In a recent editorial, I mentioned our receipt of an emailed ‘Letter to the Editor’ that did not include a name or town of residence, both of which are required by our Letters policy. At first, the author of the letter declined to provide his name. Yesterday, however, we received another email from the author.
Bill, I’ve reconsidered. This is far too important of an issue to not hear from all the stakeholders. You have my permission to publish my original email as sent. I look forward to the respectful discussion it may generate.
Mark Anderson
Lavaca, Arkansas/Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Here is the original email:
I’m saddened and disheartened that a some people are inaccurately vilifying the vacation rental market.
Please take a minute to hear my story: As a 28-year retired military veteran I traveled the world and dreamed of someday buying a home in a beautiful Colorado mountain town. When my wife and I first visited here five years ago, we fell in love with Pagosa. But how could we afford it? Only with the help from short-some short term rental income could this dream ever come true.
We found a beautiful house with great bones but was somewhat neglected and in need of love and attention. Directly through short term rental revenue we’ve made well over $100,000 in improvements and repairs. Like most other vacation rental’s we’ve spent countless hours and pumped all rental proceeds back into the property. These projects have employed dozens of local craftsman, beautified our street, and increased the entire neighborhood’s property value. Like most homeowners these contributions absolutely would NOT have been possible without vacation rentals. Our scenario is not unique.
Vacation rental homeowners pay HOA fees, property taxes, and diligently pay thousands of dollars in state/local/county sales taxes from their rentals. However, our biggest contribution may be as a tourism conduit. Vacation rental owners are tireless advocates for everything Pagosa. We are proud to have helped so many families experience our region’s treasures.
Vacation rentals keep Pagosa’s largest industry flourishing. Our guests shop at the local stores, eat at the local restaurants, and pour money into every single tourist attraction in the area. This contribution has been especially noteworthy during the pandemic. Short term rentals have proven to be THE SAFEST most dependable tourism connection to the region.
Therefore, I’m so saddened that a vocal minority have misrepresented not only short term rental owners but our wonderful guests as well. The people that stay in our homes are hard-working families looking to spend time together and enjoy all Pagosa has to offer.
We share the guests excitement when they see an elk or their children play in the snow for the first time. We’ve learned that vacation rentals are the place where lasting memories are made. In just the last year at our house, we’ve had three wedding proposals. Pagosa is a magical place and we feel so blessed to be able to share our home with others. We’ve found our guests are so appreciative and are incredibly respectful to both our property and our neighbors. What a waste it would be if our home sat empty and unused for the majority of the time.
My story is not unique. Citizens of Pagosa, don’t let the occasional letter to the editor paint an inaccurate picture of the short-term rental market. Talk to a vacation rental homeowner, their guests, and all those that benefit from tourism. Please get the REAL VACATION RENTAL STORY. Please tell your county leaders until they have completed an accurate analysis, any taxes, and increases are absolutely NOT appropriate, are counterproductive and are and are borderline harassment.
It’s my sincere hope that if you have a negative impression of the vacation rental market you get to know a vacation rental owner. Meet a family that’s staying in a vacation rental home, and finally, consider the vast economic contributions that vacation rentals bring to our community.
In closing, I hope that all will see that vacation rentals are actually important contributors to our wonderful community and key partners for our future success.
The Pagosa Daily Post welcomes submissions, photos, letters and videos from people who love Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Call 970-903-2673 or email pagosadailypost@gmail.com