Walsenburg or Mayberry?

The city of Walsenburg continually surprises me with the actions it takes in its official capacity.  As a resident I would think the reason for a city government is to protect and serve its citizens.  Until recently I thought the federal and state governments were there to serve.  Something is wrong.  People are human and do make mistakes.  This is why there is a set of checks and balances to prevent officials from stepping over the line and ignoring their responsibilities.

In the case of Walsenburg I have been somewhat skeptical about the Northlands land speculation deal which seems to primarily benefit the few at the expense of the taxpayers.  All the rhetoric was about benefits of bringing business to the city.  The city residents have seen increases in utility rates and continual attempts to raise taxes, but little improvement to the city's infrastructure.

A few citizens have been so bold as to suggest either further reductions in the city police force or merging with the sheriff's department to cut expenses. These suggestions are met with high resistance from the police department and the city who are most interested in maintaining the status quo.  At one point the mayor commented that Walsenburg wasn't Mayberry.  I have to agree with that statement.

No one in Mayberry would have considered selling the main assets of the city to a pot growing operation.  There was no retail marijuana stores there either.  You knew who was in the police car because there was only one.

The police department in Mayberry didn't have much turnover and did not not hire officers with a criminal record.  Times have changed a lot since Mayberry.  The city council didn't invite people to become a member who had an extensive criminal record.

Maybe its just me, but I think Mayberry stands up well in a comparison to our current city government.

Pot City Annex

Recently we have learned of the plan to annex “The City Ranch.” Why is Walsenburg moving to annex the “Ranch?”

The aggressive way that Walsenburg officials have embraced marijuana as a cure all for the city's financial problems is almost equal to the passion exhibited for the Northlands annexation. We have not seen the end to that speculation yet, but it's time to jump into another adventure.

“Brian Trani, chief executive officer of Martra Holdings Co., said the company hopes to break ground on the site next month. It won't do so until it has secured a pertual water rights contract from Walsenburg, something he hopes to accomplish with annexation into the city by the end of May.”*(1)

Until the city annexes the “Ranch,” they won't have complete control of that project. It may have something to do with water rights. If the Martra Group gets up to capacity, it will mean Walsenburg will have to provide about 70,000 gallons of water per day to the operation.*(2) At present the county controls the land. Will the city be able to provide the amount of water required at present rates or will the rates increase to sustain the need of the grow operations. What will these perpetual water rights be? The deal with Martra is scheduled to finalize on June 1. This will include the sale and annexation.

Prior to March of this year Walsenburg only licensed sale of medical marijuana. In March Walsenburg passed ordinances which allow retail marijuana stores, cultivation facilities, products manufacturing, and marijuana testing within the city limits.*(3)

The uncertainty of the water supply in the future, the expansion of the city with additional service requirements, and the dependence on one industry for the future of the city are troubling aspects of the new developments.

It is common knowledge that diversity is a key to success in financial investing. This same concept should apply to city development. It is questionable that other companies will seek out drug dependent cities as prime candidates for new expansion.

*(1) The Pueblo Chieftain, 05/03/15.

*(2) Dave Johnston.

*(3) Channel 9 News, 04/30/15.