By High Country Advocate Staff
The Custer County Board of County Commissioners met Sept. 17, 2025, to review human services needs, consider a broadband expansion request, and handle routine county business.
Commissioner Reports
- Commissioner Paul Rogalson reported attending a Liberty Rocks event on human trafficking, calling it “a very good presentation”. He also described a fire mitigation workshop that emphasized defensible space, warning, “You put in a redwood deck, and you’ve just increased the fire risk to your home.”
- Commissioner Tom Flower told colleagues he met with Mesa County officials about Custer’s proposal to restrict minors’ access to online pornography. “It’s a bipartisan issue,” he said. “They’re ready to pick up the banner and carry it.”
- Commissioner Kevin Canda gave updates from the Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District and Round Mountain Water District meetings, both of which are monitoring water supply and storage.
Treasurer’s and Human Services Reports
Treasurer Virginia Trujillo reported that the general fund ended August with more than $5.7 million, while other county funds remained stable.
Human Services Director Becky Shank presented a detailed monthly update:
- Foster care costs rose sharply, with placements increasing from one child to seven, pushing expenses to $46,823.
- Burial assistance totaled $1,500.
- Medical assistance was provided to 543 households (1,329 individuals).
- Food assistance may be reduced for 57 able-bodied adults under federal work requirements in House Resolution 1.
- Energy assistance recalculations could affect 112 households.
The board also approved converting the child/adult protection supervisor position from contractor to part-time employee status.
Broadband Tower Proposal
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association and Visionary Broadband sought approval for a 60-foot tower to improve service for nearly 900 residents. Commissioners said they supported better connectivity but worried the project might overlap with state-funded fiber expansion already underway. They agreed to hold a workshop with broadband providers before making a decision.
County Business
- Approved a special event permit for a “Vegas Night” fundraiser hosted by the Greenhorn Valley Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 11 near San Isabel.
- Declared an international garbage truck and a 2001 GMC Yukon as surplus and approved their sale through Purple Wave auction services.
Regional Membership Dues
The board discussed increased dues for the Southern Colorado Economic Development District (SCEDD). Custer’s share would rise modestly to $1,663, but commissioners questioned Fremont County’s refusal to pay its $50,000 share for two years. The item was tabled.
Executive Session
The board ended the meeting with an executive session to receive legal advice on pending employment litigation from County Attorney Dan Slater. Returning to open session, commissioners reported no decisions were made.
Disclaimer
This article was drafted from the official Sept. 17, 2025 Custer County BOCC meeting transcript and summary. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, minor errors may be present.
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