Grand County commissioners approved $592,452 in expenditures Tuesday, including a point-of-care testing device that delivers STI test results in 30 minutes instead of 3-10 days and a $255,506 EMS Station 1 technology upgrade fully covered by federal grant funds. The BINX Health testing device addresses a critical gap for seasonal workers who often leave the area before receiving results and treatment, while the EMS station improvements will create the county’s first professional public meeting space with advanced audio/visual capabilities. Commissioners also confirmed a $20,000 Middle Park Fair sponsorship and authorized a $14,896 search and rescue grant for drone-mounted Bluetooth detection technology at the February 3 meeting. The Fair Board reported ending 2025 with $439,041 despite weather challenges including the Windy Gap fire during the event.
Healthcare Access Improvement
Public Health Director Abby Baker said the BINX Health device eliminates the need for patients to return after waiting periods. The 30-minute turnaround allows individuals to receive test results and treatment during a single visit rather than leaving and potentially never receiving treatment.
The device is covered by a Caring for Colorado grant, with test kits estimated at $4,800-$5,300 annually covered by a $25,000 private donation. Services use sliding scale pricing from $0-40 based on income.
EMS Station Technology Upgrade
County Project Manager Jeff Hickam presented a $255,506 change order for EMS Station 1 information technology and audio/visual systems. The upgrade includes a distributed antenna system, access control, and professional meeting capabilities that will serve as a public venue.
EMS Chief Austin Wingate secured a federal grant with “no strings attached” to cover the entire change order amount. The technology package is designed for future scalability and represents a significant upgrade from the original budget based on the Lakota Fire Station in Winter Park, which lacks large classroom and public meeting space.
Commissioners confirmed the grant covers the full additional cost without impacting the project contingency fund.
Middle Park Fair Financial Success
Fair Board President David Buckley reported the 2025 Middle Park Fair ended with $439,041 despite significant challenges including the Windy Gap fire, road closures, fatalities on county access points, strong winds, and poor air quality from regional forest fires. The fair secured 67 sponsors in 2025, slightly more than 2024.
The board has all 10 members returning for 2026 after each completing their first year. Sponsorship packets were ready by December 2025, compared to the historical March timeline. The fair coordinator position, now one year old, has improved organization and communication.
Commissioners confirmed their $20,000 sponsorship at the “grand champion” level. Buckley said the coordinator position will depart at the end of February, and the board is recruiting volunteers and potential board members.
Search and Rescue Technology
Commissioners approved a $14,896 Colorado Bureau of Investigation grant for drone-mounted Bluetooth detection technology with a 600-meter range. Lieutenant Aaron Traynor from the Sheriff’s Office said the equipment could transform search and rescue operations for missing persons.
Transportation and Wildlife Management
Commissioners discussed ongoing CDOT negotiations for Highway 40 merge and deceleration lanes at County Roads 86 and 858. Commissioner Ed Regner, BOCC chair, said the current configuration creates dangerous merge situations as traffic increases from platted developments.
County Manager Micah Benson reported exploring a USDA Wildlife Services contract at approximately $160,000 annually for a full-time wildlife specialist position, with a potential $30,000 grant available. The service could reduce sheriff’s deputy responses to animal control calls.
Routine Business and Other Items
During public comment, a resident thanked commissioners for installing a flashing speed limit sign on County Road 61, reporting significant speed reductions.
Commissioners approved $8,311.02 in Colorado Parks and Wildlife compensation for the state’s 16,000-plus acres of wildlife areas in Grand County. Finance Director Alina Bell presented the weekly payment batch totaling $316,946.17, including $70,917.42 to the district attorney’s office for monthly operating expenses and $35,131.91 for Tourism Board marketing.
The board approved a hangar rental agreement with Strohauer Farms for $3,682.44 annually, a printer maintenance contract with Peak Digital Office Solutions at per-use rates, and out-of-state travel requests for sheriff’s office personnel.
Baker reported Public Health faces a generator repair bill between $4,000-16,500 due to a manufacturer issue. The Cummins generator requires red-dye diesel fuel that creates gel coating in the tank, causing system failures. Baker will seek multiple repair quotes.
County Manager Micah Benson provided updates on water topics including zebra mussel discoveries in the Colorado River and Colorado River Compact discussions between Upper Basin and Lower Basin states. The county is exploring regulations for potential data center developments that would require significant power and water infrastructure.
Commissioners entered executive session regarding Winter Park Urban Renewal Authority negotiations.
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