From Garry: As some of you may know, I am retiring on May 1. It is with mixed emotions that I depart before the Marshall Fire recovery is complete. However, I can confidently say the recovery is in good hands. I’ve been with Boulder County for 15 years, mainly focused on disaster recovery (we’ve experienced four wildfires and one flood). This has been the most challenging and rewarding work I’ve had during my career. I have learned a great deal and witnessed how our community has come together in the form of so many different incredible acts to help individuals recover. I want to express my deep appreciation for my county colleagues who have stepped up time and again to support recovery work and find solutions to help individuals and the community recover. It truly is a team effort and I couldn’t ask for better people to take on these challenges with. I also want to thank the local, state and federal partners who I’ve had the pleasure to work with over the years. I know I’ve been demanding at times, and I want you to know that I appreciate your commitment to public service and the collaborative atmosphere we cultivated. I wish everyone a successful recovery.

We thank Garry for all of his hard work and dedication to Boulder County and wish him a very happy, and well deserved, retirement! 

Rotary District 5450 presented a check for $153,373 to a consortium of Marshall Fire community organizations currently helping with the recovery and the community-wide rebuilding efforts. In addition to contributions from local Rotary Clubs and members, Rotary District 5450 also received donations and letters from all over the country: Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, California, Texas, Nebraska, and Wyoming. Some of those who donated and sent notes have no connection to Rotary, they just wanted to help.

Recipients of the funds include:

• Impact on Education (Foundation for Boulder Valley Schools) – for mental health support to students
  affected by the fire
• Jewish Family Services of Colorado – for direct assistance to families affected by the fire
• Marshall ROC (Marshall Fire Long Term Recovery Group)– for community outreach, emergency food pantry, and mental health programs targeted to children, families, and others affected by the fire
• Marshall Together – for babysitting and mental health support
• YMCA of Northern Colorado – for childcare while parents who lost their homes completed disaster paperwork
• YMCA of Northern Colorado – for summer camp for children of families affected by the fire

On May 1, the Boulder County Assessor's office is required to send a Notice of Valuation to all property owners in Boulder County. The Notice of Value will show the 2023 reappraisal value. Please note that there has been significant changes in valuation of properties impacted by the fire since your 2021 home value was removed and your land value was reduced 50%. Expect to receive the notices next week. More information about the valuation process can be found on the county’s website.

The Marshall Fire Small Business Grants Program will provide a total of $1 million in grants through this one-time competitive grant program. The maximum grant amount per business is $20,000, which is anticipated to be distributed in May.

The grants are intended to help eligible small businesses that have incurred economic loss or increased business expenses due to the Marshall Fire by providing support toward the retention and/or creation of low- and middle-income full-time jobs in the impacted area.

Learn more about eligibility. Applications are open until 5 p.m. today - Friday, April 28.

Everyone who lost a home in either the Marshall or Cal-Wood Fires and is rebuilding on their affected property qualifies for the county’s Use Tax Rebate. The rebate is 100% of county use tax paid at the time the permit was issued with a maximum cap of $3,500 for permit’s issued in 2022 and a maximum cap of $4,200 for permit’s issued in 2023-24. This increase in 2023-24 is taking into account the increase in use tax resulting from November’s voter-approved ballot measures.

Learn more and apply. 

Mental Health Support Sessions

Mental Health Partners, in partnership with Colorado Spirit, offers free, drop-in group support sessions for those impacted by the Marshall Fire. No need to register.

Mondays, 1:30-2:30 p.m. for seniors
Thursdays, noon to 1 p.m. for parents (including childcare)
Fridays, 1-2 p.m. for all community members
Marshall ROC Recovery Center, 357 McCaslin Blvd., Suite 115-B, Louisville.

Processing Groups

Process groups allow individuals to share their experiences and express emotions with others and a trained therapist. Groups meet virtually.
Mondays, 6-7 p.m.
Learn more and register

Find more support.