LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor: There seems to be a prevailing thought that non-resident short-term rental owners are making lots of money in their “business.” It causes me to wonder: Where is this thought coming from?
Perhaps it’s the tendency to cite Summit County in STR discussions? Summit has four major ski resorts and embraces its place as a world-wide ski destination, allowing rampant multi-tenant housing to grow uninhibited for years. Summit County has over 3,900 STR offerings, where Ouray County has around 223. Ouray County is nothing like Summit County and we should stop using it for comparisons and fear their STR issues are coming here.
Perhaps it’s the misinformation being used to evaluate our STR offerings? In a recent county board session, information was provided regarding the number of nights STRs were booked. The report showed our property booked for 152 nights. I do not know where this number came from. In 2022 we booked guests for 97 nights, and 2023 will also end with 97 nights. We blocked it out for our own use for 83 nights in 2022 and 101 nights for 2023. This leads to a perception our house grossed over 50% more than actuals. The fact is we have realized a loss every year. Because we like to use it ourselves, we never expect a profitable year, only help in paying the bills. How many others on the list are being way over-estimated on income?
Perhaps it’s because of items like the editorial cartoon in the December 21-27, 2023, Plaindealer that was printed next to the letter titled “A misguided narrative on rentals”?
Most likely it is all of the above. My greatest concern is I do not see the connection between restricting and lowering the STR nights offered in Ouray County resolving the issues that have been assigned to it. I fear the county (and the state with Bill “C”) are on the verge of breaking a system that doesn’t need tinkering to fix some problems that won’t be fixed.
We have become very fond of Ouray County over the past three years. Everyone we have encountered has been very friendly, we have made good friends and spend as much time there as our other obligations will allow. My hope is the right actions can be determined to resolve these problems and we are able to remain in the area to enjoy the results with everyone.
Lance McCutchen Arlington, Texas
