HCA Staff Report
The Alamosa County Board of Commissioners met on October 8 at the County Services Center, opening with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Routine approvals of the agenda, minutes, and bills were handled quickly before the board turned to a series of community issues.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation
Commissioners proclaimed October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Alamosa County. Representatives from Tu Casa Inc. reported that they have served 55 males and 157 females this year, offering shelter, relocation assistance, and a 24-hour hotline. This year’s national theme, “With Survivors, Always,” honors survivors and calls on the community to stand with them through education and prevention efforts. Commissioners commended Tu Casa for its longstanding role in the Valley and urged citizens to participate in awareness events throughout the month.
Brownfield Cleanup Grant and Homelessness Concerns
Staff presented a proposal to apply for an EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant to address lead contamination found at the former Railroad Plaza site. Early remediation estimates were around $2 million, but the EPA grant could provide up to $750,000 with no local match required this year. The cleanup would meet EPA commercial standards and remove the public-health hazard, though the site would still not qualify for housing use.
Public comment on the grant quickly expanded into a broader discussion about homelessness and transients in Alamosa. Residents told commissioners that they see people sleeping in doorways and business entrances, and that there is little moderation of behavior in those areas. One resident said, “I find people sleeping in the front of the openings of stores. There is nobody there to moderate the situation.” Another said, “I’ve worked since I was twelve years old. There’s no motivation for anybody to do anything unless everything is given to them. The Bible says if a man will not work, he should not eat.” Others urged compassion but asked for limits on services that draw more transients to the area. “We’re getting the reputation of being a homeless area,” one speaker said. “It’s not bad that we’re taking care of our people, but our community cannot handle any more.”
Commissioners acknowledged those concerns. Commissioner Van Ry said he supports the cleanup but “not any future services on that property that would increase the attraction of more homeless.” Commissioner Laske added that a public meeting space could be offered for community input as long as no county funds are used for operations there. The board approved a letter supporting the cleanup project only, making clear it did not endorse any future shelter plans for the site.
2026 Preliminary Budget
Finance Director Madi Cruz-Modell presented the preliminary 2026 budget, projecting $52 million in revenue and $53 million in expenditures. Property-tax revenue is expected to be $4.9 million, and sales-and-use tax for the Justice Center is forecast at $4.6 million. The plan includes a 2 percent cost-of-living increase for employees and a one-time performance bonus of up to $1,000. Commissioners praised staff for fiscal discipline. Chair Vern Heersink remarked, “As a government we should follow the same rules our citizens do — live within what we bring in.” The board will finalize the budget in December.
Veterans Service Officer Appointed
County Administrator Roni Wisdom introduced Craig Rauloff as Alamosa County’s new Veterans Service Officer. Rauloff was welcomed by the commissioners, who expressed enthusiasm that veterans once again have a local representative to assist with benefits and claims. Heersink said the county is “excited to have him on board,” and Wisdom noted that the state office plans to send additional support staff for coordination and training.
Narcan Vending Machine Proposal
Commissioners then considered a grant-funded proposal to install Narcan (Naloxone) vending machines in public spaces and at Adams State University. The machines would distribute overdose-reversal kits at no cost to the public. The idea drew a long and emotional discussion. Some commissioners expressed support, saying they would back “any measure that could save a life.” Others worried about future maintenance costs once the grant expired. Commissioner Van Ry requested data on how many machines already exist in the county and what facilities (such as school nurse stations) already stock Narcan. The board took no action pending further information from the University of Colorado and local health officials.
Department and Community Updates
• Airport: The FAA continues processing paperwork for next spring’s apron and hangar projects; consultants are pursuing an economic development study for the airport.
• Employee Relations: The county employee picnic was a success, and commissioners thanked staff who organized it. Local airlines donated two round-trip tickets for the event.
• Legal Matters: The county’s litigation case “Bullitt v. Alamosa Pain Clinic” has been closed with no further action required.
• Public Health and Safety: Commissioner Laske reported participation in the Blue-to-Blue peer program for first responders to address mental-health concerns.
Adjournment
The board adjusted its November and December meeting dates to avoid holiday conflicts and adjourned with thanks to staff and the public for their input.
Support Independent Local Journalism — High Country Advocate was created as a real alternative to regional media that too often silences dissenting voices while taking sides in the political struggle. Producing in-depth, unflinching reporting like this series and others is expensive: servers, editing, research time, and legal review all add up quickly. If these articles have informed you or given you new perspective, please consider supporting HCA with a paid subscription — every subscriber helps keep this reporting strong and independent.
