GYPSUM: BENEFITING FROM SALES TAX SWITCH
Though Eagle is the county's seat, and home to more retail and downtown development, in Eagle County the town of Gypsum is now bringing in more revenue than Eagle from sales tax as a result of annexing the Eagle County Airport and the construction of a Costco, the Vail Daily reported. Last year, Gypsum's sales tax revenues topped $5.3 million. The most visible result of the increased revenue is the $12 million Gypsum Recreation Center, of which the town contributed $8 million toward construction. Though Eagle hasn't seen the same jump, the town is still reporting steady increases in revenue.
DURANGO: SECOND HOMES CREATE JOBS
Even in Durango's La Plata County, second homes account for 7 percent of the jobs, the Durango Herald reported. But, that figure is much higher in other ski towns such as those in Pitkin County, where 43 percent of its jobs relate to second-home activity and San Miguel County, which includes Telluride, owes 23 percent of its jobs to second homes, according to a report released by the Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado.
JACKSON HOLE: POLICE WARN ABOUT RENT SCAM
People from outside of the U.S. are relisting rental properties they don't own for much lower prices than the original asking price on sites such as Craig's List, and scamming potential clients by asking them to send or wire money prior to arrival in order to secure a spot, the Jackson Hole News & Guide reported.
Police are warning tourists and residents in the resort town to be more cautious when booking vacation properties. A property manager in Jackson Hole found one of his own listings - for a single-family home that he had at $3,500 a month - on Craig's List for $900 a month. But cops say the tricky part is that they have no jurisdiction in other countries, and can only warn people to be more conservative when looking to rent. They suggested avoiding situations where you have to send money first and avoiding e-mail replies and offers with contact information that seems sketchy.
