Archuleta County Manager Longinos Gonzalez Jr. asked commissioners to approve a $100,000 increase to the county’s administrative contingency fund during the June 16 work session in Arboles, citing unforeseen costs and commitments from previous boards that were never budgeted.
The largest item is up to $53,000 for gravel pit permitting fees. Other costs include $21,000 to install a generator at the Sheriff’s Office, $14,000 for an unfunded probation authority position through year’s end, and $5,500 for transit building furniture. No-jake-brake road signage for County Road 975 would cost under $5,000, with the county fronting the expense and seeking reimbursement from hauling companies.
Commissioner Veronica Medina objected to the lump-sum approach. “My concern, if we approve these budget adjustments, they are all under your threshold of signature authority. So we are not going to really know what it is that you approve,” she said. Gonzalez acknowledged the pattern, warning: “Anytime you hear we got a free agreement, hold your breath.”
Commissioners split three ways on gravel pit strategy. Commissioner Warren Brown favored partnering with the Forest Service on an already-open pit. “Everything begins and ends with rocks. Especially in this country,” Brown said. Commissioner John Ransom pushed for a consultant instead, arguing staff are “overwhelmed as it is.” Medina opposed the spending entirely, suggesting the county wait for potential state funding after a FEMA denial. The board scheduled a meeting with La Plata County for June 22.
Multiple County Road 975 residents attended to complain about Gore Energy sand hauling. One resident reported 600 trucks passing in two days. A resident told commissioners the 24-hour traffic had turned her paved road into “speed bumps.” Law enforcement officials said the current noise ordinance exempts vehicular traffic but proposed no-jake-brake signs as an enforceable alternative.
Public Works Director Mike Torres recommended reviving a solid waste manager position — vacant for 11 years — at a salary range of $66,144 to $90,155, arguing the move could offset the county’s $150,000 annual consultant contract. The board took no formal action during the work session, with several items moving to the afternoon regular meeting consent agenda.
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