It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Presque Isle State Park in Erie, CO gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Erie, CO is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Raphael and Tenzin were so kind and caring to Robert. Thank you so much.”
“Stephanie was beyond perfect, and Sandy loved her!”
“Thank you ALL for your excellent care!”
“Since I was not present while caregiver was there and live in Washington state, I”
“This company fits perfectly with all of my needs. Their office team is always informative,”
“Ralph had nothing but great praise for the care he recieved. Thank you so much”
“Appreciate ease of contacting, good follow up and flexibility. Care givers we have met so”
“I just wanted to say thank you for my birthday card, it was very thoughtful.”
“We have engaged Aways Best Care only for about 3 weeks, but the care provider”
“Very pleased with services...wonderful experienced well trained caregivers. Helped with all my needs, questions”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care (ABC) in Longmont provided outstanding,”
“When I was a guardian, ABC provided quality care that allowed my client to stay”
“I am a past client of this provider Our family had a great experience with Always”
“This is an amazing organization!”
“A beautiful and friendly place”
“I am a past client of this provider We had just started and all of these”
“I am a current client of this provider They do a lot of the things we”
“I am a past client of this provider I never had a problem with Always Best”
“I am a current client of this provider They are really good with the clients. They are”
“My caregiver is very accommodating to whatever I need. She will do chores for me.”
“I am a current client of this provider The most helpful part is getting him in”
“I am a current client of this provider My caregiver is very accommodating to whatever I”
“The most helpful part is getting him in and out of bed and transferring. They”
“Always best care is one of the best companies I have worked for. Best people”
“Always Best Care is the best! I loved working here. Everyone cares about you and”
“I have worked as a caregiver for over 3 years now, this being the third”
“I am a current client of this provider They have a huge impact. They help the”
“We are getting ready to have a girl leave right now. Marla is wondering if”
“Always Best Care was there with caring, knowledgeable staff, ready to meet me and discuss”
“Raphael and Tenzin were so kind and caring to Robert. Thank you so much.”
“Stephanie was beyond perfect, and Sandy loved her!”
“Thank you ALL for your excellent care!”
“Since I was not present while caregiver was there and live in Washington state, I can only comment on what I learned from a distance. Always Best Care staff, Holly as care manager, was always prompt with reports, caring in her reporting. The staff said Chloe had Mike out involved in activities which contributed to his improved cognitive. Too bad he fell but sadly nothing to be done about Mike's falls. They sometimes just happen no matter how many aids there are in place. I appreciated the ability of Always Best Care to provide a caregiver in 24'. Thank you.”
“This company fits perfectly with all of my needs. Their office team is always informative, caring, and fast at responding. The care that we receive is always amazing and everything that we have been looking for.”
“Ralph had nothing but great praise for the care he recieved. Thank you so much for taking care of my brother.”
“Appreciate ease of contacting, good follow up and flexibility. Care givers we have met so far seem kind and genuinely interested in their client.”
“I just wanted to say thank you for my birthday card, it was very thoughtful. You have a great team, it's recognized and appreciated. Everyone has made me feel welcome and it was nice visiting with everyone on your caregiver appreciation lunch you had. Keep up the good work and try not to work too hard.”
“We have engaged Aways Best Care only for about 3 weeks, but the care provider is perfect for our needs. She is professional, thoughtful, and proactive. The case manager and community liaison are also personable and responsive. We highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“Very pleased with services...wonderful experienced well trained caregivers. Helped with all my needs, questions and all staff at the office is always available.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care (ABC) in Longmont provided outstanding, emphatic service in helping move a family member into a new residence, making possible a higher level of care for her than previously available. In addition to supporting her prior to and through this highly stressful process, ABC, and particularly Madison and Michelle, provided extremely useful advice to us, including recommendations for movers and for a pet fostering service that will care for some of her pets until their new homes can be identified. Throughout the process ABC gave us abundant time and attention. Their recommendations and support were spot-on. We highly recommend them.”
“When I was a guardian, ABC provided quality care that allowed my client to stay in his current living space. They were great with communication, and overall had a wonderful experience!”
“I am a past client of this provider Our family had a great experience with Always Best Care. The case management that provides oversight for the caregivers is what set them apart. I would highly recommend!”
“This is an amazing organization!”
“A beautiful and friendly place”
“I am a past client of this provider We had just started and all of these hospitalizations happened. It would have had a really nice impact we just weren't able to use it for very long. They were great. Their service was wonderful and the communication was great. I was very happy with the kindness and care.”
“I am a current client of this provider They do a lot of the things we cannot do ourselves. Everyone we have had has been exceedingly pleasant and easy to get along with.”
“I am a past client of this provider I never had a problem with Always Best Care. My experience was positive because they were attuned to the time with everything I needed to do. If there was a paper I needed to be signed, they were helpful. I don't have any memory problems, but they were very friendly. We laughed and talked. They were just like a best friend who took me where I needed to go. I have always told people about Always Best Care and the people working there. I have referred people. Always Best Care is the best. I like how they were attentive when I called. Laura, she knew exactly what I needed. And the timing, they were perfect about the timing. Always Best Care was attuned to what I needed.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are really good with the clients. They are prompt and always on time. They are always on top of everything when we call.”
“My caregiver is very accommodating to whatever I need. She will do chores for me. This agency will keep in touch with us.”
“I am a current client of this provider The most helpful part is getting him in and out of bed and transferring. They are very good about if something happens like if someone doesn't come they will get someone out here.”
“I am a current client of this provider My caregiver is very accommodating to whatever I need. She will do chores for me. This agency will keep in touch with us.”
“The most helpful part is getting him in and out of bed and transferring. They are very good about if something happens like if someone doesn't come they will get someone out here.”
“Always best care is one of the best companies I have worked for. Best people and co-workers. They truly care about their clients and caregivers. I love working here!”
“Always Best Care is the best! I loved working here. Everyone cares about you and they are very compassionate. As a student, they were able to work with my schedule from part time to full time. They are reliable and great listeners. Natalie was the best! Anyone looking for a job as a caregiver I would highly recommend it here :)”
“I have worked as a caregiver for over 3 years now, this being the third agency I have worked for. This is by far the best agency I’ve worked for or been around, I would highly recommend them to anyone. As a caregiver, I feel completely supported by all of the office staff and case managers. Communication is a key when it comes to home care, and this office makes that one of their priorities. I’ve never had any issues working for this company. I would recommend them for your family members, or as a caregiver looking for a new job. As a college student they are very flexible with time and accepting of what my needs are.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have a huge impact. They help the most by driving us since I do not drive. They also help change the bedding and make the bed since it is difficult for us to do. I think that they have been excellent. I am very fond of the person I am assigned to.”
“We are getting ready to have a girl leave right now. Marla is wondering if she did something wrong. I told her that was not the case. The turnover of people is massive right now. It's not good when you're dealing with a dementia patient.”
“Always Best Care was there with caring, knowledgeable staff, ready to meet me and discuss all of the care options available, including in-home care, local facilities, etc. They know their stuff and are kind and patient with great follow-through!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Presque Isle State Park in Erie, CO with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Oliver's Rooftop or visit Erie County Historical Society at the Hagen History Center, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Erie, CO, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Erie, CO understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Erie, CO 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Ten tiny homes are being transferred from Erie County to Crawford County to provide affordable housing through the non-profit organization Common Roots.The structures were originally part of Erie County’s unfinished “A Pathway Home” village project, which was initially intended to construct 25 tiny homes for individuals experiencing homelessness.Erie County officials determined that finishing the original village project would have cost more than $2 million. Consequently, the county administration decided to g...
Ten tiny homes are being transferred from Erie County to Crawford County to provide affordable housing through the non-profit organization Common Roots.
The structures were originally part of Erie County’s unfinished “A Pathway Home” village project, which was initially intended to construct 25 tiny homes for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Erie County officials determined that finishing the original village project would have cost more than $2 million. Consequently, the county administration decided to give the structures to local non-profit organizations.
Because the structures were acquired using American Rescue Plan Act funds, federal rules restrict how Erie County can dispose of them. Erie County Executive Christina Vogel said the county is legally prohibited from selling the units.
“Because they were made with ARPA dollars, I think it’s important for people to understand that we’re not allowed to sell them, we’re not allowed to profit off of them,” Vogel said.
Common Roots, a Crawford County non-profit based in Meadville, develops permanently affordable housing and teaches residents how to build and repair homes. The organization received stackable structures and plans to assemble the 10 units into five two-story homes on vacant lots across the city. Julie Wilson, executive director of Common Roots, stated that transforming the unfinished units into usable housing requires extensive preparation.
“They take a lot of work to become code compliant,” Wilson said. “Solving the challenges around housing require a lot of creativity and because we have builders on our staff and we have a lot of people that want to help and volunteer, they look at this project as exciting.”
The project comes as Meadville deals with blight, aging housing stock and rising rental costs. Wilson noted that Meadville’s proportion of renters is double the state average.
“Meadville is now 70% rental,” Wilson said. “The statewide average, just to give you a sense, is 35% rental. It’s a very high rental rate and you couple that with a lot of different maintenance and we all know rents have gone up.”
Erie County is managing the delivery of all structures. Four tiny homes have arrived in Meadville and the remaining six will be transported once weather conditions clear. Applications for housing programs are currently open online. Wilson emphasized that repurposed materials should fulfill their original intent of providing shelter.
“This is a lot of material, right?” Wilson said. “You don’t want it to go to waste. They were supposed to create homes for people, so let’s see if we can do it. If any organization can pull it off, it’s going to be us.”
Common Roots has already begun creating site plans on vacant lots across Meadville, with plans to make the homes available for its housing programs by next year. More information can be found online here.
All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WJET/WFXP. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat information into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WJET/WFXP staff before being published.
On Monday, the Chautauqua County Health Department announced its first lab-confirmed measles case in a resident of the county in over 30 years.The health department did not provide details on the resident’s age, vaccination status or any public exposures.“CCHD is working with the individual and appropriate health care partners to identify people who may have been exposed and provide guidance to those who may be at risk,” the health department wrote. “More information will be shared if contact tracing ide...
On Monday, the Chautauqua County Health Department announced its first lab-confirmed measles case in a resident of the county in over 30 years.
The health department did not provide details on the resident’s age, vaccination status or any public exposures.
“CCHD is working with the individual and appropriate health care partners to identify people who may have been exposed and provide guidance to those who may be at risk,” the health department wrote. “More information will be shared if contact tracing identifies any known public exposures.”
The reported case comes just two months after two cases were reported in unvaccinated children who did not know each other in Erie County. Those cases were the first in Erie County in eight years.
There have been 31 cases of measles so far in New York State this year, according to the state's Department of Health.
Measles is extremely contagious — it is 12 times more contagious than the flu, twice as contagious as COVID, and six times more contagious than Ebola. Measles can live in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after a person passes through a room.
Symptoms typically present between one to three weeks after being exposed to a contagious person. Often, someone sick with measles will first have flu-like symptoms, a very high fever and/or pink eye. One to three days later, white spots in the mouth appear, followed by the characteristic rash three to five days after symptoms first began.
The health department is strongly urging residents to check their . One dose of the vaccine is 93% effective against measles, and two doses (the full course) is 97% effective.
Unvaccinated people face significant risks when they develop measles. about one in five unvaccinated people will be hospitalized.
Chautauqua County provides free MMR vaccination. The health department encourages anyone unsure of their vaccination status, who do not have insurance or who are having a hard time accessing the vaccine call (716) 753-4491 or visit .
An energy company is backing out of a multimillion-dollar mineral rights deal with the Town of Erie after residents worked to put the agreement to a ballot vote.Negotiations over the Draco pad had been underway for nearly two years. Now, as state deadlines approach for drilling, SM Energy has canceled its contract with the Town of Erie for additional mineral rights. The Draco pad includes miles of drilling, and Erie still owns the mineral rights beneath several small sections of land that extend underneath neighborhoods.After b...
An energy company is backing out of a multimillion-dollar mineral rights deal with the Town of Erie after residents worked to put the agreement to a ballot vote.
Negotiations over the Draco pad had been underway for nearly two years. Now, as state deadlines approach for drilling, SM Energy has canceled its contract with the Town of Erie for additional mineral rights. The Draco pad includes miles of drilling, and Erie still owns the mineral rights beneath several small sections of land that extend underneath neighborhoods.
After back-and-forth this summer, Erie Town Council voted to sell mineral rights to SM Energy. The June deal meant the town would sell those mineral rights for $4.5 million, along with future revenue, land, and more oversight power. However, the sale also meant additional drilling under Erie neighborhoods. After the vote, some residents who opposed the sale worked to get more than 1,500 signatures in support of a referendum; that could put the sale to a ballot vote in November.
Amid the referendum's efforts, on Wednesday morning, Erie Mayor Andrew Moore said he got a call from SM Energy that the company was backing out of the deal.
Moore had been a vocal supporter of the sale, sharing Wednesday, "We're not going to get the agreement that had safety in it, had tens of millions of dollars in it, but maybe the biggest thing was the land that would have produced revenue long term. On the other side of the equation, we'll see what the drilling plan is, and perhaps there is significantly less drilling that may happen in Erie because of this."
Moore said it's not clear whether SM Energy will drill around this section of Erie or possibly stop short. But the decision could change the plans that had been in the works for nearly two years.
Some town council members say pushback from Erie residents could be part of the reason SM Energy canceled the multimillion-dollar deal.
"I think that our community exercised their democratic rights by pursuing the referendum, and I was really proud to see that happen in our community, and hope that they feel heard. I know they didn't get to vote, but ultimately, they did. I think they have an impact on this process," Erie Town Councilmember Emily Baer said.
This debate may be one of the first tests of a 2024 Colorado law, Senate Bill SB24-185, concerning protections for unleased mineral interest owners in the pooling of mineral interests. The law gives Erie more authority over its remaining mineral rights, rather than forcing the pooling of the resources.
Now, Moore says the town is working to get a seat at the table with the state Energy & Carbon Management Commission because, without the money the town would have received from the deal, Moore says he wants to protect Erie's mineral rights if the drilling project moves forward.
Moore also says the town will not pay the consultant it hired to help broker the agreement because the deal did not go through.
The Erie Town Council is expected to discuss the situation Tuesday, including what comes next for Erie's mineral rights and the Draco drilling plans.
SM Energy has backed out of its deal to purchase mineral rights from Erie, the town announced late Wednesday afternoon, changing the course of a long-planned oil and gas project that has led to divisions within the community.Attorneys representing the company informed the town of its decision earlier in the day, according to the Erie news release.Erie Mayor Andrew Moore on Wednesday evening said SM Energy’s decision to walk away from the table left him “bummed.”Moore has been a vocal proponent of the co...
SM Energy has backed out of its deal to purchase mineral rights from Erie, the town announced late Wednesday afternoon, changing the course of a long-planned oil and gas project that has led to divisions within the community.
Attorneys representing the company informed the town of its decision earlier in the day, according to the Erie news release.
Erie Mayor Andrew Moore on Wednesday evening said SM Energy’s decision to walk away from the table left him “bummed.”
Moore has been a vocal proponent of the contentious mineral rights deal, which would have included $4.5 million in cash and 160 acres of land from SM Energy, as well as assurances from the company that it would plug and abandon 17 existing oil and gas wells within Erie over time.
“We’ve spent a year working through this. … Those were two huge benefits to the town,” he told the Daily Camera.
The Erie Town Council had narrowly voted in June to sell the town’s mineral rights, an agreement that would have allowed SM Energy to drill beneath portions of Erie from its planned Draco Pad just east of the town.
The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission had approved a plan for the Draco Pad in March 2025, but before SM Energy could start drilling, the company needed to establish legal access to all the underground minerals included in the plan. Without the mineral rights deal, under recently enacted state law, SM Energy will now have to redraw its drilling plan to avoid Erie-owned mineral rights — which amount to 2.7% of the total Draco drilling area.
The end of the agreement follows a months-long back-and-forth over the deal.
In June, the mineral rights agreement put before the council failed, with council members split on the issue. One week later, the council reversed course and voted 4-3 to sell the town’s mineral rights to SM Energy. A month later, Erie residents who opposed the deal gathered enough signatures to put the issue up to voters, either on the November ballot or through a special election.
Moore said the referendum “certainly was the driver” behind SM Energy’s decision to pull out of the deal.
SM Energy can continue forward with drilling Draco, even without access to the town’s mineral rights.
Many residents who opposed the SM Energy deal said that they did so out of concerns about how drilling might impact the community’s health and safety. Others in the Erie community took issue with how the mineral rights deal came about, including more than one discussion held in executive session.
Erie resident Steve Drew is part of that second group. He said he isn’t necessarily against the mineral rights agreement itself, but rather the process that brought it about. Drew said that SM Energy ditching the deal is “not a win” in his book.
“The reason the referendum was put together was to bring it to a vote so that Erie residents could demonstrate what they would like done with Erie’s mineral rights. The referendum was a vote against the process that was put together, the lack of transparency,” Drew said.
Erie will retain ownership of its mineral rights for the time being. The town is still evaluating the implications of the end of the agreement, according to the Wednesday release.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens press release & photosThe Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens and M&T Bank are welcoming kids ages 12 and under and their families to visit the Botanical Gardens for a special discount during their “Growing Back to School” promotion. Throughout the whole month of September, children will receive free admission to the Botanical Gardens.Families in the community are encouraged to take advantage of this special discount to enjoy many of the new exh...
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens press release & photos
The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens and M&T Bank are welcoming kids ages 12 and under and their families to visit the Botanical Gardens for a special discount during their “Growing Back to School” promotion. Throughout the whole month of September, children will receive free admission to the Botanical Gardens.
Families in the community are encouraged to take advantage of this special discount to enjoy many of the new exhibits, activities and plant collections the Botanical Gardens has to offer.
The Botanical Gardens is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Families can bring their kids for an afterschool activity or a weekend getaway. The sponsors encourage families to discover the playful and relaxing environment among the 12 greenhouses filled with exotic plant collections from around the world. Visitors can enjoy core collections such as the rainforest, desert, bonsai and tropical orchard.
During various times of the month of September, “Growing Back to School” offers the community the opportunity to enjoy:
•Access to the entire conservatory and outdoor gardens
•Seed planting activities every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
•Crafts for kids in the popular new pollinator; themed features such as the Playspace
•Scavenger hunts for kids
•Favorite spots like the koi pond, waterfall, honeybee observation station, and the newly renovated tropical orchard greenhouse
•An exciting new fall exhibit, the “Scarecrow Trail” (beginning Sept. 19)
•Beautiful artwork in the Arcangel Gallery by local artists, featuring ARTNERs, a fellowship of art educators from across Western New York who come together through art, education and creativity
•An informational timeline about the 125-year history of the Botanical Gardens, and new expansion and renovation project
•The popular gift shop with unique plant-friendly finds
M&T Bank's support in this program helps to remove financial barriers and offers a place for young minds to explore horticulture and science in a playful and engaging environment that hopes to inspire the next generation of plant lovers, environmental stewards and curious learners.
“M&T Bank is proud to partner with the Botanical Gardens to kick off the new school year with hands-on experiences that inspire learning and discovery,” said Don Elick, M&T charitable foundation regional manager. “The Botanical Gardens is a place where curiosity grows and learning happens naturally. We’re honored to support programs like these, which create opportunities for children and families to explore, discover and create lasting memories together.”
Botanical Gardens President and CEO Erin Grajek said, "We are thrilled to partner with M&T Bank again this year to offer our ‘Growing Back to School’ program. It's incredible to see young kids and families enjoy the beauty of the Botanical Gardens and have the chance to start off the school year with a fun and engaging experience. We are grateful to M&T Bank for providing this special free program for our community.”
Tickets can be purchased online at buffalogardens.com. For the month of September, admission for kids 12 and under is free. Tickets for adults are $18; seniors and students are $16; and Botanical Gardens members are always free. The Botanical Gardens recommends planning an hour to 90 minutes for each visit.
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