By High Country Advocate Staff
Meeting at a Glance
Date: September 24, 2025
Location: Custer County Courthouse, Westcliffe
Attendance: All commissioners present; County Attorney, Administrative Staff, and Human Resources Director Robert Smith in attendance
Next Meeting: October 8, 2025
Workers’ Compensation and Insurance Overhaul
The Custer County Board of Commissioners voted to end its workers’ compensation coverage with County Technical Services, Inc. (CTSI) and transition to Pinnacle Assurance, effective January 1, 2026.
Human Resources Director Robert Smith outlined the change, explaining that while Pinnacle’s first-year premium of $127,197 is higher than CTSI’s renewal quote of $79,774, the long-term benefits are expected to outweigh the cost.
Smith said Pinnacle’s program emphasizes on-site safety training, employee engagement, and claim management transparency. Employees will have access to an online portal to track claims, and Pinnacle staff will conduct in-person safety evaluations across departments.
“Pinnacle’s culture is more hands-on,” Smith said. “They don’t just process claims—they work directly with departments to prevent accidents and support employees during recovery.”
Commissioners noted that Pinnacle offers a state-approved cost-containment certification program, allowing the county to reduce premiums by up to 5 percent once internal safety measures are established.
Chairman Lucas Paul said the move prioritizes employee welfare and long-term cost control. “This is about more than premiums—it’s about taking ownership of our safety culture,” Paul said.
The board unanimously approved the motion to terminate CTSI coverage effective December 31, 2025, and adopt Pinnacle Assurance as the county’s new workers’ compensation provider beginning in 2026.
Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Discussion
The board also reviewed renewal options for the county’s health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans. CTSI’s renewal reflected a 9 percent increase, bringing the 2026 premium to $821,448.
Smith and the county’s insurance broker presented alternative models, including a partially self-funded plan, which would allow the county to manage its own claims and retain unused premiums in a dedicated internal service fund.
If adopted in the future, the approach could save up to $149,000 annually, depending on actual claim activity. “It’s about controlling our own destiny,” Smith explained. “We can redirect savings to stabilize rates or improve employee benefits.”
No action was taken on the health insurance plan pending further analysis.
Budget Resolutions and Financial Updates
Commissioner Vernon presented several retroactive budget resolutions for 2024 to properly record late-year expenses.
– Resolution 25-33 increased capital improvement expenditures by $115,000 for equipment purchases.
– Resolution 25-34 authorized an $18,000 adjustment to the self-insurance fund to cover deductibles from end-of-year accidents.
– Resolution 25-35 added $9,500 to the tourism fund to reconcile pre-paid marketing expenses.
Finance staff explained that the retroactive resolutions ensure compliance with state audit requirements and prevent accounting discrepancies.
Commissioners also adopted Resolution 25-36, delegating signatory authority to Chairman Paul for a Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) housing grant to prepare 12 residential lots for development.
Land Exchange and Conservation Easement
The board heard an update from Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp, which is finalizing a land exchange with the U.S. Forest Service.
The swap involves 94.3 acres near Lookout Mountain, enabling the camp to consolidate property under county jurisdiction while placing the land under a conservation easement with Palmer Land Conservancy.
Public comment for the project is expected to open in mid-November, with final approval anticipated by mid-2026. The camp also completed a new site master plan and intends to coordinate with county planning staff to ensure smooth transition once the exchange is finalized.
“We’re not expanding our footprint—we just want to continue our work with a stable home base in the county,” a camp representative said.
Other County Business
– Commissioners approved a renewed agreement with the Fremont County Humane Society to provide impound services through December 2026.
– The board designated Chairman Lucas Paul as the county’s representative to the Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI) Legislative Committee, which meets monthly to review and advocate on statewide policy proposals.
– Public Works reported continued road maintenance challenges heading into winter and noted the county is currently short two water trucks.
Adjournment
The meeting concluded with administrative updates on ongoing budget hearings and audit preparations. Commissioners expressed optimism about progress toward year-end financial reporting and adjourned shortly after noon.
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