To the uninitiated, it might seem unusual that a Colorado Springs Utilities employee won Partner of the Year, awarded by the Colorado State Forest Service. But Eric Howellâs dual titles of forest program manager for the Watershed Planning Section, and deputy administrator of the Colorado Springs Utilities Catamount Wildland Fire Team reflect CSUâs broad footprint in the state.Â
Itâs a mammoth effort to protect water sources from fire; Howell oversees a $1.5 million annual budget dedicated to ensuring forest health in the CSU watershed. The legal responsibilities that have come home to roost for Pacific Gas & Electric after it caused deadly fires in California demonstrate the dangers of a utility company mismanaging fire prevention and suppression.Â
To the uninitiated, it might seem unusual that a Colorado Springs Utilities employee won Partner of the Year, awarded by the Colorado State Forest Service. But Eric Howellâs dual titles of forest program manager for the Watershed Planning Section, and deputy administrator of the Colorado Springs Utilities Catamount Wildland Fire Team reflect CSUâs broad footprint in the state.Â
Itâs a mammoth effort to protect water sources from fire; Howell oversees a $1.5 million annual budget dedicated to ensuring forest health in the CSU watershed. The legal responsibilities that have come home to roost for Pacific Gas & Electric after it caused deadly fires in California demonstrate the dangers of a utility company mismanaging fire prevention and suppression.Â
When George Nehme, a Realtor in Colorado Springs for 27 years, sits down with clients to discuss the homebuying process, he now has to prepare them for the cityâs wild market. He doesnât sugarcoat it.
There will be multiple offers. Thereâs low inventory and buyers are overbidding by an average of 4 percent beyond list price, which sits at a median of $400,000. Whatever amount the client is approved for, Nehme says he targets properties priced at $25,000 to $30,000 less, giving them a chance to make an offer attractive enough to be the winning bid.
âThey need to understand they may not get it the first time, they may not get it the second or third time,â Nehme said. âWe as Realtors understand that process and we have to educate our clients ahead of time and prep them for what to expect out there.âÂ