High Country Advocate Staff
HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS — The Grand County Board of Commissioners met November 12 to finalize budget approvals, recognize county employees, and hear pointed public comments on road safety, snowplow access, and weed control. The meeting also included contract approvals for EMS and community development, and a discussion of audit procedures for county and housing authority finances.
Employee Recognition and Service Milestones
Commissioners opened the meeting with a moment of gratitude for veterans and a prayer honoring their service. The board then recognized new hires across departments including EMS, Road and Bridge, the Sheriff’s Office, CSU Extension, and Accounting. Longtime employees were honored for service ranging from one to 26 years, including Amy Seidner (20 years, Natural Resources Director), Mary Kirsteins (24 years, Animal Control), and Jody Kern (26 years, Dispatch).
Finance and Audit Approvals
Finance Director Alina Bell presented engagement letters from Hankel and Company to audit both the county and the Grand County Housing Authority. Commissioners approved both letters unanimously, first sitting as the Housing Authority Board and then reconvening as the BOCC.
Weekly vouchers totaling $1.4 million were approved, including:
- $779,164 disbursed by the Clerk and Recorder to local governments
- $323,560 for a new ambulance from Hallcourt Group
- $68,023 for a skid steer from Kubota Corporation
- $90,496 for tourism marketing services
Public Comment: Road Safety, Plowing, and Weed Control
Three residents addressed the board with urgent concerns:
FIFA Court Plowing Dispute
Lori McPhee, representing the Fairways at Pole Creek HOA, requested clarification on why FIFA Court, a short cul-de-sac included in the original 1997 plat, is not on the county’s snowplow list despite being chip sealed last year. Commissioners agreed to have staff review the road’s status and make a recommendation.
Highway 40 Fatality and Safety Demands
Tammy Calgill, a Granby resident and former paramedic, spoke emotionally about the October 24 head-on collision that killed Colby Wolf. She called for Highway 40 to be widened to four lanes and for immediate safety upgrades such as a solid double yellow line. “Colby could have been any one of us,” she said. “He didn’t stand a chance that night.”
Weed Control and Grant Opportunity
Daniela Kosilová criticized the county’s underfunded weed management program and urged the board to pursue newly opened Department of Agriculture grants. She noted that residents are applying herbicides themselves due to lack of county support, raising liability concerns. She also referenced a dormant 2000 Integrated Weed Management Plan as a potential starting point for reform.
Broader Snowplow Access and Staffing
Nate Davis echoed concerns about FIFA Court and cited dozens of other unplowed roads. He criticized the county’s equipment purchases without adequate staffing, saying, “What’s the point of owning the equipment if you don’t have the people?”
EMS and Community Development Contracts Approved
EMS Chief Austin Wingate received approval for out-of-state travel to North Carolina to inspect and retrieve the county’s new ambulance. Wingate noted that travel costs were minimal and that he would stay with family en route to save money.
Community Development Director Hannah Mahorny presented a contract with Logan Simpson to update the county’s master plan. The contract runs through September 2027 but is expected to conclude earlier. Commissioners emphasized the importance of public input and mapping updates, noting the plan hasn’t been revised since 2011.
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