With regard to whether the Clifton and Fruitvale areas might annex into the City of Grand Junction, Mesa County leaders feel the population numbers that the county is citing in its analysis of the area are the correct numbers to use in this situation.

There are no clearly defined, accepted official boundaries for Clifton and Fruitvale. Population numbers from the federal Census Bureau for Clifton and Fruitvale are significantly larger than the estimates the county is using. With good reason: Mesa County is looking specifically at the clearly defined unincorporated areas where annexation is being proposed.

The larger census estimates include significant numbers of people who have already been annexed into the City of Grand Junction. The census numbers also include additional areas that are not currently being considered for annexation.

When preparing our estimates, county staff calculated the population—of the precise unincorporated areas being studied—as accurately as possible. These calculations considered population data, as well as the exact boundaries of the proposed annexation areas, using an advanced geographic information system.

Regardless of which population numbers one uses for the area, the fact remains that we all pay Mesa County taxes—whether we live in a city or not. And whether the Clifton/Fruitvale population is closer to 12% (of the total county population), or a higher number (for percentage of the unincorporated population), these unincorporated areas still use—for certain programs and services—an estimated 40% of the county’s resources. Either way, the use certainly exceeds the proportion of the population.

Most importantly, regardless of the population numbers, the county tax dollars generated do not cover the types of urban services that many residents say they want (such as streetlights, sidewalks, increased law enforcement, code enforcement, and more). These are services typically provided by a city or town government. It will be up to property owners to decide whether they are willing to pay in order to bring those services to the area.

Jon Peacock
Mesa County Administrator
Grand Junction

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