Horizon Building Technology to seek new state grant funds

by Eric Mullens
WALSENBURG — Prior to the city’s utility committee meeting Monday night, the city council met in a brief special session to consider approving a pair of letters of support.
Council unanimously approved a letter of support for Horizon Building Technology in its grant application for $250,000 under a new program from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and Rural Economic Development Initiative Program, through the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.
The $4 million grant program is open to communities impacted by a pending closure or closure of a prison where a new firm will provide primary jobs. Primary jobs are defined as positions in a company that ships in raw materials for construction or assembly wherein the finished product is then shipped out of the area where the company is located.
The letter of support read in part; “The Walsenburg City Council supports this project and the 70 to 150 jobs it will provide for the community for the years to come. The company’s application for $250,000 will help provide upgrades to the facility that will enhance both the efficency of the operation, and the safety of its workers”.
The motion to approve was made by council member Jim Moore and seconded by council member Erin Jerant.
In a 7 – 0 vote on a motion by councilman Nick Vigil and second by councilman Charles Montoya, the city council approved a letter of support to the Huerfano County Water Conservancy District for ballot issues 5C and 5D.
Ballot issue 5C asks voters if the conservancy district may be authorized to collect, retain and spend all revenues, funds and income from any and all sources during 2013 and in each fiscal year thereafter that are in excess of the revenue, spending, or any other limitations imposed upon the district by Article X Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution (the TABOR Amendment of 1992). Approval of this item does not create or impose any new tax or increase the District’s current mill levy.
Ballot issue 5D asks voters to allow the District to increase its debt repayment terms to a maximum of 30 years from the current 15-year limit and concerns Referred Measure 5B approved by local voters in the 2012 election.
Council members Craig Lessar and Cathy Pineda were not in attendance.