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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR20-014 2020 Legislative Policy Statement Commissioner J M 1/tA9-4- moved adoption
of the following Resolution:
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY OF EAGLE, STATE OF COLORADO
RESOLUTION No. 2020- 0 ti
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE EAGLE COUNTY
2020 LEGISLATIVE POLICY STATEMENT
WHEREAS,Eagle County follows the activity of the state and federal legislature
closely in order to identify any potential impacts on the county and its citizens; and
WHEREAS, due to the nature of the legislative process and the ever-changing
language of numerous bills of substance, it is critical that Eagle County maintains an
effective and responsive system for adopting and communicating official county
positions on relevant legislation; and
WHEREAS, an integral part of this system is the adoption of an Eagle County
2020 Legislative Policy Statement, which identifies general legislative issues of interest
to the county along with the county's policy principles on these issues; and
WHEREAS, Eagle County officials and staff will utilize the 2020 Legislative
Policy Statement as a guiding policy when reviewing and analyzing bills that may have
an impact on the county's interests; and
WHEREAS,the Eagle County 2020 Legislative Policy Statement incorporates
Eagle County's Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives.
NOW,THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners
of the County of Eagle, State of Colorado:
THAT,the attached Eagle County 2020 Legislative Policy Statement, representing the
county's policy principles onthese legislative issues, is hereby adopted.
MOVED,READ and ADOPTED by the Board of County commissioners of the County
of Eagle, State of Colorado, at its regular meeting held the'(&day of . 2020.
COUNTY OF EAGLE, STATE OF
0*EAGLE COLORADO, By and Through Its
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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Commissioner W' QV .s ._' seconded adoption of the foregoing resolution. The
roll having been called,the vote was as follows:
Commissioner Chandler-Henry 4(144 6
Commissioner McQueeney + °
Commissioner Scherr '
This resolution passed by / 0 vote of the Board of County Commissioners of
the County of Eagle, State of Colorado
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Eagle Countya
2020 Legislative Policy Statement
IIIIIItli;
EAGLE COUNTY
Eagle County Legislative Policy Statement I 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview 3
Eagle County Strategic Plan 3
Strategic Focus Areas 6
Early Childhood Education 6
Health Care Access and Cost 6
Housing 7
Mental Health 7
Sustainability and Climate Protection 8
Transportation 9
Policy Principles 10
Economic Development 10
Environmental Health 11
Human Services 13
Land Use and Development 14
Public Health 14
Public Lands 17
Public Safety 18
Telecommunications 18
Governance and Fiscal Issues 19
2
Eagle County Legislative Policy Statement I 2020
OVERVIEW
Eagle County's Legislative Policy Statement identifies the county's key policy principles on legislative issues.The
county will utilize the Legislative Policy Statement as a guiding document when reviewing and analyzing specific bills
that impact Eagle County interests.
The policy statements included in this document are necessarily broad and by no means all-inclusive.Eagle
County will take Official County Positions on a limited number of significant bills.Official County Positions are not
automatically assumed on bills simply because they are congruent with the policy statements contained in this
document.The Board of County Commissioners(BoCC)has discretion in determining Official County Positions.
Additionally,as a member of the legislative advocacy groups Counties&Commissioners Acting Together Colorado
Counties Inc.,and Colorado Communities for Climate Action,the BoCC helped to formulate the 2020 policy agendas
of these three organizations. Eagle County is aligned with these agendas,and their positions are reflected in this
document.
When significant legislation is identified that might warrant an Official County Position,the BoCC,other elected
officials and county staff will coordinate review through the County Manager's Office.In coordination with the County
Attorney's Office,the County Manager's Office will provide the BoCC with a brief summary of the substance of the
legislation and,if warranted,a proposed Official County Position that is consistent with the principles of the Legislative
Policy Statement.The BoCC will consider the Official County Position,and if adopted,the county will communicate
the position to legislators and the public. Eagle County welcomes the opportunity to discuss the county's legislative
priorities and positions.This Legislative Policy Statement provides a reference tool when considering legislation that
may impact Eagle County.
EAGLE COUNTY
STRATEGIC PLAN
With a mission of"Creating a better Eagle County for all,"the Strategic Plan provides a roadmap as the county
allocates resources,gauges progress and ensures the delivery of quality services to constituents.The strategic plan
identifies underlying principles on which decisions are based,and includes goals and objectives to be achieved
through 2020.The Eagle County Legislative Policy Statement is consistent with the Eagle County Strategic Plan's goals
and objectives.
Therefore, Eagle County:
• Supports legislation that is consistent with and works towards the achievement of the County's strategic
plan goals and objectives.
• Opposes legislation that runs counter to or prevents the achievement of the County's strategic plan
goals and objectives.
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Eagle County Legislative Policy Statement I 2020
MISSION
Creating a better Eagle County for all.
VISION
Eagle County is made up of thriving communities for families and is home to a vibrant
workforce, with personal health and wellness achievable for all. Our natural beauty is
preserved through purposeful environmental stewardship. We are an international
year-round resort destination with a diverse, resilient economy.
VALUES
Eagle County Qreativity
Oespect
©ngagement
Occountability
Clean
©xcellence
©ervice
a better place for all
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Eagle County Legislative Policy Statement I 2020
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 2015 - 2020
EAGLE COUNTY IS FINANCIALLY SOUND EAGLE COUNTY ISA GREAT PLACE TO LIVE FOR ALL
Define service levels based on available resources and Increase access to affordable health care and preventative
community demands. services.
Plan for facilities,infrastructure,staffing and maintenance Expand early childhood development opportunities.
within projected revenues. Encourage more affordable housing choices,including types
Deliver county services in the most cost effective and and price levels.
efficient manner possible. Become a more inclusive county welcoming to all.
Enhance productivity and customer service through Expand services and opportunities to meet the needs of
appropriate technology systems. vulnerable populations.
Leverage county resources through grants,outside funding Expand trail connectivity.
sources and partnerships.
Complete major traffic improvement projects.
Actively pursue code and zoning violations that affect health,
safety,wildlife,and/or the environment.
Create communities with a sense of place.
Connect communities through a variety of transportation
systems.
EAGLE COUNTY PROTECTS THE NATURAL EAGLE COUNTY PROMOTES A DIVERSE AND
ENVIRONMENT RESILIENT ECONOMY
0 Protect surface and ground water quality and quantity. Increase the number jobs with livable wages.
Protect the forest. Promote business expansion,retention and attraction.
Concentrate development in populated areas guided by III, Expand commercial air service.
smart growth principles. Encourage competition and cost reductions in health care.
Preserve community buffers and open spaces. Encourage opportunities for businesses identified in the county
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions in county government economic development plan.
and our communities. Support innovators and entrepreneurs.
Achieve a community waste diversion goal of 30%by 2030. Advocate to decrease congestion on 1-70.
Evaluate county policies and practices to support business
development.
EAGLE COUNTY IS A HIGH-PERFORMING ORGANIZATION
0 Recruit,retain,and develop a top quality county workforce Achieve strategic goals.
that reflects community demographics. Align the county organization with the mission and vision.
Require all supervisors,managers and directors have Practice the core values.
management skills to set targets,meet goals,manage staff,
and measure performance. Require a high level of expertise among supervisors,managers
and directors.
Provide outstanding customer service.
Establish a culture of continuous improvement.
Maintain competitive compensation based upon market
and performance.
www.eaglecounty.us/strategicplan
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Eagle County Legislative Policy Statement I 2020
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION 0
Early childhood education programs create safe,healthy,nurturing and stimulating environments for infants,toddlers
and preschoolers.Children who have access to early childhood education are more likely to do well in school,earn
higher wages,live healthier lives,and give back to their communities.The first five years are crucial to a child's lifelong
success,as 90%of a child's brain develops by age five.
Early childhood education is an investment that offers short and long term benefits for our kids,families,local
businesses,and community.Research shows that high-quality birth-to-five programs for disadvantaged children can
deliver a 13%per year return on investment.Significant gains are realized through better outcomes in education,
health,social behaviors,and employment(Garcia,Jorge Luis,et al.Quantifying the life-cycle benefits of a prototypical
early childhood program. No.w23479.National Bureau of Economic Research,2017.).Supporting early childhood
care and education options can help our local businesses attract and retain a workforce that is present,prepared and
productive.Finally,programs in our communities will help hard-working Eagle County families stay in Eagle County,
rather than moving to seek more options elsewhere.
According to Eagle County's Early Childhood Roadmap,there are 4,300 children ages 0 to 5 in Eagle County and that
number is expected to grow.Approximately 2/3 of those children have all available parents employed,yielding 2,881
children who may need childcare.Currently,1,500 of these children are in licensed care,leaving 1,381 others whose
parents may need or want childcare,but may not be able to obtain it.
Eagle County:
• Supports legislation that promotes access to affordable,quality early childhood education opportunities.
• Supports legislation that expands the early childhood professional workforce,including scholarship
programs,concurrent enrollment,apprenticeships,and streamlining and improving credentialing
system/process.
• Supports increased state funding for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program(CCCAP),including
state financial support for unfunded mandates such as tiered reimbursement and parental discounts.
• Supports county-level management of CCCAP to meet the needs of families and childcare providers,
including fully reimbursing providers at their private rates.
• Supports quality initiatives for family,friends and neighbor care.
• Supports additional investments in early childhood mental health and development through expansion
of home visitation program funding and mental health screenings and consultations(for families and
child care providers).
HEALTH CARE ACCESS AND COSTS 0
Eagle County promotes the availability of and access to quality,culturally appropriate,and affordable health care,
including preventative care.Access to care includes being able to gain entrance to and navigate the healthcare
system.There are many barriers to accessing care in Eagle County including the lack of affordable,adequate health
insurance plans,a lack of providers who accept public insurance such as Medicaid,and a growing rate of uninsured
residents,which is reducing the capacity of the safety net systems.According to Mountain Family Health Centers,the
growth in uninsured patients has outpaced any other type of patient in the past two years.According to the American
Community Survey 2018 estimates,12.2%of Eagle County residents do not have health insurance,compared to 8.6%
for the State of Colorado as a whole.
Eagle County:
• Supports legislation that promotes quality health care access and improves the affordability of care for all
populations.
• Supports adequate funding of federally qualified health centers.
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Eagle County Legislative Policy Statement I 2020
• Supports a public option buy in program.
• Supports reinsurance programs that provide a stop loss against large claims,and help to stabilize the market.
• Supports insurance policies and co-ops that cover pre-existing conditions.
• Supports transparency that enables health systems to be studied,costs to be analyzed and published,costs to be
reduced,and efficiencies found.
• Opposes legislation that may create barriers and fears in immigrant communities,which leads to potential
decreases in accessing necessary services and resources.
HOUSING 0
Affordable housing is a critical workforce issue in Eagle County and across the state.Since the end of the recession,around
2011,jobs and population have been growing more rapidly than housing inventory,and that has created many challenges
including frustration for employees seeking housing;employers facing unfilled positions,high turnover,higher training costs,
and lost productivity;a precipitous increase in home prices,well beyond the means of most local residents;and extremely
low vacancy rates,resulting in limited choices and rising costs for renters.
If forecasts prove accurate,these tensions are poised to increase,with about 7,150 new jobs coming to the Eagle River Valley
by 2025.The Edwards area is anticipated to have the most new jobs,but the Vail area is not far behind.If the economy
remains strong and and no new housing is created,these growth pressures will translate into higher numbers of unfilled jobs
and continued rapid escalation of housing prices.
Eagle County:
• Supports legislation that creates more opportunities for attainable and affordable housing,including
securing State funding for new development.
• Supports legislation that will increase the supply of affordable housing in multifamily buildings by
limiting construction defect litigation.
• Supports legislation that identifies a permanent funding source for the statewide Affordable Housing
Trust Fund.
• Supports legislation that continues the Private Activity Bond program which can be used to issue
revenue bonds for the purpose of financing qualified residential rental projects or single-family
mortgage loans to low-and moderate-income persons and families.
• Supports legislation that provides mechanisms for regulation,taxation,and restriction of the short-term
rental market.
MENTAL HEALTH 0
Mental health is the leading community health priority in Eagle County. Based on Eagle County's 2017 Community
Health Assessment,about 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness,with 1 in 25 living with a serious and chronic
mental illness.Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death in Eagle County(2017).According to Eagle Valley Behavioral
Health,Eagle County averaged one suicide attempt everyday in 2018.One in four 7th and 8th graders considered a
suicide attempt this past year.The Eagle County's Sheriff's Office also reported an increase in inmates with mental
health issues. Due to the nature of criminal charges,a secure facility is needed.Therefore,Eagle County is focused on
increasing awareness of mental health,improving mental health screening and referral,increasing protective factors
among youth and families,and increasing access to in-and out-patient mental health services.
Eagle County:
• Supports funding for more mental health services,especially for more crisis beds,across the state.
• Supports expanding the use of Medicaid and other federal dollars so schools can hire mental health
professionals and provide mental health services.
• Supports legislation to strengthen laws requiring insurance companies to provide care and coverage for
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mental health and substance use disorders.
Eagle County Legislative Policy Statement I 2020
• Support mental health parity in insurance payments.
• Supports funding for more mental health bed space at the state mental health facility in Pueblo and an
increase in the number of mental health beds on the western slope.
• Supports funding to address the service gaps for children and adults needing mental health
assessments,evaluations,and culturally competent in-home evidence-based treatment.
• Supports funding of and public/private insurance payment toward a full continuum of behavioral health
services,including prevention,screening,case management,transportation,tele-health,and crisis
intervention.
- • Supports alignment and coordination between state agencies to simplify,streamline,and align mental
health funding to reduce duplication and fragmentation and enhance ease of access.
SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE PROTECTION
COLORADO COMMUNITIES FOR CLIMATE ACTION
Eagle County is committed to climate protection and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions within county
operations,in the community,and in the state.In 2016,Eagle County adopted the Climate Action Plan,which
identified strategies in the building,transportation, power supply,waste diversion,and education sectors to achieve
a 25%GHG reduction by 2025 and 80%GHG reduction by 2050.Eagle County also sets internal emissions targets
beyond the Climate Action Plan,reducing carbon emissions from Eagle County operations 5%each year,equating to a
50%reduction by 2030.
Eagle County joined the Colorado Communities for Climate Action(CC4CA),and adopted a shared Policy Agenda for
2019-20(attached as Exhibit 2).
Eagle County:
• Supports collaboration between state and federal government agencies and Colorado's local
governments to advance local climate protection.
• Supports state and federal programs to reduce carbon pollution,including adequate and ongoing
funding of those programs.
• Supports analyses,financial incentives,and enabling policies for the development and deployment of
clean energy technologies.
• Supports locally driven and designed programs to support communities impacted by the clean energy
transformation.
• Supports prioritizing policies that put people at the center of decision-making,do not exacerbate or
create disparities in growing the green economy,and enhance equitable outcomes for all.
WASTE DIVERSION AND RECYCLING
Eagle County set an objective through the Climate Action Plan to achieve a waste diversion goal of 30%by 2030.
According to the CDPHE,Colorado recycles only 19%of its waste,which is well below the national average of 35%
calculated by the EPA.Residential curbside recycling is available in less than half of counties statewide and more than
65%of Coloradans never recycle or recycle only sporadically.
There are many innovative strategies which could help change behavior of residents in Eagle County and increase
the diversion rate.Options include increased access to disposal options like national bottle law and bottle
deposits,computer take-back,and recycling leftover paint,in addition to control of toxics found in electronics.The
development of local end-markets for recycled materials would decrease transport costs of materials and GHG
emissions.
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Eagle County Legislative Policy Statement I 2020
Studies also show that adoption of market-based pricing strategies similar to those used in the energy and water
sectors,will result in increases in recycling and composting rates and reductions in the overall amount of materials
sent to landfill."Pay-as-you-throw"(PAYT)pricing,as it is often described,accomplishes this by charging the
consumers the same amount for every unit of trash that they dispose of.Finally,continued inquiry and investment in
new technologies like waste-to-energy and brownfield redevelopment can further increase waste diversion.
Eagle County:
• Supports legislation to increase the level of recycling and composting in Colorado and provide Colorado's
residents and businesses with increased access to waste reduction services.
• Supports setting statewide recycling goals with interim targets,ensuring that all Coloradans have access
to recycling services.
• Supports legislation and other means for promoting and advancing product stewardship and local
markets for recyclable materials.
• Supports legislation to provide statutory counties with authority to implement pay-as-you-throw pricing
structures.
• Supports waste-to-energy and brownfield redevelopment incentives.
TRANSPORTATION 0
Eagle County believes that safe and efficient movement of people and goods is vital to the continued economic
success of the State of Colorado,and to the maintenance of the high quality of life that Coloradans enjoy. In order to
ensure these conditions,Colorado voters,the Colorado Legislature,the State of Colorado and federal government
must be willing to make significant investments to maintain and improve the state's transportation system,including
roads,bridges,and multimodal systems.Colorado's unique TABOR Amendment,which limits the collection of
state revenue,coupled with a lack of increases in the state and federal gas tax"since the early 1990's,results in
the Colorado Department of Transportation experiencing a$1 billion per year revenue shortfall.This translates to
municipal and county governments taking on greater construction,maintenance,and financial responsibilities and
costs for transportation infrastructure.
Eagle County:
• Supports long-term transportation funding at the state and federal levels in the form of new revenue
streams,to meet Colorado's growing transportation and transit needs.
• Supports innovative transportation funding mechanisms like a Vehicle Miles Traveled(user)tax.
• Supports financing tools,including,but not limited to bonding,public private partnerships and the
issuing of state tax credits as options for expediting transportation projects,when offset by new
revenue streams or other rational funding mechanisms.
• Supports extending transfers from the state general fund to transportation(enacted under SB09-
228),and supports expanding the uses of these funds for maintenance,provided new funding for
transportation construction projects is in place.
• Supports initiatives and programs that provide multi-modal funding opportunities,including
infrastructure for trails,transit,and passenger rail.
• Supports legislation and programs that enable affordable,safe and efficient public transportation in
resort-based communities,including efforts to better integrate transportation and land use policies.
• Supports initiatives and programs that facilitate the implementation and integration of new
transportation and transit delivery technologies to improve safety and increase mobility.
• Supports policies that promote alternative modes of transportation and alternative fuels to achieve a
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
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Eagle County Legislative Policy Statement I 2020
• Supports efforts to reduce closures on 1-70 during the winter months.
• Supports new infrastructure,road improvement projects,and travel demand management programs as
contemplated in the 1-70 Mountain Corridor Record of Decision.
• Supports the availability of federal Payment in Lieu of Taxes(PILT)dollars for road and bridge needs.
• Supports an equitable Highway Users Transportation Fund(HUTF)allocation formula and restrictions on
the use of"off the top"diversions.
• Supports legislation that ensures local shareback is provided for transportation projects from all
transportation revenue sources.
• Supports state funding for the Safe Routes to School program.
• Opposes financing mechanisms that are not offset through new revenue streams or other rational
funding mechanisms.
• Opposes efforts to pass along additional State roadway construction or maintenance responsibilities to
local governments,without increased and adequate funds to meet these additional responsibilities.
• Opposes funding mechanisms which eliminate or reduce local shareback for transportation projects.
• Opposes any reduction in the Funding Advancements for Surface Transportation and Economic Recovery
Act of 2009(FASTER).
• Supports the availability of higher quality and real time crash data on local and state roads to improve
motor vehicle safety and reduce serious injuries and deaths from motor vehicle crashes.
ADDITIONAL
POLICY PRINCIPLES 0
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A resort economy faces threats of fluctuation in reaction to the greater U.S.and worldwide economy as well as
environmental and weather-related threats.About 60 percent of Eagle County's workforce is employed in the
hospitality/tourism industry. Hospitality positions are classified in one of the lowest wage and benefit brackets by
comparison to other industries.The county promotes a strong economic foundation and works with regional and
state partners on economic strategies.Eagle County hosts the Small Business Development Center and supports
the economic development efforts of the Vail Valley Partnership.Strategies that the county supports include direct
business incentives,workforce training and development,healthcare,and tax policy.
Eagle County:
• Supports the development of a statewide economic development strategy that addresses issues of
business climate and economic direction at the state level,but seeks local input and respects local
control of economic development.
• Supports appropriate state tax policies and incentive programs,including enterprise zones,business
incentive agreements,or other legislative initiatives that encourage business expansion,retention,
and attraction through primary job creation,investment in capital equipment,and employer facility
development.
• Supports giving county commissioners authority to approve the use and amount of the county's portion
of revenues designated in a proposed urban renewal plan for tax increment financing.
• Supports workforce development,including higher education funding,relevant pre-and post-secondary
vocational training,and STEM curriculum for K-12.
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Eagle County Legislative Policy Statement I 2020
• Supports efforts to reduce the high costs of healthcare and health insurance premiums that have a
significant impact on the workforce and employers.
• Supports tourism-centric economic development that can lead to job growth and economic
diversification.
• Supports small-scale cottage industries that assist in broadening the economic base in resort tourist
communities.
• Supports efforts that respect county authority in fostering community beautification and enhancement.
• Supports programs that further sustainable recreation while protecting the environment on which the
economy depends.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 0
WATER RESOURCES
Protecting the quality and quantity of Colorado's water is vital to its environment,economy,and the public's health.
Eagle County will advocate for legislation,regulations,and other policy approaches that focus on the critical goals of
protecting water quality and quantity,and conserving water resources.
Eagle County:
• Supports Colorado's doctrine of prior appropriation.
• Supports water conservation and reuse efforts.
• Supports the application of county powers related to water resources,including 1041 powers,to address
local impacts on and protection of Colorado's water resources.1041 powers must be broadly and
liberally construed to ensure maximum flexibility and authority for counties.
• Supports cooperative statewide water planning efforts that do not negatively impact the basin of origin
communities and are supported by such communities.
• Supports efforts to maintain and seek state primacy of federal water quality programs that adequately
fund counties to ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act.
• Supports legislation that promotes efficient water use and water conservation.The Colorado State
Water Plan provides sustainable water resource management practices,including linking land and water
planning,public policy incentives and regulations to achieve greater conservation and more efficient use
of Colorado's water supply.
• Opposes any attempt to limit application of local 1041 powers.
• Opposes attempts by the federal government to usurp the prior appropriation system when issuing
federal permits.
• Supports restoring local control to allow local governments to adopt any ordinance,rule, resolution,or
charter provision,or statute,concerning the use and application of pesticides within the jurisdictional
boundaries of such local government in exercising its local police powers to protect public health,safety,
and the environment.
FOOD SAFETY
Food safety programs are significantly under-resourced in Colorado. Restaurant licensing fees,which reside in state
statute,were last increased in 2016 and still fall short of covering the cost of administering an effective retail food
inspection program.Increasing restaurant licensing fees will better balance the public and private investment in food
safety programming,allow Colorado's public health agencies and its restaurant industry to move closer to national
best practices for food safety programs and better protect the public from food-borne illnesses.
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Eagle County Legislative Policy Statement I 2020
Eagle County:
• Supports legislation to increase the license fees for retail food establishments or to move the authority
for establishing license fees to the state or local Boards of Health.
• Supports legislation that strengthens enforcement of the retail food code.
AIR QUALITY
Outdoor air quality is a concern in Eagle County.Under the Clean Air Act,the EPA establishes air quality standards
to protect public health,with special attention to the health of"sensitive"populations(children under 10 years,
adults over 65 years,and asthmatics).Poor air quality has significant public health and environmental impacts,from
increasing doctor and hospital admissions,to compromising the unique value of our open space lands and negatively
impacting wildlife and habitat.
Eagle County:
• Supports state and federal legislative,regulatory,and other efforts to protect public and environmental
health by reducing the emissions of harmful pollutants.
WILDFIRE MITIGATION AND FOREST HEALTH
Wildfire mitigation measures modify the forest environment surrounding a structure that is at risk from destruction
by a wildfire,while forest health efforts improve the conditions of Colorado's forests to restore ecosystems to a
healthier state.Together,these efforts have the benefit of minimizing the devastating effects of wildfire in Colorado,
a problem that is only growing larger due to the impacts of climate change.Activities such as developing and
maintaining defensible space and a safe home ignition zone around homes,forest thinning,and prescribed fire are
common and proven tools for reducing wildfire risk.Local governments have access to an array of tools to reduce
the risk of wildfire by considering the amount and type of development that occurs in areas at risk for wildfire and
establishing requirements for wildfire mitigation measures for any development within these areas.
Eagle County:
• Supports funding for wildfire mitigation efforts through the reauthorization of the Department of
Natural Resources'Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant Program.
• Supports legislative efforts that promote forest health and restoration projects that improve overall
forest conditions.
• Supports forestry projects that reduce fuels for fire and create fuel breaks and safe escape routes.
• Supports increased private homeowner awareness and participation in the creation and maintenance
of defensible space and a safe home ignition zone;and increased use of ignition-resistant building
materials in residential construction,renovations,decks,and additions in the wildland urban interface.
• Supports efforts to further develop partnerships with private entities,like insurance providers and
Realtors,to create innovative approaches to motivate property owners to complete wildfire mitigation
actions.
• Supports efforts to seek alternative federal funding options in lieu of United States Forest Service(USFS)
for wildfire response and recovery.This would result in additional resources for much-underfunded
forest management activities.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Colorado's natural environment contributes to its high quality of life and robust economy.Recognizing this,the state
and its local government partners have developed an array of public policy and programmatic initiatives designed to
preserve and protect Colorado's land,water and natural resources. Examples include the Conservation Easement Tax
Credit and Great Outdoors Colorado. Eagle County will continue to utilize these tools to protect our local environment
and will advocate for their continuation and expansion to ensure the preservation of the environment and quality of
life that Coloradans have grown to expect.
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Eagle County Legislative Policy Statement I 2020
Eagle County:
• Supports the development of tools the state and local governments may use to conserve and protect
natural resources.
• Supports efforts to protect floodplains and riparian areas from encroachment.
HUMAN SERVICES 0
Eagle County Human Services'vision is a sense of connectedness and the opportunity to reach one's full potential.Human
Services is the principal agency responsible for providing an array of essential services which support building well-being
for community members across the age range.
ABUSE PREVENTION, EDUCATION, AND INTERVENTION
Eagle County prioritizes the health,safety,and welfare of children,families,and adults in the community.All children and
teens should grow up in a safe,stable and secure family that supports their long-term well-being.At-risk adults should be
able to live lives free of mistreatment and neglect.
Eagle County:
• Supports funding to address increases in Adult Protective Services caseloads resulting from the
implementation of mandatory reporting for elder abuse.
• Supports increased funding for the HB 04-1451 Collaborative Management Program.
• Supports legislation that helps facilitate the implementation of Family First Prevention Services Act in
Colorado and locally through funding,resources,and required statutory/policy revisions.
• Supports expansion of early intervention services to prevent child and adult abuse and neglect.
FAMILY-CENTERED ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORTS
Eagle County supports a two-generation approach,which serves children and their caregivers together to harness the
family's full potential and to put the entire family on a path to permanent economic security.Policies should support
aligning funding streams,programs,and resources to build a whole family's assets jointly and avoid further systemic
fragmentation of services.
Eagle County:
• Supports policies that reduce the"cliff effect"for people moving off public benefits toward self-
sufficiency.
• Supports state-level efforts to provide paid sick leave to all workers.Women and minorities have
disproportionately lower access to paid sick leave,and thus more negative economic and health impacts
when sick.
• Opposes policies which,directly or indirectly,disproportionately,negatively impact immigrant
populations'access to food,medical care,and other critical human services.
PROGRAM FUNDING AND ADMINISTRATION
Programming required by state and federal legislation should be adequately funded by those entities to ensure successful,
high-quality implementation and administration.The County Administration Allocation is intended to fund direct,common
supportive staff and all operating expenditures for the two largest Human Services programs,Food Assistance and
Medicaid.Currently statewide,this funding is expected to overspend by nearly 20 million dollars,potentially increasing the
county share beyond expected twenty percent.
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Eagle County Legislative Policy Statement I 2020
Eagle County:
• Supports efforts under SB 190 to close the funding gap between state allocations and the costs of
administering human services programs.
• Supports the federal-state-local structure for financing and delivering Medicaid services.
• Opposes legislation that would further shift federal and state Medicaid costs to counties.
LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT 0
Eagle County seeks to create communities with a sense of place. Land use authority is critical to shaping safe,
well-planned developments,while providing economically and naturally sound environments to live.Eagle County
accomplishes this through its master plan,various comprehensive plans,and land use regulations.
Eagle County:
• Supports legislation which would maintain or increase county construction review and oversight authority,
including timely adjudication and appropriate penalties for building code violations.
• Supports efforts to work with state departments and other regulatory agencies in order to allow counties
more control over the fee structure regarding electrical permits.
• Supports establishing mechanisms ensuring proposed urban renewal projects meet the current statutory
requirement of ameliorating blight or slum conditions.
• Supports right-to-farm ordinances and acquisition of conservation easements and conservation leases to
maintain agricultural uses.
• Opposes legislation that would supersede,override,or preempt local land use authority both from
regulatory and comprehensive master planning perspectives.
• Opposes legislation which would reduce county construction review and oversight authority.
• Opposes any state or federal effort to preempt or further limit local government regulatory authority over
any extractive industry.
PUBLIC HEALTH 0
HEALTH DISPARITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Environmental Justice encompasses the right to a safe,healthy,productive,and sustainable,and resilient
environment where people live,work,and play. Environmental justice addresses disproportionate risks often
experienced by socially disadvantaged populations due to inequities in policies,practices,and social norms and
the inequitable distribution of resources that result in health disparities. Health disparities exist in Eagle County
and are preventable differences in the impact of disease,injury,violence or opportunities among populations
(CDC,Community Health and Program Services: Health Disparities Among Racial/Ethnic Populations,2008).These
disparities in Eagle County occur by populations of race,ethnicity,gender,education,income,disability,geographic
location,and sexual orientation.
Eagle County:
• Supports policies and legislation that are foundational to a healthy community,including health
determinants such as affordable housing,a living wage,a healthy built environment,transit oriented
development,affordable health care,and access to goods and services.
• Supports policies and practices that are culturally competent,inclusive and promote equity among all
Eagle County residents.
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Eagle County Legislative Policy Statement I 2020
• Supports funding for effective strategies that work to reduce physical,mental,and social health disparities
and better understand the underlying causes of these disparities.
• Supports initiatives and efforts to better define and support environmental justice efforts to promote
health equity.
FAMILY PLANNING AND LONG-ACTING REVERSIBLE CONTRACEPTIVES
By providing greater access to voluntary contraception,including long-acting reversible contraceptives(LARCs),
Colorado has become a national leader in reducing unintended pregnancies.Since 2009,the Colorado Family Planning
Initiative has increased health care provider education and training and reduced the costs of the most effective forms
of long-term contraceptives,such as intrauterine devices and implants.As a result,the number of Colorado women
choosing these methods has increased dramatically and Colorado has seen unprecedented declines in the birthrate
and number of abortions. From 2009-2014,the teen birth rate in Colorado fell 50%and teen abortions declined by
50%thanks to a six-year program that distributed free LARCs to teens and young women(Colorado Department of
Public Health and Environment,January 2017).Unintended pregnancies have serious health ramifications for mother
and baby,as well as high economic and social costs for the new family.
Eagle County:
• Supports legislation that funds LARC distribution efforts for family planning purposes.
• Supports policies that dedicate funding and resources to Title X Family Planning Clinics and other
reproductive health care organizations in Colorado.
INJURY PREVENTION
Injuries are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1 to 44 and are responsible for nearly 193,000 deaths per
year.Motor vehicle crashes account for the highest number of unintentional deaths in Eagle County.Unintentional
injuries and suicide are Eagle County's third and fourth leading causes of death.Slips,trips and falls from steps
or stairs are by far the leading cause of hospitalizations nationwide.Adults ages 55 and older are more prone to
becoming victims of falls,and the resulting injuries can diminish the ability to lead active,independent lives.
Eagle County:
• Supports legislation to enact a primary seatbelt law.
• Supports a first conviction(driving while impaired)ignition interlock law.
• Supports legislation using evidence-based practices to mitigate distracted driving.
• Supports laws that prevent early licensing of teens,such as those who go through driver's education.
• Supports other legislation aimed at reducing deaths and injuries from motor vehicle crashes.
• Supports legislation and policies that increase capacity and infrastructure in the behavioral health system
to raise awareness about mental illness and suicide prevention.
• Supports legislation that enacts policies proven to reduce injuries,including,but not limited to a child
helmet law and prescription drug monitoring programs.
PUBLIC HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLANS
Colorado's local public health agencies and the state have developed public health improvement plans as required
by the Public Health Act of 2008(SB 08-194). Developed through a stakeholder engagement process,these plans
assess and set priorities for the public health system and guide the system in targeting core public health services and
functions.
Eagle County:
• Supports funding of local public health systems.Adequate funding will provide accountability in the
systems and assure positive public health outcomes through program development,implementation,and
evaluation.
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Eagle County Legislative Policy Statement I 2020
VAPING AND SMOKING
Tobacco use remains the number one cause of preventable death and disease in the U.S.and in Colorado.5,100
Coloradans die every year from smoking alone.The vast majority of cigarette smokers start smoking as children,with
almost 90%of all regular smokers beginning at or before age 18.To recruit new users,tobacco companies create new
products that are appealing to youth such as vape products and candy-flavored products. High school and middle
school students in Colorado now use vape products more than all other tobacco products combined.In fact,a 2018
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study of high school youth vape product use across 37 states found
Colorado's youth using at the highest rate in the nation at more than twice the national average.
State and federal-level enforcement of tobacco sales laws is not solving the problem,and only 50 percent of known
tobacco retailers in Colorado are checked every year by state-level enforcement.Since 2017,communities within Eagle
County like Avon,Basalt,Gypsum,and Minturn,as well as Eagle County itself,have passed comprehensive tobacco
retail licenses and increased the minimum sales age to 21 (T21).Local taxes on all tobacco products have also been
approved by Eagle County;and neighboring counties and several of their communities have passed similar measures
to curb youth vaping and discourage tobacco use overall.These policy advances have happened despite declining
state funding for tobacco control efforts,which hit rural Colorado communities the hardest.
Eagle County:
• Supports legislative efforts to clarify county authority to implement tobacco retailer licensing,unit price
increase,sales age increase,flavor bans,and additional measures to curb youth initiation and use of all
tobacco products.
• Supports the coordination of local efforts in our communities to adopt these preventative tobacco use
measures.
• Supports any efforts of the State to make vaping and smoking less appealing and more difficult to obtain
for youth.
• Opposes further cuts to the State Tobacco Education and Prevention Program funding stream for local
public health grantees.
COLORADO IMMUNIZATION INFORMATION SYSTEM
The Colorado Immunization Information System(CIIS)is a confidential,population-based,computerized system
that collects and disseminates consolidated immunization information for Coloradans of all ages.Operated by the
Colorado Immunization Program at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment(CDPHE),CIIS works
to increase and sustain high immunization rates by consolidating immunization records from multiple providers,
allowing providers to generate notices for individuals who are not up-to-date,minimizing over-immunization,and
identifying missed opportunities for immunization.First implemented in 2011,CIIS has struggled with technical
and other issues that have limited its acceptance and use by health care providers,an outcome which ultimately
compromises its effectiveness. Broad,statewide implementation of CIIS will meet multiple public health priorities,
especially for children.
Eagle County:
• Supports funding and other approaches to expand implementation of the CIIS.
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Eagle County Legislative Policy Statement I 2020
PUBLIC LANDS
Approximately 85%of the land area in Eagle County comprises public lands.This greatly elevates the importance of federal
and state policies related to public lands.Federal programs like"Payments in Lieu of Taxes"(PILT)help offset losses in
property taxes due to non-taxable Federal lands within County boundaries.Secure Rural Schools(SRS)federal payments
provide numerous critical services including infrastructure,conservation projects,search and rescue missions and fire
prevention programs.Land and Water Conservation Fund(LWCF)provides offset funding from oil and gas development to
purchase and develop wildland and wetland areas.Eagle County appropriately benefits from these programs and supports
permanent allocation of funding for PILT,SRS,and LWCF.
Eagle County also recognizes that protection of these lands is important.Not only do many residents and visitors utilize
these lands for recreation,but a diverse array of species rely on this natural habitat.
Eagle County:
• Supports full Congressional appropriation of Payment-In-Lieu-of-Taxes(PILT)and Secure Rural Schools
(SRS)to compensate counties for the costs associated with the presence of federal tax-exempt lands.
• Supports all efforts to compensate counties for lost property tax revenue from tax-exempt lands.
• Supports legislation that encourages the state and federal governments to provide sufficient funding
to local governments to alleviate the burden from the negative impacts attributable to wildfire,fuel
loads,road maintenance,search and rescue efforts,law enforcement,wildlife,predators,pests,noxious
weeds,and undesirable plants originating on state and federal lands.
• Supports control of the allocation of USFS PILT remaining solely with the boards of county
commissioners.
• Supports the permanent authorization and full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund for
land and water area purchases and recreational development.
• Supports proposed legislation that would allow the State Land Board to sell land directly to local
governments.
• Supports legislation that encourages public land managers to develop and implement vegetation
management programs that create and maintain healthy,diverse wildland communities and are
consistent with affected county policies.
• Supports legislation intended for the recovery and preservation of endangered species considering all
potential impacts and subject to local government involvement and approval.
• Supports legislation that would create special land designations that are consistent with land use
policies within the county of designation.All proposed wilderness legislation should include county
input.
• Supports efforts to improve hunting and fishing within the county consistent with local authority
while minimizing and mitigating impacts from hunting and fishing on other affected areas and private
property.
• Supports adequate opportunity for public input on state and federal land use changes.
• Opposes mandatory linkages among federal payment programs that reduce county receipts.
• Opposes legislation that would designate wild and scenic rivers or any other designation where Eagle
County has not participated in the designation,or if such designation would conflict with local land use
policies.
• Opposes reducing wilderness areas or redrawing wilderness boundaries to accommodate development.
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Eagle County Legislative Policy Statement I 2020
PUBLIC SAFETY 0
Eagle County continually strives to provide a safe and secure environment for its residents and visitors alike,whether
it be on the road,in the community,or out on public lands.Public safety agencies like the Eagle County Sheriff's Office,
Eagle County Emergency Management,local police agencies,fire districts,and paramedic services coordinate to
provide services to address a continuum of needs throughout Eagle County,including emergency management and
mitigation,law enforcement,community outreach,education,and crime prevention.
Eagle County:
• Supports counties'emergency management roles while maintaining the effectiveness of our all-hazards
public safety preparedness programs,and emergency responses to natural and manmade disasters.
• Supports additional state and federal resources be made available to enhance and expand community
resiliency planning and mitigation for emergency disasters like wildfire,flood,and drought.
• Supports a continuum of evidence-based approaches to build individual and family resiliency,reduce
crime,and prevent violence,including designing effective evidence-based prevention and early
intervention programs for youth and families at risk.
• Supports the responsible expenditure of taxpayer funds in association with the safe and effective
operations of Colorado's courts and public safety systems.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 0
Eagle County stands behind the principle of local government retaining the ability to determine the services and
amenities it will provide to its residents. Every Eagle County resident should have access to low-cost,redundant,
high-speed broadband internet. In 2017,Eagle County voters supported a ballot issue to opt our county and our
municipalities out of SB 152,which preempted local governments from providing telecommunication services without
a vote of the people.Furthermore, Eagle County is aware of recent bills passed by the Colorado Legislature to fund
rural broadband efforts.SB 18-002 provides$100 million in annual funding until 2023,but uncoupled minimum
broadband speeds from FCC standards.
Additionally,Eagle County has learned of recent efforts by the Federal Communications Commission to reduce cable
television franchise fees.The proposal would allow cable companies to deduct the value of public,educational,and
government(PEG)channels as"in-kind"support from its franchise fee obligations.This would diminish communities'
ability to fund PEG channels.Across the nation,there are an estimated 3,000 PEG channels that broadcast tens of
thousands of hours of programming produced by veterans,seniors,the disabled and ethnic,minority and second
language groups.
Eagle County:
• Supports legislation to re-establish the rights of Colorado local governments to provide broadband
internet services.
• Supports telecommunications policies that encourage equitable access to telecommunications services in
both urban and rural areas.
• Supports the development of additional state and federal resources and other mechanisms to assist in
providing telecommunications services,including both data and voice transmission,to all areas.
• Supports the use of high cost support mechanism funds for the purpose of maintaining and enhancing
broadband Internet service in rural areas at speeds near or equal to urban areas.
• Supports universal service funds,which should be paid into by all communication service providers and
should be used for the purpose of maintaining and enhancing service in high cost areas.
• Opposes any changes that diminish the public,educational,and government channel capacity and
transmission.
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Eagle County Legislative Policy Statement I 2020 -�
GOVERNANCE AND FISCAL ISSUES 0
UNFUNDED MANDATES
In order to effectively serve the needs of their communities,county officials must have the financial resources and
authority commensurate with the responsibilities placed on them by state and federal laws,regulations and court
decisions.In all decision making,state and federal governments should refrain from solving budget shortfalls with
county government resources.State and federal government should base decisions about laws and regulations
affecting county governments on comprehensive data and measurable outcomes. Relying on these two standards
to scrutinize existing and proposed laws and regulations will help reduce unnecessary,unfunded or underfunded
mandates,streamline government and utilize limited resources more efficiently.
Eagle County:
• Supports the provision of adequate funding for any future state or federally-imposed mandates upon local
government,including the need for technology improvements necessary to fulfill these mandates.
• Opposes cost shifting from state and federal government to local governments.
LOCAL CONTROL AND FLEXIBILITY
Eagle County believes that the authority to address issues that pertain to the county must reside firmly with the
county,where state or federal authority does not already exist. Local governments are best suited to identify
solutions to local issues,particularly in regards to the services it provides and the land use decisions that it makes.
Local authority also includes the flexibility to determine use of funding for specific initiatives.The most effective
governance results from local,state and federal officials working in true partnership toward the development and
implementation of programs and services.
Eagle County:
• Supports legislative efforts that strengthen and preserve local control and authority of county
governments.
• Opposes legislation that reduces local control or weakens administrative flexibility of county
governments.
RULE-MAKING
Eagle County believes county commissioners are important and necessary stakeholders in any rule-making process.
Eagle County:
• Supports county participation in legislative and regulatory efforts that impact counties.
• Opposes the exclusion of counties from participating in legislative and regulatory efforts to promulgate
rules and regulations that affect counties.
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Eagle County Legislative Policy Statement I 2020
INTERGOVERNMENTAL PARTNERSHIPS
Eagle County recognizes the important role all levels of government play.Eagle County respects the unique and
important roles of the federal,state and local government,and believes counties are more than an administrative
arm of state government.Commissioners represent the interests of their constituents,and counties must be viewed
as partners,not as a"special"interest.
Eagle County:
• Supports involvement of counties in executive department restructuring that directly affects operations
and programs administered by county government.
• Supports commissioner representation on state boards,commissions and working groups appointed by
members of the executive,legislative or judicial branch whose decisions affect county government.
LONG-TERM FISCAL STABILITY OF THE STATE OF COLORADO
Eagle County recognizes the importance of a state government that operates in a fiscally responsible way and
advances the economic vitality and well-being of all Coloradans. Eagle County appreciates the transparency in the
state budgeting process and the opportunity to provide input,and it seeks collaboration with the state,especially
with regard to decisions and processes that affect our organization or our constituents.The state and its counties are
intertwined in many different,significant ways when it comes to the delivery of services to Colorado residents.The
conflicting priorities of the Gallagher Amendment,Amendment 23,and the Taxpayer Bill of Rights present a complex
set of circumstances that must be addressed.Rising costs of doing business,including the costs of healthcare and
health insurance premiums,present a significant challenge for the state and its counties.
Eagle County:
• Supports and will continue to engage with any substantive effort to evaluate and address the ongoing
structural and budgetary challenges that negatively impact the fiscal stability and sustainability of the
State of Colorado and by extension,its local government partners.
GOVERNMENTAL IMMUNITY
Eagle County recognizes that the complexity and diversity of its operations and services required to meet the needs
of the community may expose the county,its officers,and employees to liability for damage and injury.The county
strongly believes that public officers and employees need to be assured that this liability will not impair the lawful and
proper provision of necessary services to the public.
Eagle County:
• Supports legislation that protects the interests of counties,their officers,and their employees in the
lawful and proper performance of their duties and responsibilities.
• Supports legislation that discourages baseless and frivolous claims and demands made against counties,
their officers,and their employees.
• Supports the availability of public liability insurance at reasonable costs and the ability of counties to
reduce these costs through self-insurance.
• Opposes legislation that expands or increases county liability,or,conversely,further limits county
immunity.
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Eagle County Legislative Policy Statement I 2020
WORKERS' COMPENSATION
Eagle County recognizes that the Colorado Workers'Compensation Act was developed as a no-fault system
established"to assure the quick and efficient delivery of disability and medical benefits to injured workers at a
reasonable cost to employers,without the necessity of any litigation,recognizing that the workers'compensation
system in Colorado is based on a mutual renunciation of common law rights and defenses by employers and
employees alike."The county is concerned about any legislation that will erode the ability of an employer to control
their claim costs and inhibit an employer's ability to get competitive quotes from the market for quality insurance
coverage.
Eagle County:
• Supports legislation that maintains the spirit of the Colorado Workers'Compensation Act,for the
protection of both Colorado employers and employees.
• Opposes legislation that creates presumptive eligibility coverage within the law,promotes litigation or
adds significant insurance premium costs or administrative burdens to employers.
ELECTIONS
As with other counties across the state,most responsibility for administering local elections falls on Eagle County.
Eagle County:
• SSupports equitable sharing of the costs of elections by all governmental entities with a stake in elections.
MOTOR VEHICLE FEE RESTRUCTURING
The Motor Vehicle responsibilities in county offices,directed by the Colorado Department of Revenue,are customer
service centric,complicated and demanding. Despite the fact that sales of new and used cars and corresponding
registration fee revenues have increased in recent years,county revenues to administer these services are relatively
flat.
Eagle County:
• Supports increasing the Clerk Hire Fee and the county share of late fees to enable counties to keep pace
with the necessary costs of providing this service at a level that meets customers'needs and expectations.
E-RECORDING SURCHARGE FEE EXTENSION
In 2006,the state instituted a surcharge on all recorded documents of$1.00 per document.This surcharge was
intended to help counties pay for systems,equipment and training for electronic recording of legal documents. Eagle
County made this transition several years ago,but there are ongoing costs to maintain and upgrade the system
every year.As protectors of the permanent public records related to real estate transactions,marriage and death
certificates,loans,covenants,plats and maps,it is imperative that Eagle County preserve these documents in a
manner that is readable for modern technology capabilities.The surcharge is about to sunset.Colorado's recording
fees are among the lowest in the nation.
Eagle County:
• Supports legislation to extend the e-recording surcharge fee permanently,as well as to increase the
amount retained by the county from$1.00 per document for a total of$2.00.
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Eagle County Legislative Policy Statement I 2020
Contact the Eagle County Commissioners
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M1.
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t
From left:
Commissioner Kathy Chandler-Henry
Commissioner Jeanne McQueeney
Commissioner Matt Scherr
Address: Email:
P.O.Box 850 eagleadmin@eaglecounty.us
500 Broadway
Eagle,Colorado 81631 Website:
www.eaglecounty.us/commissioners
Phone:
EAGLE COUNTY
970-328-8605
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