Good morning, Boulder. Welcome to midweek. It’s another sunny day, but with the heat and dryness, fire danger is rising.

It’s also budget season, when local officials decide how to allocate hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars. We’ve been covering the City of Boulder’s nearly $600 million proposed city budget. Now, we’re starting to report on Boulder County’s, which had a $650 million budget last year. The new proposal is coming soon, and we’re already digging into key issues.

Today, John Herrick examines the county jail’s budget, focusing on a jail expansion and the construction of a long-awaited alternative sentencing facility. Both were funded by a 2018 sales tax, but that tax was reallocated last year for affordable housing. Now, there’s uncertainty about whether there’s enough funding to open and operate the new facilities, raising broader questions about budget challenges that could affect other areas as well.

In related news, on Friday the family of a 22-year-old who died of a staph infection in the county jail sued the county and jail staff, alleging “deliberate indifference” to his treatable condition, which led to his “harrowing and painful death.”

Meanwhile, Boulder is considering zoning rules for psilocybin healing centers and is seeking public input by Oct. 4. The city plans to finalize regulations by December ahead of state licensing in 2025. Other updates include Boulder County’s ballot testing before the Nov. 5 election and closures of Boulder Canyon Trail for repairs starting Oct. 7.

Have a lovely week,

— Brooke, reporter

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In other news

Red Flag Warnings amid high temps and fire risk

Today brings clear, sunny skies and temperatures in the high 80s that may threaten to set heat records. The last high for Oct. 2 in Boulder was 85 degrees, set in 2012, according to NOAA. The National Weather Service warns warns of elevated to critical fire weather conditions through Monday due to the above-normal temperatures and dry air. Red Flag Warnings could be issued if afternoon winds strengthen.

Family of 22-year-old who died in Boulder County jail sues sheriff, medical staff for negligence

The estate of Avery James Borkovec, a 22-year-old who died with staph bacteremia, endocarditis and sepsis while detained in the Boulder County jail, is suing the county sheriff, medical staff and others for allegedly failing to provide proper medical care, according to a federal lawsuit.

Filed in U.S. District Court on Sept. 27, the lawsuit claims Borkovec suffered a “harrowing, gruesome, and painful death” as a result of “deliberate indifference” by jail officers and medical staff, violating his constitutional rights under the 14th Amendment.

In September 2022, Borkovec was arrested and initially detained at the Broomfield Detention Center for about a week before he was transferred to the Boulder County jail. Over the course of about a month, Borkovec repeatedly sought medical attention for symptoms including pain, vomiting, insomnia and other health issues. According to the lawsuit, Borkovec’s condition deteriorated to the point where he became pale, unable to sit up, and barely able to speak. In one instance, jail medical staff administered four doses of Narcan, which is used to treat opioid overdoses. Borkovec died on Nov. 3, 2022. Read more on BRL.

Boulder seeks input on psilocybin healing center zoning, licensing rules

In November 2022, Colorado voters decriminalized psilocybin for adults over 21, allowing personal use and the creation of “healing centers” where it can be taken under supervision. Boulder is now working on zoning rules for these centers, proposing to classify them as medical offices but ban them within 1,000 feet of residential areas, as we reported in July. City officials say they want to avoid limiting operating hours but also reduce the chance of late-night disruptions in neighborhoods.

The city plans to finalize the regulations by December, with decisions needed before the state starts licensing businesses on Jan. 1, 2025.

As Boulder considers licensing and zoning rules for healing centers, cultivation facilities, manufacturers, and testing sites, they’re asking for public input. You can fill out the questionnaire by Oct. 4.

Boulder County to test ballots and equipment ahead of Nov. 5 election

The Boulder County Elections Division will test ballots and equipment at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, ahead of the Nov. 5 election, to ensure votes are properly counted and scanning equipment is calibrated. The tests are open to the public. RSVP by emailing Vote@BoulderCounty.gov or calling 303-413-7740 by 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7.

Reminder: If you’ve recently moved, haven’t voted in a few elections or it’s been a while since you last checked, make sure to verify your voter registration. Ballots for the Nov. 5 General Election will be mailed to eligible voters starting Oct. 11.

Kroger-Albertsons antitrust trial begins in Colorado

In February 2024, before the FTC moved to block Kroger’s $24.6 billion merger with Albertsons, Colorado’s attorney general filed an antitrust lawsuit. That trial began on Monday, Sept. 30, in Denver District Court. The AG’s office argued in court that the merger would raise grocery prices, reduce competition and harm rural communities, according to the Colorado Sun. The state’s attorney described Kroger as a “monopolist” that targets areas with little competition, accusing the company of increasing prices in regions with fewer grocery options.

Kroger’s lawyer countered, claiming Kroger’s prices are already 10-12% lower than Albertsons’ and that the merger would help them better compete with Walmart and Costco. C&S Wholesale Grocers, which is set to take over 91 Colorado stores as part of the merger, promised to cut prices by 10%, the Sun reported. The state also raised concerns about alleged collusion between Kroger and Albertsons during the 2022 King Soopers strike, further questioning anti-competitive behavior. The trial is expected to conclude by Oct. 18.

Boulder Canyon Trail closures start Oct. 7 for repairs

A major section of the Boulder Canyon Trail will be closed from Oct. 7-25, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., for repairs. The closure, from the east bridge to the west underpass, is due to erosion that has narrowed the trail. Crews will install a support structure to restore the trail’s original width. Heavy equipment will be in use, making the area unsafe for trail users during work hours.

Additionally, the trail’s western end will close 24/7 starting Monday, Oct. 7, as part of the City of Boulder’s Chapman Drive Trailhead project. A new pedestrian bridge will connect the Boulder Canyon Trail to the Chapman Drive Trailhead across Boulder Creek. The Chapman Drive Trail will remain open during the project, expected to last through the end of the year.

Vintage baseball game at Walker Ranch for Autumn Heritage Day Oct. 6

In honor of Autumn Heritage Day, Boulder County will host a vintage baseball game at Walker Ranch on Oct. 6 from noon to 3 p.m., played by 19th-century rules. Players will use a cloth ball, cloth bases, and wear no gloves or helmets. Costumed volunteers will also demonstrate historical games and chores for visitors to try. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or picnic blankets to this free event. Registration is not required.

BRL’s to-do list: What else is happening

Explore ALL upcoming events in Boulder. If you have something to promote, use the self-submission form on our events page, for free.

First Storyteller’s Festival: Savage – A New Musical at the Dairy Arts Center: Thursday, Oct. 3, 7:00 p.m., 2590 Walnut St. Read More

Boulder Highline Film Festival 2024 at the Dairy Arts Center: Friday, Oct. 4, 6:00 p.m., 2590 Walnut St. Read More

Antonio Lopez at Muse Performance Space: Saturday, Oct. 5, 5:00 p.m., 200 E South Boulder Rd. Read More

Arts in the Open Presents “Wicked Wanderings” at Chautauqua Park: Saturday, Oct. 5, 3:00 p.m., 900 Baseline Rd. Read More

Ecotoberfest in Lousiville: Saturday, Oct. 5, 2:00 p.m., 955 Bella Vista Drive. Read More

First Storyteller’s Festival: Dibaajimo (s/he tells, tells a story) at the Dairy Arts Center: Saturday, Oct. 5, 6:00 p.m., 2590 Walnut St. Read More

Hike and Draw Beneath the Flatirons!: Saturday, Oct. 5, 1:00 p.m., 900 Baseline Rd. Read More

Gasoline Lollipops/Lafayette Music Fest 2024 at Nissi’s: Sat Oct 05 7:00pm, 1455 Coal Creek Dr., Unit T.. Read More

Lafayette Music Fest – Official Afterparty at Bounce Empire: Saturday, Oct. 5. 10:00 p.m., 1380 S. Public Road. Read More

Get your brand in front of Boulder’s most engaged residents, directly in their inboxes. Contact BRL’s publisher, Stacy Feldman, to learn more.

💰Jail expansion nearly done — but can it afford to open?

Featured stories

Boulder County jail expansion nears completion, but lacks funding to open and operate