Lake County commissioners unanimously approved becoming fiscal sponsor for Full Circle’s application for Congressional Community Project Funding at their March 3 meeting, a move that could bring $450,000 to $500,000 annually over three years to support a coordinated youth substance abuse prevention network. The board also approved a $30,000 state housing planning grant to create a housing action plan required by state law and heard testimony on legislation affecting Proposition 123 housing programs. Commissioners entered executive session twice to receive legal advice on a mill levy error affecting Leadville Sanitation District and on a proposed intergovernmental agreement for fire protection services, with no public actions resulting from either closed session.
Prevention Ecosystem Funding
Commissioners approved the county serving as fiscal sponsor for Full Circle’s application for FY27 Congressional Community Project Funding through Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen’s office. The initiative would create a coordinated substance abuse prevention network involving Full Circle, Lake County School District, Lake County Advocates, Elevated Community Health, and county Public Health, funding a currently all-volunteer prevention coalition, family resource center support, youth programming, and a shared data tracking system.
Public Health Director Kelsy Maxie said the project builds on a prior Elevating Prevention in Colorado grant application that was not awarded. County officials noted that if Full Circle reduced services, county Public Health could not fill the gap. County Manager Candace Bryans urged caution before accepting federal funds, emphasizing the need for succession plans. “We’ve unfortunately taken on money in the past that we didn’t have a plan for and then had to return it and that looks horrible,” Bryans said.
A Full Circle representative said the organization uses group email systems accessible to multiple staff members to ensure continuity for federal reporting. Commissioners clarified that approving the application does not commit the county to accepting the award. The application is a preliminary interest form, with detailed reporting requirements provided only if the project advances.
Housing Planning Grant
The board approved a $30,000 Department of Local Affairs housing planning grant, with a $10,000 match split equally between the county and the Regional Housing Authority. The funding will update Lake County’s 2024 housing needs assessment and create a housing action plan required by July 1, 2028, under SB 24-174 for jurisdictions with more than 5,000 residents.
The grant allows the county to amend its existing professional services agreement with Root Policy Research, which completed the 2024 assessment through a competitive process, avoiding a new request for proposals and reducing costs. The work will coordinate with Root Policy’s One Community Project to leverage existing data and support comprehensive plan adoption.
State Legislative Testimony
Commissioner Elsa Tharp testified the previous week at the state capitol on Senate Bill 40, which would expand Proposition 123 affordable housing eligibility and allow local waivers for income-to-housing cost ratios. Tharp reported the bill passed committee with one vote in opposition — from Senator Mark Baisley, who represents Lake County as the Senate District 4 representative.
Proposition 123 currently limits housing costs to 35% of a buyer’s income, while Lake County renters are burdened at 41 to 47% of income. Tharp said she plans to propose an amendment allowing Proposition 123 units to be rented immediately at certificate of occupancy rather than after six months of post-occupancy marketing, noting the county carries $500 per month per unit from its general fund on Housing @ 10,200 units that have been marketed for more than a year without sale.
Tharp also said she planned to testify the following day on SB26-002, the Energy Affordability bill, which would require investor-owned electric utilities to provide a minimum level of electricity at reduced cost for income-qualifying customers. Tharp said she planned to testify representing Colorado Counties for Climate Action, as the county had not taken a formal position on the bill.
Other Business
Commissioners congratulated the Girls Nordic Team on their state championship, noting a new separated scoring system for Alpine and Nordic events gives Lake County stronger competitive standing than the previous combined format. Commissioner Andy Lee reminded residents about the weekend’s Ski Joring event, warning that Main Street and Harrison Avenue would be difficult to cross given the expected large attendance.
The board approved the consent agenda, which included professional services agreements with Elevate Strategic Consulting for communications and digital services, Teak Simonton for primary and general election assistance, and Avant Strategies LLC as a Parks and Recreation strategic planning consultant, along with routine financial approvals and multiple meeting minutes.
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