Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but most people know the difference between rustic charm and a growing pile of junk.
The old saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” certainly applies in rural communities, where reuse, restoration and self-reliance are part of the culture. But there comes a point where accumulated debris, abandoned vehicles and neglected properties stop being “treasure” and start affecting neighbors, public safety and community pride.
To their credit, Montezuma County commissioners appear to recognize that distinction.
One of the first major issues commissioners addressed this year was public concern about blight, trash accumulation and deteriorating properties. They moved relatively quickly, encouraged public participation and worked with county staff to begin shaping a balanced response.
In a recent guest column (Journal, April 29), commissioners Jim Candelaria, Kent Lindsay and Gerald Koppenhafer outlined an approach that combines voluntary cleanup efforts with possible long-term updates to county land-use and rubbish regulations.
This year’s county theme, “Take Pride Where You Reside,” captures that approach. Rather than beginning with threats of enforcement, county leaders are starting with practical incentives and community participation while acknowledging that chronic problems may eventually require stronger action.
Commissioners noted that neglected properties affect more than appearances. They can hurt neighboring property values, contribute to illegal dumping and create environmental and public health concerns. In Southwest Colorado, they can also increase wildfire risk.
Anyone who has watched a fast-moving grass fire understands how easily dry vegetation, stacked materials and accumulated debris can become fuel. Cleaning up properties will not eliminate wildfire danger, but reducing combustible clutter can improve defensible space around homes and structures.
The county’s first step comes this week with countywide cleanup days Friday and Saturday, May 15 and 16, when landfill tipping fees will be waived for Montezuma County residents at the county landfill. Household trash, tires, furniture, mattresses, electronics and appliances without freon will be accepted free of charge.
Residents should expect long lines and are encouraged to sort materials before arriving to help keep traffic moving safely and efficiently. Commercial waste will not be accepted, and residents should bring proof of county residency. A full list of accepted and prohibited items is available on the county website. Residents who need assistance should contact the county directly.
Other local governments are participating as well. Cortez will host cleanup week May 18 to 22. Dolores cleanup days are May 18 and 19, while Mancos cleanup days are May 15 and 16.
The commissioners also deserve credit for acknowledging that voluntary compliance alone does not always work. The county’s land-use framework reportedly dates back to the 1990s and offers limited enforcement authority.
Any discussion of blight enforcement in a rural county will raise legitimate concerns about private property rights and how far local government should go in regulating private land. Those debates are already surfacing publicly as county leaders consider a possible rubbish ordinance to address chronic trash concerns – a conversation likely to continue as proposals become more specific.
Commissioners recently highlighted one case in which the county provided a roll-off dumpster and covered disposal costs while requiring a property owner to address trash accumulation and a noncompliant wastewater system. That combination of accountability and assistance deserves support.
Not every resident struggling with cleanup is simply negligent. Some may be elderly, experiencing a disability, financially strained or overwhelmed by circumstances. A successful cleanup effort will require cooperation, flexibility and a willingness to help neighbors where possible.
“Take Pride Where You Reside” may sound simple, but the underlying idea is worthwhile. Communities reflect the care people invest in them.
Montezuma County commissioners deserve credit for responding to community concerns with an approach that combines incentives, public participation and, when necessary, enforcement. That combination stands a better chance of success than enforcement alone.
