by Larry Patrick
WALSENBURG- Foreclosures were up slightly for 2009 compared to the previous year. That is according to Debbie Reynolds of the Huerfano County Treasurer’s Office. Reynolds told the Huerfano County Commissioners that there were 55 foreclosures last year compared to 52 in 2008. That brings the 2 year total to 107. The sale of foreclosed properties have helped some local real estate companies but those people wanting to sell their properties in the county find themselves unable to compete with many of the foreclosed prices.
Reynolds also said that bankruptcies have increased this year due to the economy.
Larry Mapes and Todd Potts asked the Commissioners about concerns of FAA rules at the airport that may lessen the number of wind farm towers they could place on land adjacent to the field. The Commissioners and airport manager, Gary Hanisch were not aware of some of the possible changes in instrument approach ratings that could increase the range around the airport that structures could not be built. Mapes said he doesn’t have confirmation on that but it would decrease by two-thirds the available land for wind farm towers. He said that would make his project hardly worth the effort. The Commissioners wanted to get information from FAA officials to see what is fact and what impacts any of their action could have on the wind farm project. Mapes and Potts have 4 years of wind studies on their adjacent properties. The airport has been receiving federal funds for the past decade for improvements.
The Commissioners passed a resolution promoting census awareness. Having everyone counted allows the County to get as much money as possible.
