MARCH 2024

NEWSLETTER

Johnstown Town LowDown with Town logo

Mayor and Town Council Unanimously

Approves Residential Property Tax Rebate

In response to significant increases in property values in 2023, Mayor Mellon and members of the Town Council have approved a local property tax rebate for residential property owners in Johnstown. This rebate, totaling $650,000, along with a reduction in residential property assessments of $376,948 authorized by the state legislature in SB23B-001, will provide over $1 million in tax relief to the Town's residential property owners.


This tax relief initiative follows a reassessment by County Assessors of real property values, which occurs every other year in odd years. In August 2023, preliminary property tax estimates from Weld and Larimer Counties indicated an increase in residential property taxes of approximately $1.19 million due to reassessments. Town Staff presented these estimates to Mayor Mellon and Town Councilmembers during budget work sessions in September and October 2023. In response to the significant increase, the Council requested that Staff prepare to implement a rebate for residential taxpayers. This rebate totaling $1 million was approved as part of the 2024 Budget, with funds distributed based on the proportional increase in individual home values.


In late November 2023, the state legislature passed SB23B-001, reducing residential property tax assessments for the Town of Johnstown by $376,948. (This reduction has already been reflected in each homeowner's tax bill.) Following the approval of SB23B-001, Mayor Mellon and the Town Council revisited the local residential tax rebate. On February 21, 2024, the Council approved Resolution 2024-09, concluding months of work to provide property tax relief to residential property owners. The planned local rebate, totaling $650,000, will be directly funded by the Town, and distributed to the property owner. Rebate checks will be processed and mailed after property taxes are paid to the County and the County remits those funds to the Town. Rebates will be calculated based on the Town mill levy and each homeowner's proportionate share of the $650,000. Checks will be sent to the property owner of record according to County records, with payments expected to be mailed out in late August or early September once the Town has received the property tax revenues from the counties. To be eligible for the rebate, property owners must pay their property taxes by the June 15, 2024, due date. Eligible property owners will receive the rebate automatically without the need to take any additional steps. After processing the local rebates, the Town anticipates a $169,972 increase in revenues or 5.06% compared to 2022 in residential property taxes. (Please note that the 5.06% increase only applies to the Town's portion of each residential property owner's property tax bill and does not impact the property tax increase/rate of any other taxing entity.) Visit our FAQ page for additional resources and information at Johnstownco.gov/property-taxrelief.

Low-water Gardening Made Easy

The Town has partnered with Resource Central to offer you low-water perennial garden kits to transform your yard from blah to wow! Professionally designed for Colorado yards, these kits are super easy to install and can help you save around 7,300 gallons of water over the garden's lifetime. Starting at just $127.


Visit ResourceCentral.org/Gardens to order your waterwise Garden in the Box today, and claim your discount for Johnstown customers. Spaces are limited.

Reserve Your Spot: How to Secure the Perfect Park Pavilion for Your Next Event!

Planning a birthday bash or weekend picnic? Consider reserving one of the eight beautiful parks that call Johnstown home! 


With a reservation fee of $40 your perfect day in the sun, shade (or rain!) is just a reservation away. To ensure our parks stay pristine for everyone, we're introducing a refundable damage deposit of $250. It's a small investment for a big impact­ guaranteeing that our green spaces remain enjoyable for all. 


How it works: 

  1. Call of visit Town Hall to reserve your preferred park
  2. Pay the $40 reservation fee
  3. Include the refundable $250 damage deposit
  4. Enjoy your event surrounded by the beauty of our parks!
  5. After inspection your damage deposit will be refunded


These changes aim to enhance your park experience and maintain the lush environment we all cherish. We appreciate the understanding in the changes to our reservation system and the support to keep our parks vibrant and welcoming for every gathering! 

April 2, 2024 Municipal Election Guide

The municipal election is just around the corner. We're here to provide you with all the essential information to ensure a smooth voting experience. 


Registration Reminder: 

To participate in the election, make sure you are registered to vote by March 6, 2024. Visit coloradosos.gov to check your registration status or register to vote if you haven't done so already. 


Identifying the Correct Ballot: 

When you receive your ballot in the mail in mid-March, keep an out for the blue stripe on the left-hand side of the envelope. This distinctive feature indicates that you have the correct ballot for the Town of Johnstown election. 


Ballot Return Options: 

Only ballots with the signature blue stripe should be sent back to the Town of Johnstown. Need information on how to return your ballot? You have options! You can place it in the mail to PO Box 40, Johnstown, CO 80534, or bring it in person to 450 S. Parish. For your convenience, a 24/hr dropbox is located in the circle drive. A drop box will be available inside Town Hall Monday-Friday.


Don't Forget to Sign: 

Before sealing your ballot envelope, remember to sign the back. 


Need Assistance: 

Our Clerk's Office is here to help, reach us at 970-578-9600 


Johnstown Water Treatment Plant Construction to Begin April 2024,



Residents Invited to Open House

The Town is gearing up for a significant infrastructure upgrade to the Water Treatment Plant scheduled to begin in April.


This multi-year project aims to not only enhance the existing plant but also expand its capacity to handle current and future water demands within the community. By modernizing and expanding the plant's capabilities, Johnstown aims to ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for residents for years to come. 


The Town is extending an invitation to all residents to attend an Open House event on March 20 at 6:00 PM at Town Hall located at 450 S. Parish Avenue. This is an excellent opportunity for residents to gain insights into the project, ask questions, and understand potential impacts. We'll be discussing project timelines, design specifics, and the strategies we've put in place to minimize any disruptions to daily life in Johnstown. 

For further information or inquiries about the project, residents can reach out to Town Hall or scan the QR code to visit the project page. 

Congratulations to February's Business of the Month - SCHEELS

SCHEELS opened in 2017 and employs around 600 full-time and part-time employees. In 2023, SCHEELS supported over 1,000 different community events, fundraisers, and organizations. 


As an employee owned company, SCHEELS' goal is to be the best retailer in the eyes and hearts of their customers, associates, and community partners. SCHEELS is appreciative of the opportunity to be in Johnstown. 

Garbage and Recycling - Find more info online at johnstownco.gov/GarbageandRecycling

Service on Mondays or Wednesdays, garbage weekly and recycling every other week.

Johnstown WEST of CO Blvd

Monday Pick Up

Upcoming recycling dates below

March 4 & 18

Johnstown EAST of CO Blvd

Wednesday Pick Up 

Upcoming recycling dates below

March 6 & 20

SAVE THE DATE

April 1- April 30: Cemetery Cleanup

April 20: Spring Clean Up

June 15: Johnstown PD Shred Event

Johnstown Senior Center

Join us for two new and exciting opportunities! The Senior Center will host a 6-week course, Aging Mastery, Class to dive into key steps for improving well-being and stability in a fun and innovative way. Program launches on March 4 so enroll now! 


Mark your calendars for April 16th - our annual Resource Fair! Vendors and programming from northern Colorado will be in attendance in an effort to provide you all the resources our older adult community needs. Blood pressure checks, chiropractic care, nursing and dietitian resources plus more! This fair is a great resource for our English and Spanish speaking community. 

Johnstown Historical Society

Save the Date - July 6, 2024, Johnstown Meteorite Centennial Celebration. The Johnstown Historical Society, in partnership with the Town of Johnstown, is planning this once-in-a lifetime event to commemorate the rare and famous meteorite that fell at the Elwell Cemetery (now Johnstown Cemetery). Details coming soon. 

The Parish House is open Wednesdays and the first Saturdays of the month from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. and by appointment. For more info: [email protected], 970-597-0278, or visit JHSCO.org. 

Glenn A. Jones Memorial Library

March into Spring and let the Library help with your Spring-cleaning endeavors: 

  • Drop off worn-out American flags for proper disposal by the JM Post Veterans Club.
  • Bring in gently used eyeglasses for the collection box provided by the Greater Johnstown Lions Club.
  • Donate canned goods and other non-perishable items for the local food pantry. (No expired items, please!)
  • Return those overdue library materials!
Go to JohnstownCO.gov

Town of Johnstown - The Community That Cares

970-587-4664

450 S. Parish Ave, Johnstown CO

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