Rick Langenberg
The Green Mountain Falls’ ongoing town manager saga has officially entered a new chapter, with the town welcoming yet another head government boss.
Last week, with little hesitation and much enthusiasm expressed by local leaders, Caleb Patterson took the oath as the new GMF town manager. His appointment represents the 6th or so head government boss appointed since the town pursued a town manager form of government less than a decade ago. (No town manager of GMF has lasted more than two and a half years).
In a short briefing with TMJ and in public comments posted, Patterson, the former town manager for Westcliffe, made it clear he is ready to hit the ground running, and is not worried about the short-term possibility with the position or GMF’s past managerial history. His assignment with GMF may only last a year, with the long-term probability of this job most likely being decided by the voters in November. Town leaders and residents have been divided on this issue for close to a decade. In fact, the public debate over this subject got ugly at times at the end of 2024.
“I look at this as a challenge” said Patterson in an interview with TMJ, shortly before last week’s regular meeting. He contends he brings a lot to the table from a professional management standpoint and experience level and believes he can convince citizens and elected officials of the importance of funding a permanent town manager position. As noted in a public post made by Patterson, “With (my) previous town management experience and a background as a reconnaissance marine, I emphasize accountability and results. I have an explicit background in managing municipal projects, writing, receiving and managing grants, negotiating contracts, and long-term planning. I am very excited to serve you all and am looking forward to speaking with you all. As a town manager, I am your CEO and will be assisting the Board of Trustees on their mission and vision. The best way to think about the relationship between the Board and I is that your elected officials are the “what”/why” and I will be the “how/when”. This year, I will be working with the Board on their immediate goals and help them structure the next five years for the town.”
As far as more specific goals, he told TMJ last week he wants to develop a five-year capital improvement plan for GMF, which is in the process of pursuing a slew of ambitious infrastructure-related grant projects. Patterson also has a strong interest in economic development and would like to see the town do more to attract visitors. He loves the area and previously frequented GMF for hikes when he was only 15.
And as part of his wish list, Patterson wants to help the town better implement its most recent master plan. “I am a big proponent of implementing master plans.” In fact, Patterson expressed much satisfaction with the comprehensive plan product the community developed about five years ago, following hours of community meetings.
But for the time being, the new head boss is mainly interested in working with the trustees in establishing set goals and objectives for the year. A workshop has been set up for Feb. 18 to further outline the specific course of action the town should take. Initially, Patterson wants to make sure the town’s finances are in order and they are on the same page regarding set priorities.
Patterson says he realizes the problems encountering GMF due to his experience in Westcliffe for two years. “I understand the challenges facing small rural communities in Colorado very well.”
Plus, he is no rookie to the rough and tumble politics that sometimes greet Colorado mountain towns. Patterson retired from his post at Westcliffe due a reported falling-out with the mayor. “They didn’t want to follow the law. I just couldn’t accept that.” During this internal battle, Patterson appeared to receive much support from the local media in Westcliffe.
During last week’s initial meeting, Patterson found himself immersed in the town’s complicated grant process. According to Dixon, the town is now trying to pursue a massive amount of infrastructure improvements and enhancements to the lake. The most ambitious project consists of a nearly $8 million overhaul of the main bridge into town.
But there are no shortages of grants, encompassing a number of engineering studies, storm management work and beatification at the lake. Many of these have stringent deadlines and could be difficult to snag. The trustees, though, took the position last week of “going for it,” and seeking all available grants.
The only slight policy dispute aired at last week’s trustee meeting dealt with the subject of fees. Trustee Don Walker asked about the town’s philosophy surrounding this issue, and whether it wanted to generate more revenue from fees, or just mainly recoup local government costs. Leaders plan to tackle all the various fees at its next meeting.
