Following the Board’s unanimous approval of the budget at the November Board Meeting, homeowners were given the opportunity to vote on its ratification. Of the 205 homeowners who participated in the vote, 171 approved the budget and 34 opposed it. As a result, the budget has been ratified and took effect on January 1, 2026, along with the updated dues:

Homeowners enrolled in auto-pay do not need to take any action; monthly automatic payments will be adjusted to reflect the new rate.

Click here to view the 2026 Assessments by Neighborhood, which are also listed on RVR’s website.

Homeowners who submit payments by mail or use their bank’s bill-pay service will receive invoices reflecting the updated amounts and should ensure their payment settings are adjusted accordingly.

*Homeowners who reside in sub-associations such as the Boundary, Fairway and Crystal Bluffs, should contact their Board of Directors or property manager directly should you have any questions regarding your 2026 dues.

Watering trees during Colorado’s winter months plays an important role in their long-term health and survival. Because our climate is dry and winter precipitation is often limited, soil moisture can quickly become depleted. Providing supplemental water helps protect root systems from winter stress, reduces susceptibility to disease and pests, and supports overall tree resilience. Well-hydrated trees are also better prepared to leaf out, bloom, and thrive in the spring, enhancing the beauty and ecological health of our community.

Read more about Fall and Winter Watering here.

The Town of Carbondale will be holding a regular municipal election on April 7, 2026. Three Board of Trustee seats and the Mayor (all four-year terms) are up for election. Those wishing to run for Trustee may pick up a Nomination Petition beginning January 6, 2026 from the Town Clerk, Patrick Thibault. Qualifications: All candidates must be a qualified elector of the Town, a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years of age, and must have resided in the Town of Carbondale for one consecutive year immediately prior to the date of the election. Petitions must be returned to the Town Clerk no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. The Town of Carbondale is a non-partisan body of local government, therefore, there is no party affiliation designation.

For more information visit the Town Website, or contact the Town Clerk, Patrick Thibault at 970-510-1206 or pthibault@carbondaleco.net.

Administrative Office Impacts

Beginning around January 5, there may be temporary impacts to the Administrative Offices as work continues. Staff may relocate to temporary office space in the Executive Board Room during this time. While the timelines are difficult to project, the disturbances could last up to one month. We will continue to keep the community informed as this transition approaches.

Roofing Update & Pool Area Access
Thank you to our community for your patience while roofing work was completed above the lap lanes and hot tubs. We’re pleased to share that the work in this area is now finished, and the pools and hot tubs are once again open for regular use during Ranch House hours each day!
 
We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at the Ranch House soon!

Ten swimmers made a big splash this year, racking up an impressive 28,102 meters—nearly 18 miles in the pool! Thank you to everyone who came out to join the fun. We can’t wait to see an even bigger turnout next year—plus brunch!

This year’s aquatic all-stars:
Brian Leasure, John Field, David Feinberg, Daryl Gasca, Carrie Kellman, Micheal Kellman, Miranda Halverson, Margo Calvetti, Cari Shurman, and Sue Evanoff.

As we wrap up the holiday season, we’d like to remind everyone that it’s almost time to take down festive decor.

Per the RVR Holiday Lighting policy, "lighting may be turned on until January 31. Holiday yard ornaments/decorations, visible holiday lights and house icicle lights must be turned off and removed by January 31. Outdoor tree lights must be off after January 31, but homeowners have until March 1 to remove tree lights."

Please join us at the Ranch House for a live-streamed viewing of the 2026 Aspen Words event, shown on the Great Room TV and featuring the following authors:

Jan. 28 - Susan Orlean 

Feb. 4 - Lily King

Feb. 11 - Tara Roberts

This week’s featured photo from Kristin Price shows Victor Frog ringing in the New Year with a bold Polar Bear Plunge into the Crystal River.

Do you have a photo you’d like to share with the community? We’d love to showcase it! Please send your submissions to our Member Services Supervisor, Sarah Gager, at Sarah.Gager@rvrma.org

Thunder River Theatre Company invites the RVR theatre group and residents to “Sips & Scripts” on Monday evening, January 12, for a behind-the-scenes look at its upcoming production of the play, “K2”. Enjoy a signature cocktail, observe the first script read-through by the actors, hear design presentations, and then meet and mingle with the cast and creative team. This intimate event, usually offered only to members of the theatre, offers a unique opportunity to connect with artists and ideas that bring a professional play to life.  

For more information or to make a reservation, contact Dori Libson at dorilibson@gmail.com or 410-271-4075.

Click here to view the Town of Carbondale meeting calendar.

View the 2026 Waste TOC Collection Calendar.

Click here for more information.

The Homestead will remain open in the off-season due to popular demand! Stop by the Homestead Golf Restaurant and enjoy great food, a friendly atmosphere, and beautiful views right here in RVR. With new winter hours, it’s a perfect spot to meet friends, relax, and support a local gem.

Click here to view their menu
Click here to view the calendar for upcoming events.  

Streets and public bike paths throughout River Valley Ranch are maintained by the Town of Carbondale. For information about the Town of Carbondale Snow and Ice Control Guidelines, click here.

Below are the thresholds that will trigger service in the Old Town & Settlement neighborhoods, which are contracted with RVRMA:

Old Town—to be plowed at 2” of accumulation
Settlement—1/2” of snow triggers only north facing driveways to be plowed; 3/4” triggers all driveways in Settlement to be plowed.

*Residents of the Boundary, the Twenty-Four and Crystal Bluffs can contact your Board of Directors or property manager should you have any questions.

As part of the 2026 approved annual budget, fitness fees changed from $3/class to $4/class beginning January 1. 

970.963.6300  •  www.rvrma.org