By Staff Writer – High Country Advocate
WESTCLIFFE, Colo. (Oct. 16, 2025) — The Custer County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting Thursday morning, addressing a range of business from domestic violence prevention and road safety to capital equipment purchases and next year’s budget posting.
The meeting opened with an invocation and pledge led by Chairman Bill Canda. Commissioner Lucas Voloshin and Commissioner Paul Vosalona were present, along with County Attorney Dan Slater and staff.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Commissioners formally proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Custer County. Sarah Fisher of Family Crisis Services reported that the organization served 274 new clients in 2024, providing 1,427 nights of safe shelter and handling more than 1,000 crisis calls across Custer and Fremont counties. Fisher noted that victims receive 24-hour local support through the hotline 719-275-2429 and thanked the Custer County Sheriff’s Office for assisting with safe transportation. Commissioners unanimously adopted the proclamation.
County Business and Contracts
The board approved accounts payable totaling $203,496 through October 16. Major expenditures included:
– $22,075 for road and bridge fuel from McFarland Oil
– $12,320 for airport jet fuel
– $6,400 for coroner services from El Paso County
Commissioners also approved a $33,216 contract with Dave’s Roofing Systems to repair the Road and Bridge shop roof, selecting the midrange bid that included an eight-year warranty.
Equipment and Asset Transactions
After lengthy discussion, the board voted to purchase a landfill scraper from CF&E under a five-year, 5% lease-purchase agreement for $350,000, with $50,000 down. Road and Bridge Supervisor Brian Keeton explained the scraper will expand landfill capacity and reduce annual lease expenses.
The board also approved the transfer of the Sheriff’s Office 2016 Ram 1500 to the department’s outfitter, formalizing a transaction related to vehicle upgrades.
Budget and Fiscal Overview
Finance Director Bernie Johnson presented the 2026 preliminary budget, which projects a $4.15 million general fund balance at year-end. Property taxes make up only about 25% of total county revenue, with the remainder coming from sales taxes, grants, and specific ownership taxes. Commissioners discussed maintaining mill levies at current levels due to market uncertainty. The budget hearing is scheduled for November 15, and the draft is now posted online for public review.
Sign Variance and Road Renaming
A request from Log Masters of Westcliffe to install a 10-by-6-foot business sign was denied after commissioners determined it exceeded the county’s 20-square-foot size limit.
Commissioners also approved renaming duplicate Spruce Drive roads in separate subdivisions to prevent 911 confusion. One section will retain “Spruce Drive,” and the other will receive a new designation pending 911 coordination.
Public Health and Grants
The board authorized Public Health Director Sarah Bartleson to apply for a $30,000 Colorado Local Public Health Agency Chronic Disease Framework Grant, funded through the state’s tobacco program. The grant will promote healthy eating and expand local “farm-to-table” initiatives.
Public Comment
During public comment, resident Jim Leslie revisited a 2021 county resolution on national issues, prompting no response from the board.
The meeting adjourned at 10:34 a.m.
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