By High Country Advocate Staff
The Fremont County Board of County Commissioners met on October 15, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in Cañon City. Commissioners Kevin Grantham, Debbie Bell, and Dwayne McFall were present, along with County Administrator Tony Carochi and Clerk and Recorder Justin Grantham.
The meeting began with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of the updated agenda. The consent agenda included authorization for the chairman’s signature on the Fremont County Airport Taxiway Rehabilitation Notice of Award and the contract agreement with Old Castle S.W. Group, doing business as United Companies. Resolution 17, Series of 2025, was also approved to finalize a previously adopted zone change.
County Reports and Appointments
Budget and Finance Officer Shawn Sutton presented the monthly sales and use tax report. Fremont County collected $834,196 in retail sales tax for August 2025, approximately $15,700 more than 2024. Year-to-date collections stand at $6.3 million, nearly $704,000 ahead of budget. Lodging tax revenue for August totaled $10,843, a modest increase as the 2025 tourism season concluded. Auto-use tax receipts were down from the previous year but still ahead of projections. Commissioners praised Sutton’s conservative budgeting, noting Fremont County remains financially sound heading into 2026.
County Administrator Tony Carochi followed with the administration report, outlining current job postings across departments and announcing that Phantom Canyon Road will close October 27 through December 27 for bridge redecking and repair. During that time, the route will be completely closed to all traffic, including bicyclists and tours. Carochi also introduced Rick Gutierrez as the county’s new Public Health Director, highlighting his mental health background and community involvement through local civic organizations. Gutierrez said he looks forward to building partnerships across Fremont County and improving local public health services.
Clerk and Recorder Justin Grantham provided an election update, confirming that ballots have been mailed and should arrive by midweek. Grantham explained that several ballot drop boxes have been relocated to allow for drive-through access. The primary box formerly at the administration building has moved to the Garden Park parking lot, and additional boxes have been added at the Department of Human Services and the Penrose Library. Voters were reminded that electioneering and firearms are prohibited within 100 feet of any drop-off location or voting center. Ballot tracking is available at BallotTrax.net and on the county’s election website at fremontcountyelectionsco.gov.
Public Comments
During public comment, Karen Hunter, a Cañon City resident, raised concerns about the management of HUD-subsidized housing operated by Cardinal Capital LLC, a Wisconsin-based company. Hunter said the company has changed corporate names several times and is currently listed as noncompliant with the Colorado Secretary of State’s office. She asked the commissioners to investigate the matter, citing reports of mismanagement and lack of transparency for vulnerable residents living in subsidized housing.
Patty Cedillo, Executive Director of Senior Services Solutions Plus, thanked the board for prior funding and explained that the organization had nearly exhausted its $9,600 grant due to a surge in Medicaid transportation requests. The increase followed the state’s temporary termination of its contract with MedRide earlier this year, forcing her agency to absorb additional costs. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the nonprofit’s work and indicated that continued support is under review for the upcoming budget cycle.
Rich Kileman, a resident of Oak Creek Grade, addressed the deteriorating condition of rural roads and urged greater transparency from the Fremont County Department of Transportation. Kileman said residents have noticed fewer maintenance crews in recent years, leading to erosion, poor drainage, and unsafe driving conditions. He encouraged the county to consider tree mitigation and partial paving in problem areas. Commissioners acknowledged the concerns and said road funding and long-term maintenance strategies are part of ongoing budget discussions.
Proclamation and Board Actions
Commissioners approved a proclamation recognizing the Ralph F. Janicek VFW Post 2788 in Penrose as a Purple Heart Post. The resolution honors veterans who have been wounded or killed in combat and acknowledges the post’s long history of supporting Fremont County veterans. Commissioner Bell read the proclamation aloud and thanked post members for their service.
Two Fremont County meetings were rescheduled for 2026 to avoid conflicts with the National Association of Counties legislative conference in Washington, D.C.:
– The Board of Human Services meeting will move from February 24 to February 19, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.
– The Board of Public Health and Environment meeting will move to the same date at 2:00 p.m.
Commissioners also made several board appointments:
– Linda Valdez was reappointed to the Fremont County Fair Board for a term ending December 31, 2028, following her letter of interest to continue serving.
– Heidi Ritter was appointed to the Fremont County Heritage Commission for a term ending December 31, 2028. Commissioners praised the commission’s dedication to preserving county history and noted Ritter’s appointment follows the retirement of a long-serving member.
Zoning and Land Use
The board also reaffirmed the approval of ZC 25-001 and MS 25-002, submitted by Ralph and Joann Kewish and represented by Allan Doran, to rezone property at 360 Granite Hills Road in Cotopaxi from Residential Three to Residential Two. The change allows for smaller parcel development consistent with the Upper Arkansas Valley District. Following the zone change, the board approved a minor subdivision creating two lots: one 26.3-acre parcel containing the existing dwelling and a second 8.9-acre parcel for a new single-family residence and outbuilding. The commissioners approved waiver requests for drainage and soil testing at the time of development, contingent upon updated plat notes and corrected ownership labels.
Meeting Adjourned
Commissioner Grantham thanked staff and residents for their participation and adjourned the meeting. Fremont County’s next Board of County Commissioners session is scheduled for November 10, 2025.
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