Granada Landfill Fees Raised for Out of Town Users

The Granada Town Trustees voted unanimously this past Wednesday, January 8, to raise the fees for non-residents who dump refuse at the town landfill.  The measure was taken to help defray the expenses of state mandated improvements at the landfill.  Last year, the state health department served notice that over a dozen violations had been noted, some pertaining to record-keeping and others on environmental issues.  The new rates that will apply are $6 for a barrel, $16 per pick-up, $30 for a one axle truck, $50 for a double axle, a full tandem truck is $60 and the change for a half tandem will be $40.  The new rates are now in effect. 

The potential sale of the town’s electric utility system to SECPA, Southeast Colorado Power Association was discussed with one or two trustees saying they had mixed feelings on the issue.  The town currently purchases power from SECPA and resells it to its resident customers, using the proceeds as operating funds to run the town government.  The current contract expires in 2015.  Revenues have fluctuated from month to month, and it was reported during a town meeting last September that $1,500 a month is an average profit.  The trustees are planning a February workshop to review any new developments towards a sale. Voters could decide to approve the sale during a special election that would be held in April.  SECPA officials said if the sale goes through, they would upgrade the metering system and correct the 10% electric leakage now occurring on dated lines. 

In other action, the board decided to test a new software package on the town’s two computers instead of purchasing new equipment.  The current support system will expire in March and several free test sites will be investigated before taking the step to buy new equipment. 

Dates for the rental of the Community Complex were approved including the Granada Water Association on February 4; Rice/Hightower Reunion on June 14; DU Amache Open House on July 12; Granada-Bristol Day on July 21 and St. Mary’s Bazaar on November 22.  The meeting was attended by Prowers County Commissioner Wendy Buxton-Andrade and PCDI Director Lance Benninghoff.

By Russ Baldwin