C153321 Feasibility Study

• Contract/PO #: C153321
• Contractor Name: Ridgway, Town of
• Contract Type: Loan
• Water District: 60
• County: Ouray
• Bill Number: SB 78-69
• Loan Projects - Doc Type: Feasibility Study

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CHAPTER II - THE TOWN OF RIDGWAY, COLORADO:

The Town of Ridgway, Colorado, was incorporated on January 30,

1891. Having been moved from the old site of Dallas to its present loca-

tion, the Town enjoyed the conveniences of the Denver & Rio Grande Western

Railroad. This, together with mining activity provided the Town with a

comfortable means of existence. Decline of the mining industry in the

early 1900's drastically affected the community. Likewise, departure of

the railhead in 1977 and loss of its revenue again affected the Town.

The Town's Board of Trustees consists of six voting members, -a Mayor

(voting capacity limited to breaking ties-on issues presented to the Board

with ordinances withstanding), a Town Clerk and Treasurer~ As with most

incorporated Towns, this community has sovereign rights to eminent domain

contractual and vesting authority together with taxing authority. Being the

governing body for the Town of Ridgway, the Board of Trustees does possess the

authority to vest title of the proposed project or any portion thereof to the.

Colorado Water Conservation Board. Similarly, this power extends to con-

tractual arrangements with this entity.

At present, the Town imposes a one percent (1%) sales tax to supplement

its general fund. This, together with property taxes, revenue sharing funds,

etc., constitute most of the monies in the general fund. Water and sewer

being separate entities collect their monies from these services.

Completion of a sewer project in 1974 left the Town with a debt of

$116,000 to the Farmers Home Administration at 5% for a period of 40 years.

At present the sewer fund is more than adequately paying its own way (note

Exhibits I & II).

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