DEL NORTE, Colorado – The Rio Grande County Board of Commissioners held their regular meeting on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, addressing a range of issues from emergency flood response to railroad development concerns, while recognizing both county employees and community service organizations.
High Country Staff Report
The meeting opened with the recognition of Maria Sierra, who has served in the Assessor’s Office for 10 years. County officials praised Sierra for her commitment beyond her normal job duties, particularly her volunteer work on the county’s website transition and digital accessibility initiatives.
“Maria was one of a small number of folks within the county that volunteered and stepped forward to assist with our website transition,” noted a county official. “She did a fantastic job taking care of not only the Assessor’s Office, but multiple other offices within the county as well.”
Dale, a senior representative from the Assessor’s Office, described Sierra as “a great asset to the office” who “helps us to get through a lot of different difficulties that we encounter with computer systems and she always takes on extra tasks.”
Citizen Voices Economic Concerns
During the public comment period, a local citizen raised concerns about economic uncertainty and urged commissioners to consider implementing austerity measures. The speaker referenced the national debt of $38 trillion and shrinking dollar value, suggesting the county prepare for uncertain economic times.
The citizen specifically requested that commissioners consider reducing taxes and fees to ease the burden on businesses struggling to hire employees. “If you would again consider dropping your guidelines, your taxes, reducing your fees – it just increases the cost of operating for businesses, mid-size businesses and other businesses who hire individuals,” the speaker stated.
Emergency Management Reports on October Flooding
Emergency Management Director Brian provided a detailed presentation on flood damage from the previous month, utilizing the CrisisTrack program provided by the state. The digital mapping system allowed officials to document and assess damage across the county, with South Fork being the primary area of concern.
Brian reported that while there was significant high water, damage was limited compared to initial concerns. He noted coordination with Patrick (Road & Bridge Supervisor) and city managers across municipalities confirmed that flooding was not beyond normal levels for the region.
Road & Bridge Secures Approval for New Dump Trucks
In a major equipment decision, commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of two new dump trucks for the Road & Bridge department after years of unsuccessful attempts to add vehicles to the fleet.
Road & Bridge Supervisor Patrick Sullivan presented a proposal for two Kenworth trucks at $313,000 each, which he said would be strictly hauling units rather than plow trucks. Sullivan explained that the department had budgeted for trucks in three separate cycles but had been unable to obtain them until now.
“We’re at a point where they can deliver in January for us,” Sullivan said, noting that the trucks feature Allison automatic transmissions – a strategic choice based on the available labor pool.
The trucks, equipped with Cummins X15 450-horsepower engines, were compared against state award options. Sullivan determined that the Kenworth proposal was “the most realistic and advantageous to us to obtain what we’re looking for.”
Commissioner Deacon expressed relief at finally securing equipment: “I’m glad we finally found a way to get this done. It’s been long enough.”
Commissioners Rescind Railroad Support Letter
In a notable reversal, commissioners voted unanimously to rescind their letter of support for a railroad development project, citing lack of communication and unclear plans from the railroad company.
Commissioner Glover initiated the discussion, explaining that conversations around the county revealed uncertainty about the project’s status. “We don’t know what’s going on with it. We have no confirmed commitment,” Glover stated.
Commissioners expressed concerns about proposed shipments of propane and fertilizer, with one commissioner noting conversations with existing rail shippers cast doubt on the viability of those projections. However, commissioners emphasized they weren’t opposed to the railroad concept itself.
“If they get it put together, I’m in favor of having that railroad run up there just in case,” one commissioner said. “But at this point, I think we need a lot more definition from the railroad company that’s looking at doing this.”
The board agreed to take a neutral stance until receiving clearer information, with the option to provide support again in the future if the project becomes more concrete. Commissioners noted that with the Surface Transportation Board facing delays and federal government challenges, answers may take considerable time.
Center for Restorative Programs Receives Recognition
The Executive Director of the Center for Restorative Programs presented to commissioners about the organization’s work and received approval for a proclamation recognizing November as Restorative Justice Month.
The director explained that restorative justice provides alternatives to traditional criminal justice by allowing offenders to meet directly with victims to understand the impact of their actions and develop accountability plans.
“Restorative justice is an approach for dealing with wrongdoing or criminal behavior that really walks alongside of our current systems to supplement them by providing opportunities for people who have caused harm to sit down directly with the people that they’ve harmed,” the director explained.
The organization, now in its 31st year, works with local district attorney offices, municipal courts, and school districts across six counties. In Rio Grande County specifically, the Center collaborates with courts in Del Norte, Center, and Monte Vista, as well as local school districts.
The director described cases ranging from shoplifting and vandalism to more serious incidents, including vehicular homicide cases where victims seek answers about loved ones’ final moments. He emphasized that the approach benefits both victims, who gain a voice in the process, and offenders, who must take genuine accountability for their actions.
“We periodically do those types of more serious situations because victims have a question sometimes,” the director said. “They want to sit down and say, ‘What were the last hours of my son or daughter’s life like? Why did this happen?'”
The Center also works extensively in schools to address problematic behaviors before students face suspension or expulsion, helping keep youth out of the school-to-prison pipeline.
The director thanked commissioners for their ongoing support, noting that even small amounts of local funding help secure grants from outside the valley. “The little amount that we’re able to seek and secure from our local county commissioners in terms of funding allows us to say we have local support in our grant applications,” he said.
Commissioner Deacon praised the work, stating, “A lot of times you don’t see it, like you coming to us and it’s out there, but this is making a point and that’s awesome.”
Commissioners unanimously approved the proclamation recognizing November as Restorative Justice Month.
Local Foods Coalition Promotes Tax Credit Program
Despite being unable to attend in person due to illness, a representative from the Local Foods Coalition joined the meeting virtually to present information about an equipment tax credit program for small farms and food retailers.
The program offers a 75% reimbursement via tax credit for equipment purchases that increase access to healthy local foods in the San Luis Valley. With $10 million available annually statewide, the representative emphasized that Colorado has barely tapped into these funds for 2025.
The program is available to small family farms, food retail businesses, and farmers markets located in low-income, low-access areas – criteria that much of the San Luis Valley meets. Eligible equipment includes cold storage, refrigeration systems, point-of-sale systems, food preservation equipment, and processing tables.
The representative stressed the urgency of the December 31, 2025 deadline, explaining that any equipment purchased in 2025 must be applied for by year’s end to be eligible.
“We’re really trying to get a hold of small family farms and small food retail businesses that have purchased equipment to make sure we can keep that money circulating here in the San Luis Valley,” the representative said.
The coalition requested commissioners’ assistance in spreading awareness about the program, noting that farmers can be difficult to reach. The representative offered to provide flyers and additional information for county distribution channels.
Veterans Day Parade Plans Announced
Commissioner Deacon announced plans for the fourth annual Veterans Day parade in Monte Vista, scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. The parade will start at the Super Bowl location and proceed down Adams to Third Street, concluding at the Hope Hinkley Memorial Park.
This year’s parade will honor a local veteran. Previous recipients of the special recognition medal include Lyle Dye (first year), Steve Trujillo (second year), and Colleen Padilla (last year).
“I was never a veteran, but my hat’s off to all the people that were veterans and that gave the ultimate,” Commissioner Deacon said.
The ceremony will include wreaths donated by a local flower shop for the Martinez and Hinkley memorials, as well as three statues being installed by the city, donated by Colette’s staff.
Meeting Proceedings
The meeting, presided over by the full board including Commissioners Ratzlaff, Deacon, and Glover, followed standard procedures with all commissioners present. The consent agenda, including accounts payable, was approved without amendment – the first time in several weeks that no agenda changes were needed.
Additional department reports were provided by the Maintenance department (Stan Montoya) and Museum (Lyndsie Ferrell), though specific details of their reports were not elaborated in the public record.
The meeting demonstrated the board’s attention to both immediate operational needs and longer-term strategic considerations, balancing equipment investments, community program support, and careful evaluation of economic development opportunities.
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For more information about Rio Grande County government, visit the county website or attend regular commissioner meetings held at the Rio Grande County Courthouse, 925 6th Street, Room 207, Del Norte. Meetings are also available via Zoom for remote participation.
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