Custer County commissioners explored solutions for an emergency medical services coverage gap in the Wetmore area at their February 25 meeting, with potential costs ranging from $600,000 to $1 million annually for additional crews, approved a $160,000 state-funded AgriHub project with a five-year lease at Hansen Hall, and authorized the sheriff to sell nine items of military surplus equipment with all proceeds restricted to equipment and training purchases. The board also corrected lot line vacation errors, tabled gravel processing bids pending clarification, and denied a $400 short-term rental fee refund request.
Emergency Services Coverage Gap
Commissioners discussed emergency medical services coverage for the Wetmore area, roughly from mile marker 17 east on Highway 96. The county is statutorily responsible for countywide emergency services, but the area currently lacks dedicated coverage despite being 12 miles from Florence.
Florence Fire Chief Bill Ritter estimates running an additional crew and outfitting an ambulance would cost $600,000 to $1 million annually. The county is exploring two options: a mill levy change requiring property owner approval, or a contractual arrangement whose legality is being researched. West Custer County Hospital District is considering expanding its taxing district to include the area.
Commissioner Lucas met with Florence fire officials and a Wetmore-area resident about the issue. The county currently operates two crews in Penrose and Florence with four ambulances total.
AgriHub Lease Approved
Commissioners unanimously approved a five-year lease with Hansen Hall for an AgriHub to sell year-round local products including meat, vegetables, raw products, and cottage food industry items. The Department of Local Affairs-funded project totals approximately $160,000, with $100,000 in cash grants and a $60,000 match requirement that can include donated labor and equipment.
The lease provides three months rent-free, followed by $3,000 monthly payments. The county will pay utilities based on metered usage and plans to transition operations to a cooperative or 501(c)3 organization. A steering committee including ranchers, producers, and tourism board members will initially manage the facility.
Military Surplus Equipment Sales
Sheriff Rich Smith received authorization to sell nine items of military surplus equipment through the Defense Logistics Agency program. Items include two vehicles, a 20-foot cargo trailer, a large military tent, 21 tires in various conditions, and multiple radar speed signs the department could not make functional.
Federal regulations require all sale proceeds go into a separate account and be used only for equipment, training, maintenance, or vehicles—not salaries or personnel costs. The county must track each item with photos and identification numbers and maintain records for annual military audits.
Smith also reported four 2009 Crown Victoria police cars with under 22,000 miles are scheduled for pickup March 10 from a Kansas military base. The department plans to use some vehicles for the posse and sell others.
Land Use Corrections
Commissioners approved a two-part correction to lot line vacations in Terra J Third Filing after discovering an error created two cabins on one undersized parcel. The board first revoked the vacation between lots 100 and 104 recorded in January, then approved a new vacation between lots 104 and 105.
The corrections create two separate parcels designated as lot 104A, each with one cabin in compliance with current regulations.
Gravel Processing Bids Tabled
Commissioners tabled action on two sealed bids for processing 25,010 tons of three-quarter inch road base gravel. Mountain Valley Excavations bid $137,500 for crushing and blending with their own water supply, while Colorado Crushing Inc. bid $125,000 for crushing only, requiring county water trucks and equipment for blending.
The board requested clarification from both bidders on whether quotes include blending rock and clay, water hauling requirements, and complete cost comparisons.
Rental Refund Denied
Commissioners denied a $400 refund request from Douglas Bair for a short-term rental permit fee paid in January before he sold his property at 214 Derby Circle. The motion failed 2-1, with Commissioner Paul voting in favor and Commissioners Lucas and Bill Canda opposed.
Board members cited concerns about creating exceptions without established policy and noted the county provided processing and review services before the property sale.
Routine Business
The Weed Board budget increased from approximately $15,000 to $45,000 for weed management, with the county now managing and marking weeds while contractors handle spraying. Commissioners approved $551,746.48 in accounts payable through February 25.
Major payments included $141,020 each for liability insurance contributions from Buildings & Grounds and Road & Bridge, $58,883 for March health insurance coverage, and $24,069 for a county clerk ERBT grant.
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