High Country Advocate Staff Report
The Grand County Board of County Commissioners met Monday, December 1, 2025, at 308 Byers Avenue in Hot Sulphur Springs. Commissioner Randal F. George presided as chair, with Commissioner Merrit S. Linke present in person and Commissioner Edward F. Raegner attending virtually via Zoom. The meeting began at 8:30 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. After the pledge, George offered a prayer thanking God for blessings after the Thanksgiving weekend, closing with “be safe out there, people.”
Commissioners approved a month-to-month lease extension for the animal shelter, delaying the facility’s move by up to 11 months while construction continues on a new shelter originally scheduled to open by year’s end. The board also granted a wastewater variance allowing a septic system just one foot from property lines and approved $391,804 in weekly payments.
Animal Shelter Delayed
Under Sheriff Wayne Schaefer presented a lease extension with the current animal shelter facility. The existing lease expires December 31, but the new month-to-month agreement continues at the same rate through late fall 2026.
George noted the current facility needs to be vacated for use as a treatment plant and asked about delays since the county expected to relocate a year ago. Schaefer said the sheriff requested the extension, which the facility’s board approved. The county hopes to move into the new shelter by late fall 2026.
Septic Variance Granted
Commissioners unanimously approved a variance allowing an on-site wastewater treatment system one foot from rear and side property lines at 341 County Road 876 in Alpine Park subdivision.
Chris Manguso from Community Development explained the property owners hold building and septic permits but had to relocate their well when overhead power lines prevented the drilling rig from reaching the planned location. The adjacent lot owner provided written support for the variance. The rear property spans 26 acres with ample space for future development to avoid conflicts.
Major Payments Approved
Finance Director Alina Bell presented 58 payments totaling $391,804.43. Major expenditures included $105,193.33 to Motorola Solutions for the Sheriff’s Annual Lease, $91,357 in fall grants distributed by Open Lands and Trails, and $66,775.08 for District Attorney monthly expenses. EMS Station 1 construction costs totaled just $2,158.66.
Bell reported the county wired $1,048,416.71 November 26 to purchase Windegap Ranch. The purchase will be covered by OLRT funds.
George questioned a Road and Bridge expenditure for “GIS Workshop” appearing in three departments. Bell explained it’s project-tracking software from PubWorks. Commissioners approved all payments for December 3 release.
Routine Business
Deputy Clerk Teri Hertel recommended approval of a tavern liquor license renewal for PIFGB, Inc dba Parshall Inn at 146 1st Avenue, Parshall. All fees have been paid and the Sheriff’s letter reflected no adverse actions. Commissioners approved the renewal.
A Housing Authority representative presented a window replacement contract for Silver Spruce Apartments. After brief discussion about attorney review and whether costs included both windows and installation, the contract was approved.
Bell requested authorization for Raegner’s signature to be stamped on documents since he attended virtually. The authorization passed unanimously.
Commissioners approved November 25 minutes without changes. No members of the public spoke during the comment period.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:47 a.m.
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