Archuleta County Commissioners split 2-1 Tuesday on pursuing a feasibility study for a new consolidated county facility, with one commissioner citing budget constraints and road infrastructure needs as higher priorities. The board unanimously approved spending an additional $26,077.83 from Collaborative Management Program surplus funds, bringing total fiscal year wildfire prevention spending to $113,793.83. Commissioners also appointed Sandra Dillon to the planning commission and approved updated county service fees while excluding planning and solid waste fee changes pending further review. County elected officials presented detailed arguments for facility consolidation, citing safety concerns, inadequate electrical systems, and departments spread across multiple locations that hamper service delivery to residents. The no-cost feasibility study with Performance Services Inc. would provide concrete cost estimates to taxpayers, supporters argued, while the dissenting commissioner maintained the community cannot afford such a project currently given existing financial pressures.
Building Study Advances Despite Budget Concerns
County elected officials outlined extensive operational deficiencies in current government facilities to support their consolidation proposal. More than 60 employees across 16 departments work in buildings spread across multiple locations, creating communication barriers and forcing daily travel between offices.
The assessor’s office operates from three separate locations within the same building, while current facilities lack controlled access points and adequate security measures. Infrastructure problems include electrical systems that cannot support basic operations when heaters and microwaves run simultaneously, and HVAC systems incompatible with building layouts. County records are stored in off-site rental units.
Duplicated operating costs include rent, utilities, maintenance, insurance, janitorial services, snow removal, trash collection, phone service, internet, postage, and storage fees across multiple buildings. Officials argued continued investment in current facilities amounts to reactive spending, while consolidated facilities would create a durable public asset and flatten long-term operating expenses.
One commissioner opposed the feasibility study, stating facility consolidation was not a priority given money constraints and road needs. Two commissioners supported obtaining cost estimates through the study at no expense to the county, noting the community asked for a cost-conscious approach. The motion to direct the county manager to work with Performance Services Inc. on a memorandum of understanding passed 2-1.
Wildfire Prevention Program Receives Surplus Funding
The Collaborative Management Program received $26,077.83 in additional funding from surplus accounts, supplementing the existing $87,716 annual allocation for the fiscal year running July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Heidi Martinez, Department of Human Services Director, presented the contract amendment.
The program maintains over $200,000 in local reserve accounts, with statewide reserves exceeding $9 million. Staff noted the CMP operates without typical “use it or lose it” provisions governing other programs, and the board requested holding two years of working capital. Another $26,000 request is planned for the new fiscal year contract beginning in July.
Planning Commission Gains New Member
Sandra Dillon received unanimous appointment to the planning commission following recommendation from existing commissioners. Dillon attended the December 18th planning commission meeting and earned unanimous support from current members. Melissa Ryan, Planning Manager, presented the appointment.
The appointment fills a vacancy as an existing member plans to step down to associate status. Three additional applicants will be considered at the January planning commission meeting.
Service Fee Updates Approved Partially
Commissioners approved updated county service fees while excluding planning and solid waste fee modifications. Planning fee changes added after the previous work session require additional review time. Solid waste fees remain on hold pending further review.
Road Infrastructure Challenges Highlighted
Eric Davidson, president of Aspen Springs Metropolitan District, addressed Indian Land Road deficiencies during public comment. The road was never completed to county standards despite serving hundreds of residents daily, Davidson said.
Residents face additional five-mile detours on poorly maintained alternative routes including Cat Creek or 700 Road. Over 50% of Pagosa Springs’ workforce comes from Aspen Springs, Davidson noted, and the project would require survey work, quotations, bidding, excavation, and clearing.
Commissioners suggested including improvements in upcoming community planning sessions with town halls and input sessions. Officials acknowledged budget limitations, noting the growth fund has been reduced from half a million dollars to less than $500,000, and federal stimulus money is no longer available.
Housing Crisis Draws Public Criticism
A resident and PAUSE board member speaking individually criticized current affordable housing strategies during public comment. The community needs 1,300 units while approximately 300 workers live in RVs, the speaker noted.
Traditional construction methods cannot address workforce housing needs effectively, the speaker argued, noting Habitat for Humanity switched to modular construction five years ago and built 4-5 units last year compared to zero units from the Community Development Corporation. The speaker supported a proposed 6% tourism tax and called for rewriting the land use code and community plan.
Routine Licensing Actions Completed
The Local Licensing Authority renewed a retail optional premise cultivation license for San Juan Strains, Inc. dba San Juan Strains at 95 Industrial Circle. Tonya McCann, Executive Assistant/Paralegal, presented the complete renewal application with no changes. Sheriff’s office and building department inspections found no issues.
The Liquor Board approved a hotel and restaurant liquor license renewal for Victor’s Sushi 2LLC dba Victor’s Sushi at 118 North Pagosa Boulevard. The Board of Adjustment formally approved Resolution 2026-01 authorizing a height variance for an LPEA substation on 2140 Trujillo Road.
Consent Agenda Items Approved
Commissioners approved multiple routine items including payable warrants and purchase cards for January 7-20. Property lot consolidations received approval for Reserve at Pagosa Peak Phase 4 owned by Jason and Jennifer Jennings and Carla and Jon Swofford, and for Lake Forest Estates owned by Patricia Anne Hubley.
The board ratified a letter supporting the Colorado Office of the Governor’s disaster declaration appeal for southwestern Colorado flooding and approved a support letter for the Pagosa Springs Area Tourism Board’s grant application for a community wayfinding and river access signage project.
Public contracts approved included services with Concrete Connection for snow removal at airport facilities. Ground lease assignments received approval for Hangar 743 W. Condor Drive transferring from Lloyd Claycomb to Wolf Creek Aviation, and for Hangar 787 E. Condor Drive transferring from the Ray W. and JoAnn Laird Joint Revocable Trust to Michael D. Knapp.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 2:20 PM with planning fee changes and solid waste fee adjustments expected at future meetings.
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