Fremont County commissioners approved $2.1 million in bills and received year-end financial reports showing sales tax revenue up 7 percent at their February 10 meeting. The board also unveiled a new Cloud Permit system allowing online building permit applications and launched public demonstrations of the digital platform. Finance Officer Shawn Sutton reported retail sales tax collections of $9.58 million in 2025, running $1.18 million over budget projections and $692,796 ahead of 2024 figures.
Financial Performance
Sutton presented year-end sales and use tax reports showing retail sales tax revenue totaled $9,584,762, representing a 7 percent increase over 2024. The county collected $1,184,762 more than budgeted for the year.
Use tax revenue reached $1.52 million, down $174,000 from 2024 due to fewer large business equipment sales compared to the prior year. Lodging tax collections increased 12 percent to $421,000, up $52,000 from 2024.
Sheriff’s sales tax revenue totaled $6.39 million, an increase of $61,000 over the previous year.
Commissioners noted the county’s financial position compares favorably to other Colorado counties facing budget challenges. The board expressed satisfaction with revenue performance exceeding projections.
Cloud Permit System
Planning and Zoning Director Dan Victoria and Building Office Manager Lindsey Clark demonstrated the county’s new Cloud Permit system for building and planning applications. The online portal went live for code enforcement and building department functions, with planning and zoning land use modules scheduled to launch following staff training over the next three to four months.
The system allows residents and contractors to submit permit applications online 24 hours a day, track application status in real-time, and receive automated notifications. Inspectors can update permit status from job sites using mobile devices.
The platform includes public GIS mapping showing active permits and project locations across the county. Victoria said the system will “allow folks to submit online from their home or office.” For residents without internet access, kiosks will be available in both the Building Department and Planning and Zoning offices.
Victoria explained the system modernizes county services while maintaining personal assistance for those who prefer in-person interaction. The transition represents a multi-year implementation effort by county staff and IT departments.
Consent Agenda
The board unanimously approved consent agenda items including minutes from January 27, bills totaling $2,086,200.60, and the December 31, 2025 CDOT Highway User Tax Fund verification covering 564.697 total miles of eligible county streets.
Commissioners approved a resolution vacating 0.193 acres of unused right-of-way at McKinley Elementary School (VPR 25-001) and ratified the chairman’s signature on a proxy for the Arkansas Groundwater and Reservoir Association annual shareholders meeting.
Vehicle Permits
The board renewed secure transportation service vehicle permits for MET Transport LLC covering two Ford Explorers (2017 and 2018 models). The Type 1 vehicles with safety partitions are authorized for secure transportation services from February 10, 2026 through February 10, 2027.
Commissioner Updates
Commissioner Kevin Grantham reported on state legislative matters including House Bills 1037, 1038, 1036, and 1033, and Senate Bills 70 and 42. He mentioned one bill was defeated in committee.
The board announced upcoming schedule changes. County offices will be closed Monday, February 17 for President’s Day. The next commissioners meeting will be held Thursday, February 19 instead of the regular Tuesday date due to commissioner attendance at the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference.
The Department of Motor Vehicles will be closed Tuesday, February 18 for a statewide software upgrade, with services available by appointment only February 19-20.
Commissioners reminded residents that February 13 is the deadline to register with a political party for March 8 caucuses.
Community Recognition
The board recognized the late Walter Shep for his philanthropic contributions to Fremont County. Commissioners noted Shep’s recent $2 million donation to Pueblo Community College’s nursing simulation laboratory and his donation of 154 acres for South Canyon Trails and Shep Ridge recreational areas.
The board encouraged community members to honor Shep’s memory through acts of kindness rather than formal memorial services, per family preferences.
Administrative Updates
County Administrator Tony Carochi reported current job openings at the Sheriff’s Office (detention deputy), Department of Human Services (three positions), and Clerk and Recorder’s office (part-time motor vehicle clerk). Application deadlines range from February 11-19.
Carochi apologized for continued elevator outages in the county administration building. A replacement computer board for the main level elevator door has been on order for three weeks. Security and staff assist residents needing access to upper or lower levels while repairs are pending.
Commissioners present were Debbie Bell (Chair), Kevin Grantham, and Dwayne McFall. Also attending were County Administrator Tony Carochi, Finance Officer Shawn Sutton, Planning and Zoning Director Dan Victoria, Building Office Manager Lindsey Clark, Code Enforcement Officer Kyle Yarberry, and County Clerk Justin Grantham.
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