The Archuleta County Board of Commissioners addressed water quality concerns and heard opposition to a proposed administration building at their January 6 meeting, while electing Warren Brown as board chair for 2026. Public comment revealed lead contamination in Aspen Springs water and retail water dispensing machines, exposing jurisdictional gaps in water quality oversight. Multiple residents opposed adding $25 million in debt for an administration building while $11 million remains on jail debt.
Water Quality Concerns Surface
During public comment, a resident reported testing water at Aspen Springs and finding lead, sulfides, and sulfates. When she contacted the Metro District for help, she was told if she doesn’t like what’s in the water, don’t drink it.
The resident also tested water machines at City Market, Walmart, and Vitamin Cottage, finding lead. She reported the Vitamin Cottage manager promised to contact corporate but she received no response after two weeks.
County Manager Longinos Gonzalez, Jr. explained water quality testing for metro districts falls under state jurisdiction, not county authority. However, the county can provide testing kits through Public Works Director Michael Torres for residents to collect samples and mail to Durango for certified testing. Those results would then go to the Metro District, which operates the water system.
Residents Oppose Administration Building
Several residents spoke against a proposed administration building during public comment, citing recent property tax increases, a 1 percent sales tax for the sewer line, and upcoming school initiatives. Speakers questioned adding $25 million in debt while $11 million remains on jail debt and called the $300,000 design cost excessive. Residents suggested reorganizing existing space in the Wyndham building and urged commissioners to hold evening public meetings when working people can attend.
Brown Elected Board Chair
Commissioners unanimously elected Warren Brown as board chair for 2026 and Veronica Medina as vice-chair. Commissioner John Ranson reflected on challenges including reshaping building and planning departments, fire, flooding, and mudslides before nominating Brown.
LPEA Height Variance Approved
Commissioners approved a height variance for La Plata Electric Association to construct a utility substation at 2140 County Road 500. The variance allows structures up to 46 feet, 10 inches, exceeding the standard 40-foot limit. The additional height meets National Electrical Safety Code requirements for the substation serving Pagosa Springs and southern Archuleta County areas.
Liquor License Renewals
Commissioners approved liquor license renewals for Keyah Grande Guest House and Boss Hoggs. Both applications had no changes from previous years and passed inspections.
Consent Agenda
Commissioners approved accounts payable, lot consolidations for properties owned by Angel Isaac Medrano Tapia and Michael and Tamara McDowell, and appointed Raymond F. Taylor as Veterans Service Officer. The board formally approved Keyah Grande Outdoor Shooting Range Board Conditional Use Permit and ratified previous signatures on resolutions.
Meeting Dates and Board Appointments
Commissioners approved Resolution 2026-05 establishing the county website as the primary location for posting official notices and setting 2026 meeting dates. Commissioners approved appointments to local, regional, and Colorado Counties Inc. boards for 2026.
Budget Officer Reappointed
Commissioners reappointed County Manager Longinos Gonzalez, Jr. as budget officer for fiscal year 2026. Commissioner Ranson questioned whether the finance director should serve as budget officer instead to provide fresh perspectives, but Commissioners Brown and Medina preferred maintaining the current structure. The motion passed unanimously.
Animal Shelter Agreement
Commissioners approved the Animal Shelter Management and Services Agreement with the Humane Society of Pagosa Springs for 2026 with no changes from 2025.
Executive Session
Commissioners held executive session on personnel matters and pending litigation with no decisions made before adjourning at 3:15 p.m.
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