HomeMy WebLinkAbout20200990.tiffMarch 18, 2020
OFFICE OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PHONE: 970-336-7204
FAX: 970-336-7233
1150 O STREET
P.O. BOX 758
GREELEY, COLORADO 80632
WELD COUNTY
1150 O ST
PO BOX 758
GREELEY CO 80631
Dear WELD COUNTY,
Thank you for choosing to locate your business in Weld County. You and your business positively
contribute to our county's economic stability and diversity. When your business succeeds, it
strengthens our local economy, which helps our towns and county thrive.
While we are well into another great year in Weld County, we wanted to share with you some of last
year's accomplishments that had positive impacts for our business community.
Foremost, the board took several steps to protect oil and gas, a vital resource in Weld County. Home
to more than 20,000 active oil and gas wells, Weld County is responsible for 88 percent of the state's
oil production and 38 percent of its gas production. In the face of changing state regulations, we
asserted local control over mineral resources in unincorporated Weld County. We created the Oil and
Gas Energy Department and established a 1041 WOGLA hearing process. These steps were taken to
ensure public health, safety and welfare while preserving oil and gas exploration opportunities and
private property rights.
This year, the board continues to be engaged with state legislation that aims to further regulate not
only the energy industry but also the agricultural industry. Weld County is in a fight to protect our
families, our businesses, and our way of life. As commissioners, we are working hard to fight against
state -government overreach.
The Bright Futures Workforce Development Program received a financial boost due to funds the
county received from the sale of North Colorado Medical Center. The Bright Futures program,
which was established in 2015 as a workforce development program to provide funding for students
to obtain higher education, will be the recipient of approximately $2.5 million a year — interest
generated from the endowment commissioners created from the sale of the land upon which the
hospital was built.
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A total of $189,160 has been distributed to 11 small businesses to help offset permitting and land
use application fees since the Small Business Incentive Program's inception in 2014. The program
was established with $500,000 from the county's economic development fund and is facilitated by
the commissioners and the Department of Planning Services. In 2019, small businesses were
awarded $130,000.
Adequately handling growth remains a top priority. By the year 2050, it is predicted that northern
Colorado will more than double in population. That's why the county is updating its
comprehensive plan — a plan that serves as a foundation for the policies the county uses when
managing future growth and development. This year, we will hold six events in various locations
throughout the county where the public can stop by and share their thoughts on growth,
transportation and the future of the county. The public outreach process will conclude at the Weld
County Fair in July. The county belongs to our residents, and its future should reflect the value
and vision they have for the county moving forward. Participation in the comprehensive plan is
important because it allows citizens to give us feedback which we'll use when making important
decisions that shape growth, transportation and development.
Weld County continues to be a good steward of tax dollars. Our commitment to fiscal
responsibility has allowed us to pass significant tax savings on to our residents. In fact, since 2002,
taxpayers have saved over $675 million due to temporary mill levy reductions. The money saved
helps businesses grow and our citizens enjoy a higher quality of life. Additionally, we've been
able to reduce the tax burden on residents by paying for projects in cash — avoiding the need to
take on new debt. Weld County also saves residents money by charging no county sales tax.
Thank you again for making Weld County home for your business. We wish you continued success
with your business. Should we be able to assist you in any way, we welcome the opportunity to do
so. Please contact us with any questions, comments or concerns at
(970) 336-7204.
Sincerely,
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Mike Freeman, Chair
Steve Moreno, Pr•-Tem
arbara Kir ', eyer
Kevin D. Ross
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