Chaffee County commissioners approved a three-year permit for the September Concert at the Meadows near Buena Vista at their Feb. 17 meeting, capping first-year attendance at 10,000 while the applicant sought 11,000. The board also endorsed a five-year Common Ground funding strategy targeting $6 million in savings by 2030 to position the county for larger landscape-scale conservation projects. Commissioners adopted a new open burning ordinance on second reading, renewed the five-year Arkansas River voluntary flow management agreement, and received a presentation on a federal roadway safety plan. The board also began restructuring several advisory boards, recommending the Transportation Advisory Board be disbanded.
September Concert Permit
Commissioners unanimously approved the 2026-2028 permit for Meadow Creek Music Community Fund, represented by Michael Sampliner, for mid-September concerts at 14998 CR 350, Buena Vista. The event runs Sept. 17-21 with music Friday through Sunday.
The applicant requested 11,000 general admission capacity, but commissioners capped first-year attendance at 10,000 and will evaluate increases for subsequent years. The board also required Buena Vista sign off on the traffic plan and that the applicant report on neighborhood outreach.
Sheriff Andy Rohrich renewed concerns about staff impact but acknowledged security improvements. EMS Director Josh Hadley said an initial medical vendor proposal had insufficient staffing and that he is reviewing additional vendors. The county will staff a three-person ambulance crew on-site, with a physician anticipated from the contracted vendor.
An April meeting with the sheriff, BV police, Colorado State Patrol, and CDOT will finalize the traffic plan. Community benefit contributions include a $2-per-ticket charitable fee, Zephyr ticket revenue, Mountain Valley Transit shuttles, and designated walking and biking routes.
Common Ground Funding Strategy
Community Planning & Natural Resources Director Miles Cottom presented a five-year strategy for the Common Ground sales tax fund, a 0.25% county-wide tax approved by voters in 2018. The fund has collected approximately $11 million since 2019 but committed $12 million through multi-year grants, with two-thirds going to just four organizations.
Staff proposed building savings of $3 million by end of 2027 and $6 million by 2030 to position the county for larger landscape-scale projects and loan eligibility from partners like GOCO and Colorado Parks & Wildlife. No new competitive grant cycle will run in 2026 due to existing commitments, but lodging tax reallocations, $128,000 returning from the Central Colorado Conservancy, and a $1.45 million starting balance enable a $450,000 baseline for 2027.
The Citizens Advisory Committee proposed extending the savings timeline to 2035 while maintaining $1 million in annual grants. Commissioners supported the more conservative five-year model, noting funds could be used for opportunities at any time and that any surplus sales tax revenue or returned grants would go back into competitive cycles rather than additional savings.
Fire Ordinance
Commissioners adopted County Ordinance 2025-03 on second reading, updating open burning regulations for unincorporated Chaffee County. The ordinance designates the sheriff as Fire Warden, assigns burn permit authority to fire chiefs, caps permitted fires at 12 per day countywide, and sets specifications including 8×8×8-foot maximum pile size and daylight-only burning with seasonal time restrictions. Agricultural burning is exempt from permits but subject to fire restrictions.
Safer Roadways Plan
Patrick Picard of Fehr & Peers presented a 10-month Safer Roadways for All Safety Action Plan covering county roads and state highways. Chaffee County averages five fatalities and dozens of severe injuries per year, with approximately 30% of crashes involving wildlife. An online survey is live, with a final plan and concept designs for 10 high-priority locations expected by fall.
Arkansas River Flow Management
Commissioners renewed the five-year voluntary flow management agreement for the 102-mile Arkansas River stretch, targeting 700 cubic feet per second from July through mid-August to support the gold medal trout fishery and boating industry that generates approximately $50 million annually.
Advisory Board Changes
Commissioners recommended disbanding the Transportation Advisory Board, which has not met in approximately one year since its original purpose — establishing Mountain Valley Transit — has been fulfilled. Governance resolutions for the Heritage Area Advisory Board and Common Ground Citizens Advisory Committee will return at the March meeting.
Public Comment
During opening public comment, a resident with a forestry background said low snowpack and warm temperatures could produce a severe fire season. Another resident asked about the status of Common Ground funds.
Other Business
Commissioners approved consent agenda items including monthly reports, a DHS special counsel contract, final 2026 rec program budgets funded through lodging tax reallocation, Cattle Creek Ranch lot sales restrictions, a treasurer deposit and investment resolution, and an amended unfunded mandates letter.
The board also approved Resolution 2026-02 regarding the Baumgardner Appeal of Administrative Decision, designated RICD water rights days, set candidate interviews for the Planning Commission and Common Ground Citizens Advisory Committee, and discussed governance for the Weed Advisory Board.
Support Independent Local Journalism — High Country Advocate was created as a real alternative to regional media that too often silences dissenting voices while taking sides in the political struggle. Producing in-depth, unflinching reporting like this series and others is expensive: servers, editing, research time, and legal review all add up quickly. If these articles have informed you or given you new perspective, please consider supporting HCA with a paid subscription — every subscriber helps keep this reporting strong and independent. 