The Chaffee County Board of Commissioners elected Gina Lucrezi as chair and Dave Armstrong as vice chair at their January 13 meeting, while addressing a federal funding freeze affecting Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Child Care Assistance Program funding in Colorado and three other states. The board unanimously approved a burn ordinance restricting open fires after extensive collaboration between fire agencies and stakeholders. Commissioners granted a conditional use permit allowing Pleasant Preserve to expand from 12 to 20 guest cabins and advanced plans to hire a permanent county administrator. The board approved liquor license renewals with varying conditions and authorized partnership agreements supporting 4-H programs serving 125 members.
Leadership Transition
P.T. Wood nominated Lucrezi for chair and Armstrong for vice chair after serving two years as chair himself. Wood presented the ceremonial gavel to Lucrezi, stating it was time to pass the torch as a board of equals.
Commissioners reorganized appointments across 28-30 boards and committees using a portfolio approach based on individual expertise.
Public Comment on Property Rights
Joe Cooper of County Road 160 provided brief online comment about a property owner whose retirement plans had been impacted by county decisions. Cooper stated the property owner had exhausted administrative remedies and might pursue litigation. Lucrezi clarified Cooper was likely referring to the Sloat property and noted Mr. Sloat was content with the board’s previous vote on the matter.
Federal Funding Concerns
Lucrezi addressed the federal funding freeze affecting Colorado and three other states for TANF and CCAP programs. TANF provides temporary cash assistance to families with children, while CCAP helps low-income families pay for childcare.
The county has sufficient funding through January but faces potential February shortfalls pending a 14-day attorney general review. Lucrezi expressed confidence in community resilience, citing past success addressing SNAP program challenges.
Fire Safety Ordinance
Commissioners unanimously approved County Ordinance 2025-03 restricting open fires and open burning in unincorporated areas. The measure resulted from extensive collaboration between fire agencies and stakeholders after initial summer discussions revealed the need for additional input.
The ordinance includes provisions for agricultural burning, firefighter training, and a six-inch snow threshold allowing burning when sufficient snowpack provides natural fire protection. Sheriff Andy Rohrich noted consensus among all stakeholders. The ordinance takes effect after 30 days with public notice.
Conditional Use Permit for Resort Expansion
The board approved a conditional use permit for Pleasant Preserve, a rural resort at 600 Highway 285. Owner Ben Cherrey has operated 12 guest cabins since 2020 with proper building approvals but never received formal resort use approval.
The permit allows expansion to 20 total cabins while maintaining rural character through 150-square-foot structures and fire mitigation work. The business employs two full-time and eight part-time local workers, serving up to 40 guests on property previously used as a Boy Scout camp.
County Administrator Search Advances
Commissioners approved posting the county administrator position internally for three days, maintaining their record of successful internal promotions. The role has been interim since September 12th.
The board will review applicants January 19 with potential permanent appointment at the subsequent meeting, following required 14-day notification periods.
Liquor License Renewals With Conditions
Noah and Yousaf LLC doing business as Sugar Shack received standard renewal with no Sheriff’s Office concerns.
Independent Whitewater doing business as Drift In required extensive review after an attorney representing neighboring property owners raised concerns about noise, sanitary conditions, and liquor regulation compliance. The business has operated since the 1970s with Independent Whitewater holding the license since 1999.
Commissioners approved renewal with conditions including 10 AM to midnight operating hours, an alcohol containment narrative, and updated facility boundary maps due by the first February meeting.
CSU Extension Partnership Strengthened
CSU Extension’s Monica Pless detailed their updated memorandum of understanding supporting 4-H programs serving 125 members. The program has grown livestock offerings and added instruction in ham radio and electricity.
Recent additions include training 14-15 people for horse level raider judging and livestock clinics with new specialist Nancy Hunt. The programs bridge rural-urban divides through school and Boys & Girls Club partnerships.
Armstrong attended a 4-H council meeting and praised youth leadership development. The board approved the updated MOU pending Colorado State University legal review.
Infrastructure and Grant Projects
Commissioners approved a Common Ground Grant amendment allowing TN Bar Cattle Company to use remaining $10,000 from a well drilling project for additional water infrastructure.
The consent agenda included a Sheriff’s Office opioid grant application for $746,600 supporting a Co-Response Program pairing law enforcement with mental health professionals.
Mark Stacy reported Highway Users Tax Fund projects including widening 1.7 miles of County Road 162 and chip sealing five miles of County Road 321. The board approved the annual report with discussion of challenging snow removal and water conservation needs.
Commissioner Priorities for 2026
Wood emphasized local food security initiatives and agricultural resiliency group formation. He highlighted waste diversion progress including mattress recycling processing 1,800-2,000 units annually and expressed concerns about early fire season conditions due to hot, dry winter weather.
Armstrong stressed balancing economic development with environmental protection while working with local law enforcement on federal issues. He noted progress with tourism planning and agricultural support.
Lucrezi noted Buena Vista Single Track Coalition grant funding for surveying and research focused on outdoor recreation while maintaining conservation priorities. She expressed optimism about community resilience despite federal challenges.
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