During a recent City Council meeting, residents voiced urgent concerns regarding significant utility rate increases and environmental issues linked to fossil fuel dependency in Northern Colorado. One speaker highlighted the alarming prospect of a 60% to 84% increase in utility costs, which could severely impact low-income residents and local businesses. The speaker criticized the city’s reliance on fossil fuels, noting that while other utilities are transitioning to renewable energy, the local utility is planning to add 200 megawatts of fossil fuel capacity, resulting in 84% of its base load power coming from non-renewable sources.

The speaker also referenced a troubling report from the American Lung Association, which rated Fort Collins as having the 16th worst air quality in the nation. This has raised concerns about the potential for additional gas plants in the area, which residents argue would exacerbate existing air quality issues. They urged the council to engage with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to reassess the energy strategy, especially in light of the Regional Air Quality Council's recent modeling that could classify the Rawhide power plant as a stranded asset.

Another resident, Gary Nation, raised a separate issue regarding neglected storm-damaged trees at the Courtney Park Apartments. He expressed frustration over the lack of action from city officials, despite multiple reports made since July. Nation provided photographic evidence of the hazardous conditions caused by dead limbs obstructing sidewalks and parking areas, calling for immediate attention to the matter.

Additionally, concerns were raised about traffic issues on East Harmony Road, likening it to a racetrack during nighttime and weekends, further emphasizing the need for city intervention in maintaining public safety and infrastructure.

The discussions reflect a growing demand for accountability and action from city officials on both environmental and community safety issues.