By High Country Advocate Staff Report
WESTCLIFFE — The Custer County Board of Commissioners convened on November 12, 2025, for a full day of public meetings and workshops, tackling budget reallocations, infrastructure planning, and wildfire mitigation. The session also included updates on legal counsel transitions, land use approvals, and long-term facility obligations.
Budget Adjustments Across Departments
Commissioners approved Resolution 2545, authorizing fund transfers to stabilize several departmental budgets:
- The Sheriff’s Office received $30,000 to cover prisoner custody costs.
- Road and Bridge reported $24,497.49 in fuel expenses and $16,823 in maintenance, with total recent expenditures exceeding $153,000.
- Additional adjustments were made to emergency management and general operations funds.
The board noted that some line items may appear redundant or unclear but reflect internal accounting categories used for tracking.
Landfill Closure and Compliance Costs
The board reviewed the county’s long-term obligations for landfill closure and post-closure care, estimating a total cost of $1,098,297. This includes engineering, alternative cover, and well monitoring over a 30-year period.
A prior audit omitted $195,275 in post-closure costs, which staff attributed to a typographical oversight. Commissioners approved $198,000 for new landfill development and emphasized the importance of maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations.
Wildfire Protection Plan Approved
Commissioners unanimously approved a contract with Fire Adapted Colorado to complete the Custer County Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). The plan integrates GIS mapping, federal and local mitigation strategies, and is required to access Colorado Wildfire Defense Grant funding.
The CWPP is expected to be finalized by year-end, with support from the U.S. Forest Service, BLM, and Colorado State Forest Service.
Legal Counsel Transition for Human Services
The board approved a new contract with Caitlin Young to serve as legal counsel for child welfare, adult protection services, and child support, replacing Julie Katz effective December 1. Young will work on a flat rate of $4,000/month, inclusive of travel.
Planning Commission Approvals
Commissioners approved the Polaris Teshidas vacation and replat, as well as a variance for Larson’s driveway easement on Blocks 78 and 79. Concerns were raised about legacy easements that could confuse future property owners. The board discussed consolidating easements to avoid long-term complications.
2026 Meeting and Holiday Schedule Adopted
The board approved the 2026 BOCC and Board of Health meeting schedule, adjusting for Veterans Day conflicts. Only one Thursday meeting is scheduled next year.
Commissioners also adopted Resolution 2546, formalizing the county’s 2026 holiday schedule, which includes a four-day workweek and standard federal holidays.
Airport Board Appointment
Charlie Kearns was appointed to the Airport Board by unanimous vote.
Workshops: IT Infrastructure and Evacuation Planning
Two public workshops were held on November 12:
- The IT/PDS Pre Visit Workshop focused on infrastructure planning and departmental coordination.
- The Ladris Evacuation Kickoff Meeting launched a new initiative to improve countywide evacuation protocols.
Public Comment
The board opened the floor for public comment at the end of the meeting. While no major disputes were raised, attendees voiced concerns about facility access, budget clarity, and land use implications. Commissioners responded with clarifications and noted that several issues may warrant further review in future sessions.
Next Meeting
The next scheduled meeting is a Workshop – IT/PDS Post Visit, to be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Annex Building Conference Room, 615 Rosita Ave, Westcliffe, CO.
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