Archuleta County commissioners approved a Request for Proposals to update the county’s community plan at their February 3 meeting, capping county spending at $70,000 from the general fund while hoping for state matching grants that could double the project budget. The 2-1 vote followed debate about state-mandated requirements that force counties to spend local money on plan updates without receiving state funding. Commissioners set a 30-day bidding period with a March 6 deadline for consultant proposals, followed by a two-week review period. The updated plan will replace the county’s 2017 document and guide land use decisions for the next decade, incorporating new state requirements for water supply elements, strategic growth areas, and housing option designations. County Manager Longinos Gonzalez, Jr. will lead the update project alongside Steven Slade and Jeff Sams until the county fills its vacant community development director position. Commissioner John Ranson voted against the measure, citing concerns about unfunded mandates, while Commissioners Warren Brown and Veronica Medina supported moving forward despite acknowledging frustration with state requirements that impose costs on rural counties without providing funding.
Community Plan Update
County Manager Longinos Gonzalez, Jr. told commissioners the county must update its community plan to comply with state law and address practical needs. The current 2017 plan creates conflicts when planning staff make land use decisions because it no longer reflects county development patterns.
The state mandates specific elements in updated plans including water supply assessments, strategic growth area mapping, housing option areas, and Proposition 123 compliance requirements. Gonzalez said the Department of Local Affairs indicated the county could extend completion into 2027 if commissioners show progress by late 2026.
The motion approved a $70,000 spending cap from county funds, with potential for state matching grants up to 50 percent. If commissioners secure matching funds, the total project budget could reach $140,000, with the county contributing $70,000 and state grants covering $70,000. Gonzalez noted DOLA advised that projects under $100,000 may struggle to attract quality consultant bids.
Commissioner John Ranson voted against the measure, citing concerns about unfunded state mandates. During discussion, commissioners acknowledged frustration with state requirements that impose costs on rural counties without providing funding.
Staffing and Timeline
Gonzalez said he will lead the project alongside Steven Slade and Jeff Sams until the county fills its vacant community development director position. The position description includes leading the community plan update as a primary responsibility.
Commissioners discussed whether to include a completion deadline but ultimately left the timeline open in the RFP. Consultants will have 30 days from publication to submit proposals, with commissioners reviewing submissions within two weeks after the March 6 deadline.
The planning commission will be involved throughout the process, as state law requires public engagement for community plan updates.
Tourism Board Appointment
Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 2026-____ appointing Jesse Hensle to the Pagosa Springs Area Tourism Board for a three-year term beginning February 3. Hensle replaces Sarah Mashue, who resigned during the January 2026 tourism board meeting. The Lodging Association recommended Hensle for the lodging representative position.
Policy Updates
Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 2026-12 adopting a revised procurement policy. Accountant Allison Wylie explained the changes implement GSA per diem rates, increase the capital asset threshold, update formatting for ADA compliance, and ensure policies accord with current local, state, and federal regulations.
Commissioners also approved Resolution 2026-13 adopting an updated grant management policy. Wylie said changes include updated grant contracts and contract management, an added accounts receivable section, procedures following state mandates, and a list of general cost principles following federal guidance in 2 CFR 200.
The board approved a contract monitoring procedure used primarily by the Department of Human Services. The procedure documents a process for reviewing and tracking vendor performance in signed contracts to ensure vendor accountability and compliance with state and federal regulations.
Routine Business
Commissioners approved the consent agenda including accounts payable for January 21 through February 3, ratification of the chair’s signature on a letter supporting the Town of Pagosa Springs’ application to the Colorado Water Conservation Board’s Water Supply Reserve Fund Grant Program, ratification of a public contract with Val’s VIP Cleaning, LLC for janitorial services not to exceed $175,000 for 2026, and a resolution reappointing Lisa Vail to the Archuleta County Weed Advisory Board for a second four-year term.
The board approved a special event permit for the Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala scheduled for February 6 at the PLPOA Clubhouse and approved a hotel and restaurant liquor license renewal for Chavolo’s Mexican Restaurant.
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