Ben Aste: Larimer County needs to support small business
If you know me, you know I really enjoy conversations. The past several months have brought countless opportunities to talk with a wide variety of folks all over the county. Since I often wear my campaign badge while out and about, one of the most common questions I'm asked is, "What does a county commissioner do?"
It's a fair question. My short answer includes "working shoulder-to-shoulder with 10 other county officials and oversight of infrastructure, open spaces and county facilities like the mental health center and the landfill." But being a business owner myself, I also make sure to mention the commissioners' oversight of business in unincorporated Larimer County.
If you've ever had the pleasure of eating Sunday brunch at Seven Keys Lodge outside Estes Park, buying pies at the Colorado Cherry Company west of Loveland or enjoying a glass of wine at Blendings Winery near Fort Collins, you've enjoyed the unique character of county businesses. Often these establishments are adjacent to our beautiful natural areas, so they offer scenic backdrops and memorable features like streams and grassy areas. They provide dining, shopping and entertainment for residents and tourists looking to get outside and experience something different from what's available in the typical downtown or big-box development.
In addition to the "quality of life" factor, out-of-town businesses are valuable contributors to the county property tax and sales tax coffers. Roads and bridges are great, but they will always cost more money than they bring in! When the county is business-friendly, it nurtures streams of revenue that offset the county's many expenses.
Of course, businesses in rural and natural areas face special zoning considerations. They should fit into the surrounding environment and be respectful of their neighbors. But as I know from my many years in the business of restreamed building materials, environmental responsibility and business success can go hand in hand! Although our county businesses are limited in number, they need to be seen as a valuable asset. They should be treasured for the financial and cultural capital that they bring to the Larimer County lifestyle. They certainly shouldn't be subject to unnecessary red tape or excessively restrictive regulations.
The county commissioners recently approved a ballot measure for a 0.15% county tax increase intended to fund the county's transportation infrastructure. This ballot measure has gained the endorsement of the Loveland and Fort Collins Chambers of Commerce. I'm glad it will go to a vote of Larimer County taxpayers, and that if it passes, it's only a modest increase with a sunset. The county engineer recently shared that the annual average cost to maintain Larimer County's roads and bridges is approximately $22 million. A sales tax increase is one way to raise that revenue. But with the current cost-of-living crisis gripping our residents, I encourage the county to continually protect its revenue streams that maximize tourism spending. We live in an area that is highly desirable to visitors. If we really want to thrive as a county, let's be sure to support our small businesses.
Ben Aste is running for election in Larimer County Commissioner District 3.
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