GARCO TO TEST NEW VOTING MACHINES
Glenwood Springs—Garfield County is testing one of four new voting machines for this off-year election. Seven other counties around the state are also putting the new technology to the test with the goal of choosing a new model for statewide use by next year. The other counties are; Mesa, Adams, Denver, Douglas, Gilpin, Jefferson and Teller. Upgrading to a new statewide voting machine could cost up to 15 million dollars, an expense each county would have to cover. Currently, 10 different voting systems are being used in Colorado. Ballots for the November 3rd election went in the mail today in many communities.
GARCO BOOSTS RAFTA FUNDING FOR ‘16
Glenwood Springs—While the money is available, Garfield County Commissioners agreed to increase it’s funding of RAFTA’s Hogback Bus Route by five percent for 2016. Commissioner Tom Jankovsky says covering the 682 thousand dollar contribution won’t be a problem this year but RAFTA can expect significantly less in 2017. That’s when Garfield County is expecting a big drop in revenues.
REGIONAL BROADBAND PLAN WITH MESA COUNTY APPROVED
Glenwood Springs—Regional broadband service may be offered on the Western Slope under an agreement between Garfield and Mesa County. The Garfield County Board of Commissioners approved a Department of Local Affairs grant application to move ahead with the joint project. Under the DOLA agreement, County Manager Kevin Batchelder says both counties must choose an expert consultant to oversee the project. The DOLA grant is for 150 thousand dollars.
