FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Parachute, Colo. - The Town of Parachute will host a public workshop during its regular Town Council meeting on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 222 Grand Valley Way, to consider re-implementing Street Impact Fees. This discussion comes as part of the Town's ongoing efforts to plan for future growth while responsibly managing limited financial resources.
While the Town already assesses some development-related fees, Street Impact Fees were removed from the Municipal Code around 2010. The Council is now evaluating their reintroduction to help offset the infrastructure costs that accompany new development - if and when it occurs.
“As Parachute looks ahead to a future of anticipated growth, we need to be prepared,” said Town Manager Travis Elliott. “This is a prudent and responsible practice for local governments to proactively finance increased costs and capital needs that result from increased growth and demand.”
With the Town’s Street Fund facing constraints, and following the failure of Ballot Question 2B, which would have established a dedicated revenue source for road projects, the Town is seeking alternative tools to finance necessary improvements. Development Impact Fees are a widely used mechanism in Colorado, and both the City of Rifle and Garfield County currently have similar fee structures in place. The May 15th meeting will be an opportunity for the Town Council to review and discuss options.
The meeting will also serve as an important opportunity for developers, property owners, and residents to provide feedback on the proposed fees. The Town is seeking public input to ensure the structure is fair, balanced, and aligned with Parachute’s long-term goals. No final decisions will be made at the May 15th meeting. Any action and fee adoption by the Town Council would happen at a future meeting date. Additional public feedback opportunities will also be made available.
“We invite everyone with an interest in Parachute’s future, especially those in the development community, to join us,” Elliott added. “Together, we can make sure our community grows in a way that is sustainable and beneficial for all.”
For more information, please contact Town Hall at (970) 285-7630 or visit www.parachute.gov
Media Contact:
Tamara Castellari
Public Information & Records Administrator
970-665-1157
tcastellari@parachute.gov
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