Archuleta County commissioners declined to join the Town of Pagosa Springs in applying for an $800,000 CDOT highway safety grant and tabled proposed RV and temporary structure regulations at their Feb. 17 meeting. The board also approved a $113,000 budget transfer to reinstate a Development Services director position, awarded $10,000 in business grants to two downtown shops impacted by construction, and appointed four Planning Commission members.
Highway Safety Grant
Commissioners unanimously voted not to participate in a joint grant application with the Town of Pagosa Springs for the CDOT Highway Safety Improvement Program. The grant would have funded North Pagosa Boulevard improvements but required approximately $1.8 million in local matching funds, with a Friday deadline.
County Manager Longinos Gonzalez, Jr. said the earliest project start would be fiscal year 2029. Town Development Director James Dickhoff, participating remotely, confirmed no obligation would exist until a contract was signed.
Corey Stockton, owner of Marathon Station at the North Pagosa and U.S. 160 intersection, opposed the application, calling proposed improvements expensive and premature. Stockton said a new school planned along Vista Boulevard would change traffic patterns and the county should wait before committing.
Commissioners cited the rushed Friday deadline. Commissioner Medina said it felt like past grant situations where the county was later pressured to sign or risk damaging future applications. Commissioner Ranson said he wanted local business owners involved first. Chairman Brown called for the town, county and business community to jointly develop a complete plan before pursuing future funding.
RV and Temporary Structure Regulations
The board tabled proposed RV and temporary structure land use amendments until March 17, directing staff to draft a short-term resolution instead. County Attorney Cathleen Giovanini noted the previous resolution allowing temporary RV living expired two years ago, meaning residents using RVs as housing are technically in violation.
The proposed amendments would have created 180-day permits for unimproved lots and two-year permits for improved lots with septic and electricity, with a 300-foot generator setback.
One resident supported the proposed changes, suggesting different approaches for different areas during the upcoming community plan update. Another opposed adding permanent language to the land use code, arguing RVs should not serve as a long-term housing solution and raising concerns about generator noise.
Commissioners agreed a one-size-fits-all approach was not the answer. Commissioner Ranson framed the issue as property rights, saying residents with full septic and electricity should not face inspections every six months. Commissioner Medina questioned whether extended RV living reflected the community’s long-term vision. Chairman Brown said the original intent was to help people temporarily while building, not create informal trailer parks.
Development Services Director
Commissioners approved Resolution 2026-21, transferring $113,000 within the Development Services budget to reinstate a director position overseeing planning, building, code enforcement and water quality. The position was eliminated during the 2026 budget process but Gonzalez said it was needed to manage the community plan update and land use revisions. An unfilled planning position will partially offset the cost.
Downtown Business Grants
The board approved $5,000 grants each to Kip’s Grill and Cantina and Antiques on Main LLC through the Main Street Business Grant Program. Finance Director Chad Eaton reported Kip’s experienced a 5% revenue decline and Antiques on Main a 10% decline, both attributed to Highway 160 construction impacts.
Planning Commission Appointments
Commissioners approved Mont McCallister and Jeff Jones as regular Planning Commission members through the consent agenda. Associate member appointments for Jay Christianson and Kevin Braun were pulled for separate discussion after Commissioner Medina raised concerns about Braun’s employment with the Town Planning Department. County Attorney Giovanini noted revised county bylaws no longer include a previous provision allowing cross-appointments between town and county planning commissions. After discussion, commissioners approved both associate appointments unanimously.
DHS Quarterly Report
DHS Director Heidi Martinez reported 35 open child care cases as of Dec. 31, 2025, with the budget 92% spent and a waiting list being implemented. Martinez updated commissioners on the state’s proposed DHS centralization, which would create 11 districts statewide. She said the state modeled its plan after Wisconsin, which took more than two years to implement and initially cost more before achieving savings. Colorado directors have submitted a counter-proposal, and Martinez said technology systems may not be ready until summer 2027.
Lot Line Adjustment
In a land use hearing, commissioners approved a lot line adjustment at 11497 W. Highway 160 for Mellisa Slaybaugh and Nicholas Martinez, consolidating three parcels into two lots — a 1.06-acre commercial lot containing Trippie Springs Trading Post and a 5.46-acre agricultural estates lot. Slaybaugh said she plans to rebuild the property as an RV park. The Planning Commission recommended approval at its Jan. 22 meeting.
Other Business
Commissioners approved the consent agenda including accounts payable, lot consolidations for the Schmidt and McGuire-Hanning properties, the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, and updated cash handling and purchase card policies. The board agreed to post information about Colorado for Responsible Wildlife Management and Initiative 175, which would redirect state Highway User Tax Fund revenue to increase county road funding. Gonzalez reminded the public of a lodging tax discussion scheduled for 5-6:30 p.m. that evening.
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