June 30, 2017 – YMCA of the Rockies is pleased to announce large donations to Grand County and Larimer County. The donations are related to recently refunded property tax interest these counties and several affected taxing authorities were statutorily required to pay to YMCA of the Rockies. These payments resulted from a 2016 decision of the Colorado Court of Appeals that affirmed property tax exemptions originally granted to YMCA of the Rockies in 2005.
As a gesture of goodwill, YMCA of the Rockies is donating a total of $1,098,948.76 to the counties which will then distribute the donation proportionately to affected taxing districts. The donation amount represents 50% of each county’s required interest payment, with the remaining 50% being allocated by YMCA of the Rockies to a portion of the legal fees incurred in response to this case.
“Grand County is pleased to put this matter behind us and focus our energies on serving our constituents. We hope to work together with the YMCA of the Rockies to serve our community in the future,” said Lee Staab, Grand CountyManager.
Larimer County Treasurer Irene Josey was happy that several Larimer County taxing districts, primarily in the Estes Valley, would see this 50% return to their budgets. “We look forward to a continued positive relationship with the YMCA.
They have been nothing shy of professional and sincere during this negotiation process. I am grateful for their willingness to donate a portion of the accrued interest back to the affected taxing authorities.”
“YMCA of the Rockies is pleased to provide this donation as we continue to focus on our mission of putting Christian principles into practice through programs, staff and facilities in an environment that build healthy spirit, mind and body
for all,” said Julie Watkins, CEO, YMCA of the Rockies. “We look forward to a bright future in both of the counties we are blessed to serve.”
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YMCA of the Rockies is a nonprofit organization that owns and operates two year-round conference and family centers: Estes Park Center, adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, and Snow Mountain Ranch near Winter Park, Colo. It also provides traditional summer residential youth camp experiences at Camp Chief Ouray.
YMCA of the Rockies serves conferences, retreats, recreational and educational groups, reunions, families, individuals, and youth by providing lodging, meeting space, dining, programming, and recreation. Estes Park Center has 860 acres and can accommodate more
than 4,000 people. Snow Mountain Ranch has over 5,000 acres with a Nordic Center and can accommodate more than 2,000 people. Nearly 2,000 full-time and seasonal employees work each year at both centers.
Mission: YMCA of the Rockies puts Christian Principles into practice through programs, staff and facilities in an environment that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. We will accomplish this by serving conferences of a religious, educational, or recreational
nature, providing unifying experiences for families, offering traditional summer camping experiences for boys and girls, and serving our staff with leadership opportunities and productive work experiences.
CONTACT:
Lisa Neujahr, Marketing & Communications Director
(970) 586-3341 x6012 l lneujahr@ymcarockies.org
