Elbert County groups back Colorado Plains Ranch ahead of hearing
The Partnership cites a projection of more than $105 million in annual tax revenue at full development; EC Wranglers points to its past donations to county 4-H youth.
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Two Elbert County organizations are urging commissioners to approve the proposed 5,671.9-acre Colorado Plains Ranch development ahead of a Nov. 18 hearing, citing potential tax revenue and support for local charitable groups.
The Elbert County Partnership says the project’s economic analysis projects more than $105 million a year in new tax revenue once the ranch is fully developed. Partnership President Bill Howell made the claim in a letter to commissioners, saying the revenue could benefit county government and public services.
EC Wranglers also told commissioners the development could strengthen county finances and support charitable organizations. In its letter, board member Sean Tonner said the group was formed just over five years ago to support Elbert County 4-H youth at the county fair’s Junior Market Sale, and has donated more than $100,000 to that effort since its formation.
The county staff report says the proposal would rely on a new metropolitan district for central water and sewer. It lists an annual water-supply limit of 184.7 acre-feet under the county’s 300-year rule. Staff recommends requiring approved district service plans or another water-and-wastewater arrangement before a site development plan, along with traffic studies and state highway-access permits before site-plan approval. The applicant says it will finance needed improvements without county funds, according to its application.
The commission agenda schedules the development hearing for 1 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Elbert County Agriculture Building in Kiowa. It also lists a proposed Dec. 16 hearing on service plans for eight Colorado Plains Ranch metropolitan districts.