is estimated that we will underspend our 2009 budget by approximately $12 million (16%).  This fiscal restraint on the part of all departments and elected offices demonstrates the stewardship that is crucial not just in economically challenging times, but at all times in government.

 

Our fiscally conservative approach will serve us well as we prepare for the inevitable decline of approximately $11 million in property tax revenue that is anticipated in the year 2011, when we will experience the combined effects of today’s depressed natural gas prices and a stagnant real estate market.  By anticipating this eventuality now and maintaining a lean operation coupled with a healthy fund balance (our savings account), we hope to be well prepared to withstand the coming revenue declines.

 

From an organizational perspective, the County began implementation of its strategic plan, the La Plata County Compass, through an initiative called “Managing for Accountability and Performance” or MAP.  The process focuses on improving customer service and identifying metrics to gauge service demands, outputs, efficiencies and results.  Plans for departments that report to the County Manager are nearly complete, and we will be working with elected officials to develop plans for their offices in 2010. The resulting departmental business plans will enable us to make more informed budget decisions and help us determine, with greater specificity, where we can potentially reduce expenses based on declining demands or explore strategies that offer opportunities for greater efficiency.  The process has engaged and drawn on the insight and expertise of employees at all levels within the organization, and their commitment to transparency, accountability and service is self evident in the departmental plans.

 

The update of the La Plata County Comprehensive Land Use Plan is also well underway. The process began in July 2009 when community members came together to begin articulating a vision for 2030. Over the last six months we have received input from more than 500 residents resulting in the creation of a draft vision, draft guiding principles and draft goals, which can be viewed on the County’s website. In the next phase of the project, we will be asking the question “will these goals help us achieve the vision, and are they correct”?  We encourage all interested community members to stay involved and participate in the ongoing comprehensive plan meetings.

 

La Plata County continues to exercise leadership in advancing initiatives that promote sustainability in our community.  Our financial support of the 4 Corners Office of Resource Efficiency, our participation in the development of a local climate action plan, and our sponsorship of the Household Hazardous Waste Roundup, all demonstrate our continuing commitment to effective energy management and meaningful resource conservation. By the end of 2009, we completed more than $1.7 million in energy efficiency upgrades and improvements to County buildings and facilities.  Intergovernmental cooperation plays an important role as well, and our partnership with 4CORE, the city of Durango, and the towns of Bayfield and Ignacio resulted in a 3-year, $1.2 million “New Energy Communities” grant through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and the Governor’s Energy Office. The funds will be used for renewable energy demonstration projects, LED (light emitting diode) lighting projects, solar lighting projects and more. 

 

We continue to be successful in obtaining energy impact and gaming grants from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, which help to fund capital projects and other governmental activities. In 2009, we were awarded $2,128,000 in energy impact and gaming grants, which helps to leverage local revenues and stretch our limited resources very effectively.  Unfortunately, the State of Colorado has suspended these grant opportunities in 2010; however, we will still be able to implement some capital projects this year utilizing previously awarded funds.

 

In the face of potential revenue declines, economic development has been and will continue to be focus of this Board.  Exploration of opportunities to expand the federal court presence in La Plata County are underway.  An enhanced federal court presence would have far-reaching, positive impacts not only economically, but even more importantly, from a social justice perspective, and we are pleased to be a part of this effort.

 

The long-term vision of a new multi-events center for the community is also taking shape and has the potential to boost the economy, enhance recreational, cultural and equestrian amenities to the community, and provide a venue for strengthening 4-H activities for youth and our agrarian heritage.  This is particularly exciting as we prepare to celebrate the second anniversary of the completion of the Children, Youth and Family Master Plan in 2010.  

 

We’ll soon be launching an updated County website to give us greater capability to expand on-line services and information. Today, individuals can listen to meetings of the Board of County Commissioners from the comfort of their own homes by web-streaming audio on the County’s website (http://co.laplata.co.us).  And we always remain open to ideas to enhance opportunities for civic engagement.  

 

This Board takes its advocacy role on behalf of local residents very seriously, and to that end, we remain active in local and statewide organizations and issues.  And of course, we continue to maintain strong working relationships with our local government neighbors, the towns of Bayfield and Ignacio, the city of Durango, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.

 

The Board of County Commissioners, other county elected officials and our capable staff recognize our profound duty to utilize public resources wisely and efficiently, and we know that we must earn the public’s trust every day.  Individually and collectively, we remain continually committed to those fundamental goals.