The Fremont County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 13 on June 23, authorizing processing of a $4 million C-PACE clean energy financing application for a former industrial facility at 1173 State Highway 120 in Florence.
Eric Bonick, managing partner of 1173 SH 120 LLC, told commissioners the financing would refinance capital already invested in the roughly 144,000-square-foot building — formerly the Domtar plant — which his company has spent approximately $10 million converting into a custom steel stud, track manufacturing, and luxury tiny home production facility. The C-PACE funds cover LED lighting, HVAC upgrades, building envelope improvements, fire suppression, and water efficiency measures.
Bonick said the company plans a hiring event immediately after the Fourth of July holiday, expecting to onboard 10 to 15 employees initially and grow to 30 to 40 full-time workers by year’s end. Commissioner Bell noted she had toured the facility and called it impressive.
The board also fielded pointed public comment from a Penrose resident who said she opposed any future data center at the Highway 120 site, citing concerns about noise, water use, and power demands. Commissioner Bell responded that no data center application exists before the county and confirmed the tiny home manufacturing operation is real — saying she had toured it herself. Commissioner Kevin Grantham acknowledged data center issues are actively discussed at regional conferences and pledged careful planning, adding that two state bills this session that would have reduced local land-use control over data centers both failed.
Commissioners unanimously adopted a proclamation designating 2026 a Year of Celebration and Rededication to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary and Colorado’s 150th statehood anniversary.
County Clerk and Recorder Justin Grantham reported May motor vehicle, sales tax, and recording fees totaled $1,538,408.91, with Fremont County’s disbursement share at $880,275.75 — up $196,712.08 from May 2025.
Commissioner Bell also highlighted a segment featuring Fremont County scheduled to air on the national public television program *Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid*, projecting a viewership of approximately 80 million. The segment spotlights local businesses including Observer Ranch, Barn Owl Precision Agriculture, and footage from Ben Black of Ben Black Films and Sage Goodwin of Tye Dye Sheep.
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