Senior Planner Paul Hornbeck sought guidance from the Estes Park Board of Trustees, in a presentation at their study session on March 24, about whether to continue gathering information about the possible annexation of two enclaves.
The two enclaves, one in the Fawn Valley area northwest of Estes Park and the other off Colorado 7 near Mary’s Lake, may meet a parameter of the Colorado Municipal Annexation Act of 1965 that would make them eligible for annexation. The Act provides a specific exemption under C.R.S. 31-12-106 allowing municipalities like Estes Park to annex enclaves — land fully surrounded by the town for at least three years.
In his presentation to the Board, Hornbeck outlined the advantages of annexation including residents being able to vote in town elections and more responsive delivery of government services. The disadvantages of annexation, Hornbeck said, include a potential increase in the burden on town services and finances, and a potential increase in property taxes to property owners…