I’ve become increasingly dismayed by the actions of our elected county commissioners who seem fixated on their personal, philosophical opposition to the federal government – even when that opposition costs the taxpayers of Montezuma County. The latest case in point is their opposition to Bud Poe’s land sale to the BLM. First of all, since the land is Poe’s private property, the county commissioners should simply mind their own business as this transaction would not negatively impact others. Secondly, the stated rationale for opposing the sale – that it will cost the county tax revenues – is patently false. The annual property taxes on the 920 acres in question are less than $160 (from county records). In contrast, the annual PILT payments that the federal government will make to the county once the sale is concluded will be $330, based on the current reimbursement rate of 35 cents per acre.
I would suggest to the commissioners that instead of meddling in private property transactions to the economic detriment of the citizens of Montezuma County, they instead focus their energies on more important matters such as public safety, welfare, road maintenance, etc. These are areas in which attention and leadership appear to be lacking.
In full disclosure, I purchased my private property from Poe in 2002.
David Temple
Cortez