Government

Governmental entities within Routt County will be fiscally responsible.



Possible interest groups/stewards

Governmental agencies; municipalities; county

• Planning ahead (at least one to five years) for providing desired services and facilities at the highest level that is commensurate with the resources that they expect to have.

• Proposing a system of taxation that is, at any given time, understandable, productive, fair and progressive.

• Supplementing tax revenues with appropriate charges for services, grants and increases in productivity.

• Adopting annual budgets that are reflective of their citizens’ needs and desires while taking into consideration existing economic conditions.

• Adopt a five year capital improvement plan and review and update it on a regular basis.

• Explore options for regular review of changing financial demographics as they relate to tax structure.

• Periodically review fee structures to ensure appropriate charges for services. Continuously review productivity to ensure efficiency, seeking new methodology and techniques.

• Without sacrificing services, allow flexibility during budgeting periods to adapt to changing conditions.

Law enforcement, emergency services, public health and welfare agencies, all of whom exist to protect and serve, will be community- and service-oriented to help ensure the desired community character.



Possible interest groups/stewards

Governmental/public service agencies; county; municipalities; water districts

• Continue to uphold the highest standards in recruiting and retaining public service professionals.

• Programs such as Neighborhood Watch, Community Policing and Elder Watch should be encouraged.

• Continue citizen education programs such as TIPS, CPR, emergency preparedness, Firewise and others to build safer and healthier communities.

• Support efforts to maintain or improve air and water quality.

• Ensure the provision of affordable, quality physical health and mental health services.

Government entities will continue to provide adequate water and sewer capacity, roads and bridges, public facilities and parks, and communication and transportation networks.



Possible interest groups/stewards

Municipalities; county; water districts; developers; non-governmental organizations; corporations; Yampa Valley Economic Development Council; Northwest Council of Governments; Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado

• Determine the water and sewer capacities needed to meet the needs of projected growth within Routt County. Work with development interests to provide those capacities.

• Seek supplemental revenues and collaborative partnerships to provide for ongoing maintenance and improvement of roads and bridges, public facilities and parks, and communication and transportation networks.

• Work to maintain and update the technological standards of the communication infrastructure to meet the needs of our citizens.

• Form a Regional Transportation Authority or other regional methodology to provide a collaborative, coordinated approach to addressing transportation needs.

Governments must constantly seek ways of bringing citizens into the legislative and administrative processes that affect their lives, and give them opportunities to make their needs and opinions known. Local governments have long received high marks for accessibility, responsiveness and accountability, but continuous citizen involvement is essential if Routt County governments are to maintain openness and transparency in their dealings.



Possible interest groups/stewards

All concerned; government; agencies; elected officials; citizens and beyond

• Maintain and enhance collaborative decision making that is based upon seeking ‘common interests” rather than “positions”.

• Citizens are encouraged to provide feedback to elected officials and government agencies in all steps of the governmental process, including planning, budgeting, and other aspects.

• Local governmental entities will ensure the accessibility of government through effective and efficient communications using advanced technology while keeping a feel of personalized service.

• Variable and personalized service delivery methods will be maintained and enhanced to maintain a “small-town feel” and meet the needs of all citizens (e.g. water bills paid inperson, online, or at supermarkets).

• Continue to ensure the accessibility to public elected officials, boards and commissions through active participation in community life.

The Vision 2030 Report will serve Routt County decision-makers with clear statements of citizens’ wishes, recommendations for fulfilling those wishes, and encouragement in that mission. A community vision without a plan to achieve it is a goal never reached. Governmental decision-making will direct resources and efforts toward making that vision real.



Possible interest groups/stewards

Governmental agencies; planning bodies; citizen groups

• Governmental agencies are highly encouraged to regularly review, update, integrate and implement Master Plans after seeking citizen input and direction.

• Continue to manage public expectations for decision-making through education and communication efforts.

• Develop and include in community master plans a “community character” standard that will encourage developers to show how well their proposal supports the important aspects of community character that Vision 2030 has identified.

• County and local planning departments should prepare an annual “report” which measures the implementation status of the variety of master plans and community visions. This report will be published and reviewed at a public meeting where public comment can be taken.

• Continue to seek public input through regular community surveys, both formal and informal, and set measurable public service standards.