Crawford sets 2012 budget

With the 2010 audit completed, the Crawford Town Council approved the 2012 budget which totals $382,923. This was the last duty performed by the council in December.

The estimated fund budgets are General Fund $173,406, Water Fund $77,450, Sewer Fund $94,400, Conservation Trust Fund $7,667, Capital Reserve $30,000 and zero for capital improvements.

The mill levy for 2012 is 2.420.

At the first meeting in January, town clerk Jackie Savage reported that Needlerock Realty received approval to be charged residential water rates for the downstairs area now occupied by the Needlerock Family Health Clinic. The clinic will move out in spring. They have purchased a modular. The clinic presented plans and a building sketch to the council on Jan. 4. The clinic purchased, with council approval, a commercial water tap for $2,875 and sewer tap for $2,500. Public works will install the taps in the spring.

For the next election, the Town of Crawford will utilize a mail ballot plan with Delta County.

Crawford resident Ellie Goldstein expressed concerns about the proposed gas leases and the dangers of fracking. About half a dozen citizens were in support of her talk. Trustee Bill Mosey said a valid study needs to be done to determine whether fracking or injecting water deep into the ground actually can cause earthquakes, as Goldstein stated. Trustee Susie Steckel commented that the area is accustomed to the boon and bust cycles of oil and gas development.

Savage said regarding the comments, "There were a whole lot of questions and no answers."

Savage presented the council a packet of information on BLM's gas lease process and Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission rules and enforcement.

Mayor Jim Crook invited everyone to attend the gas meeting that was to be held on Jan. 5 in Crawford.

Bruce Bair, public works director, asked the council to support protecting against gas drilling near the sewer ponds and the town's springs used for their domestic water supply. The council instructed Bair to draft a letter for the BLM.

The council approved to pay for Bair to attend water and sewer training in Colorado Springs in February. This will keep him up to date for his certifications for the town's water and sewer plants.

Blair and Associates will be at the work session on Jan. 18 at 7 p.m.

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