Fremont County’s Building Department and Code Enforcement launched their Cloud Permit online system at the February 10 commissioners meeting, allowing residents to submit permit applications and code complaints digitally. The contractor portal went live in late January, enabling licensed contractors to apply for permits, track applications, and schedule inspections online 24 hours daily, while code enforcement began accepting online complaints January 28. Planning and Zoning Director Dan Victoria said staff will spend three to four months training on the land use module before public launch, with kiosks installed in office lobbies to assist residents who lack computer access. Commissioners also received positive financial reports showing 2025 sales tax collections totaled $9,584,762, exceeding budget by $1,184,762, and lodging tax revenue reached $421,115, coming in $81,115 above budget. The board discussed state legislative proposals affecting counties, honored deceased philanthropist Walter Shep, and approved routine consent agenda items.
Cloud Permit System Goes Live
Planning and Zoning Director Dan Victoria, Building Department Office Manager Lindsey Clark, and Code Enforcement Officer Kyle Yarberry presented updates on the county’s new Cloud Permit online system for building permits, planning applications, and code enforcement complaints.
Victoria emphasized the county is not eliminating in-person service. The department installed kiosks in office lobbies to assist residents who lack computer access or need help navigating the system. Staff will continue answering phones and providing face-to-face assistance.
The Building Department module allows homeowners and contractors to submit permit applications online, receive automatic invoices, and track review progress in real time. Field inspectors use tablets to upload inspection photos and results immediately, eliminating end-of-day data entry. Code enforcement went live January 28 with an online complaint portal and real-time case tracking on GIS maps.
Planning and Zoning will begin training on the land use module, which Victoria said requires three to four months of staff preparation before public launch.
Legislative Concerns and Media Criticism
Commissioner Dwayne McFall reported on Colorado Counties Inc. steering committee meetings addressing legislative proposals. McFall said bills continue targeting Highway User Tax Fund revenues counties use for road maintenance, with state legislators diverting these funds to balance the state budget.
Commissioner Kevin Grantham discussed specific bills including House Bill 1037 and Senate Bill 70 restricting law enforcement access to data for immigration enforcement, House Bill 1038 on commissioner redistricting in larger counties, House Bill 1036 proposing vacant residential property taxes (which died in committee), Senate Bill 42 on TABOR revenue classification, and House Bill 1033 expanding the Cottage Food Act.
Grantham also commented on the Super Bowl, criticizing the NFL for what he called a “missed opportunity” to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with the halftime show while praising a Budweiser commercial he said displayed patriotic themes.
Grantham criticized KRDO’s recent coverage of Wilson Funeral Home and County Coroner Randy Keller, reading a Facebook letter from a local resident accusing the station of “guilt by association storytelling” for linking a regulatory licensing dispute to unrelated criminal cases at other funeral homes. Grantham said residents have defended Keller and local funeral homes in online comments on KRDO’s Facebook page.
Sales and Lodging Tax Revenue
Finance Officer Sean Sutton reported the county’s 2025 tax revenues, noting Fremont County’s stable collections contrast with neighboring counties facing significant budget shortfalls. Sutton explained the sales tax revenue split: 75 percent goes to the general fund for operating expenses, while 25 percent funds capital projects and certificate of participation payments.
December lodging tax collections totaled $62,191, exceeding 2024 by $2,627. Auto use sales tax for the Sheriff’s Department finished below the previous year but ahead of budget.
Walter Shep Memorial
Commissioner Debbie Bell honored Walter Shep, a longtime community philanthropist who recently died. Shep and his late wife Gloria donated 154 acres forming Shep Ridge on South Canyon Trails and contributed to Pueblo Community College scholarships and other local causes. Bell asked residents to honor Shep’s memory through acts of kindness.
Other Actions
County Administrator Tony Carochi reported job openings at the Sheriff’s Office, Department of Human Services, and Clerk and Recorder’s Office. He apologized for ongoing elevator outages caused by delayed computer board parts.
County Clerk Justin Grantham announced the county’s motor vehicle department will close Tuesday, February 17, for statewide software upgrades. He reminded residents the February 13 deadline to register with a political party to participate in March 7 caucuses and that petition signatures are due March 18.
Bell announced the county administration building will close Monday for President’s Day. The next commissioners meeting was moved to Thursday, February 19, because commissioners will attend the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference in Washington.
Commissioners approved consent agenda items including CDOT Highway User Tax Fund mileage verification showing 564.697 eligible miles, a resolution vacating 0.193 acres of unused right-of-way at McKinley Elementary, and an AGRA shareholder meeting proxy signature.
The board approved Type 1 secure transportation vehicle permits for two Ford Explorers (2017 and 2018 models) operated by MET Transport LLC, valid through February 10, 2027.
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