Non-accruals jump at local banks

By most indications, the region’s economy has experienced a strong rebound from the weak start to the millennium. But some Northern Colorado bankers are seeing warning signs of slowing growth that could have a negative impact on their industry and the region’s economy as a whole.

Unlike many industries, where figures to track growth, stabilization and declines are many times based on estimates or approximations rather than facts, the banking sector can be counted on for accurate data, thanks to heavy governmental regulation.

According to financial statements filed with the FDIC for the year and quarter ended Dec. 31, banks based in…