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Glenwood Springs appropriates $1 million to oppose proposed mine expansion
Summary
Council unanimously approved a $1 million appropriation to the general fund reserve to support efforts opposing an application to expand mining operations near Glenwood Springs; staff said the funds are being set aside for legal and political steps and a mayoral letter will be prepared.
Glenwood Springs — The City Council on Feb. 6 approved an ordinance to appropriate $1,000,000 from the city’s unallocated general fund reserve to support legal and political actions opposing an application to expand a nearby mine.
City Manager Steve Boyd told the council the city has about $10 million in unallocated general fund funds; the proposed ordinance designates $1 million of that reserve for use “to oppose anything that the mine continues to do to expand here in town,” and to cover litigation or advocacy as necessary.
"We carry one of those $10,000,000 in a reserve just kind of informally to oppose the mine," Boyd said, explaining the appropriated funds will be drawn from existing reserves and remain available for the city’s next steps.
Councilors discussed recent filings by the mining company that appear to seek a substantial increase in permitted acres and asked staff to prepare a concise mayoral letter to state agencies urging a public hearing rather than a technical amendment. Councilor Curtis said staff planned to prepare a shorter letter for the mayor’s signature and requested it be sent quickly because of timing on state filings.
Councilor Zelensky moved to approve Ordinance 2025‑O‑05 (Budget Amendment No. 2); the motion passed unanimously, 7–0.
City staff and councilors said they expect legal work and political outreach to continue and noted the appropriation is intended to give the city immediate resources to respond in the coming weeks.
