The Custer County Board of Commissioners met at 9 a.m. Thursday, December 18, at All Aboard Westcliffe with Vice Chair Lucas Epp presiding. Chairman Bill Canda participated via Zoom due to illness. Commissioner Paul Vogelsong attended in person.
Workforce Housing Developer Selected
The board recommended awarding a workforce housing development contract to Gorman & Company following a competitive selection process.
Barry Keene presented the recommendation after the county received just two proposals from 22 solicited developers. The county solicited pre-qualified companies working in the affordable housing sector in October.
Evaluation committee scoring selected Gorman & Company. Contract negotiations will proceed to address workforce housing shortages affecting county recruitment and retention.
Commissioner Epp had been working with the committee on the RFP scoring tool for the proposals received.
$1.2 Million Capital Improvements
Commissioners approved Resolution 25-69 appropriating $1.2 million for capital improvements. County administrator Robert Smith presented the amendment without detailing specific projects.
Smith said the timing allows addressing “critical infrastructure and equipment needs before year-end.” The board approved unanimously with minimal discussion.
Social Services Consolidation Grant
Commissioner Epp reported pursuing an opiate settlement grant to consolidate county social services under one roof. The proposed facility would house Veterans Service Office, Department of Human Services, Public Health, Custer County Kids Council, and CSU Extension.
The consolidation would eliminate the current system requiring residents to travel between multiple buildings for services. The grant application is due January 14, 2026, with awards announced in June.
Sheriff’s Silver Cliff Contract
The board approved an intergovernmental agreement for sheriff’s services to the Town of Silver Cliff establishing law enforcement coverage terms. Contract details were not discussed.
Road and Bridge Equipment
The board approved $219,906.19 in accounts payable. Road and bridge sent the county chipper to Idaho for $72,171.96 in repairs before next season.
Fremont County charged $12,826 for November jail housing. IT contractor PDS received $28,552 for October-December services.
The airport purchased $9,308 in taxiway crack seal materials. Board members and airport manager Clyde Butler donated labor with the county covering only materials.
Part-Time Snow Plow Hire
Commissioners authorized hiring a part-time snow plow operator for the San Isabel area to handle seasonal removal without overburdening full-time road and bridge staff.
2026 Insurance Policies
Commissioners approved revised Pinnacol workers’ compensation premiums, HCC stop loss coverage for employee health insurance, and Delta Dental benefits effective January 1. The Delta Dental contract provides improved benefits over the previous arrangement.
SilverWest Airport liability insurance was renewed excluding nuclear risk, war, hijacking, and terrorism. A resident said the board keeps the county’s best interests at heart on insurance decisions. Canda responded the board tasks Smith with annual insurance analysis to eliminate duplication and control costs.
Budget Amendments and Certifications
Resolution 25-70 amended the Conservation Trust Fund budget for unanticipated interest earnings. Resolution 25-68 certified special district mill levies allowing the county to collect property taxes on behalf of various special districts. The board approved Highway Users Tax Fund certification for state road funding compliance. Resolution 25-67 changed a road name to Little Horn Drive. The board recognized staff for years of service.
Fire Suppression Ponds
Canda reported completing two pond approvals for Rust property December 17 with three approvals pending. The first approval established procedures; remaining approvals should proceed faster.
Treasurer’s Report
The county balance increased from $9,636,681 to $9,722,337 during December. Commissioner Epp noted the detailed report is not available to the public.
Additional Business
Canda reminded residents about an afternoon Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District presentation on water rights. The board scheduled a December 23 meeting at SAR for fee schedules, Airespring communications proposal, internet connectivity options, and trash service bids. The meeting adjourned at 10 a.m.
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