High Country Advocate — Staff Report
Morning Session: Department Hearings and Fees
Commissioners opened with public hearings for EMS, Community Development, Sheriff’s Office, Road & Bridge, Division of Natural Resources, and the Clerk & Recorder, revising schedules to align with state cost recoveries. EMS proposed increases for advanced-life-support mileage, the Sheriff adjusted mileage fees to federal reimbursement rates, and Road & Bridge confirmed gravel-haul charges through the end of the season. Community Development reported permit volumes up 6 percent over 2024 and requested modest inspection-fee adjustments to offset software-licensing costs.
Verizon Blue River Tower SUP
The Board reviewed a Special Use Permit for a 65-foot Verizon monopole in Blue Valley Acres near Hwy 9. Conditions include fencing, bonding, and a decommissioning plan. Commissioners discussed visual impact and emergency-communication benefits before directing staff to finalize a draft resolution.
Wetlands Mitigation Credits
To satisfy U.S. Army Corps requirements tied to the Fraser Valley right-of-way project, the Board approved the purchase of mitigation credits. County staff will draft the compliance memo and update the mitigation plan.
Budget and Finance
Preliminary FY-2026 budget hearings revealed a projected shortfall driven by capital projects, notably EMS Station 1 and a solar-energy upgrade. Departments were asked to hold non-essential spending. Treasurer Tisdel reported steady foreclosure activity and confirmed the annual tax-lien sale with a 14 percent statutory interest rate; premiums will remain non-recoverable under state law.
Airport Ground Lease Policy
The afternoon workshop centered on hangar-lease modernization. Commissioners reviewed proposed language to clarify renewal and assignment rights so hangar owners can finance or transfer leases while keeping the airport self-sustaining. The Airport Board and county attorney will return a final draft in November.
Public Health and Contracts
Public Health presented routine renewals: a Theracom pharmacy contract for contraceptive implants, an advertising order with Tiga Advertising, and a Lyft transportation agreement. The Board ratified the items unanimously and noted ongoing discussions with regional health providers.
Employee Recognition
Using the “New and Anniversaries — Oct. 2025” slide deck, the county honored staff milestones in Public Health, EMS, the Sheriff’s Office, and Information Technology.
Liberty Vote Presentation (Formerly Dominion Voting Systems)
At 1 p.m., commissioners heard from Liberty Vote, the successor to Dominion Voting Systems. Regional representatives described Liberty Vote as a “100 percent American-owned company” maintaining the same personnel who have supported Grand County elections. Founder and Chairman Scott Leiendecker’s October 10 email to Colorado clerks assured that “the same people will be giving the county the same support,” emphasizing transparency, service continuity, and direct leadership outreach. Commissioners asked about Logic and Accuracy testing, state certifications, and training access under the new corporate structure. Liberty’s team pledged to honor existing maintenance contracts, integrate with the state’s election-security center, and host a regional workshop in early 2026. The Board took no action but thanked the company for its briefing.
Public Comment
A resident from Hot Sulphur Springs raised a concern about road maintenance costs near County Road 55 and asked whether asphalt recycling could reduce expenses. Another commenter, identified only as a local business owner, supported the Verizon tower proposal and said reliable coverage would help both residents and emergency services. A brief exchange followed about right-of-way dust control and potential grant funding from CDOT. Later in the afternoon, a Fraser resident commented on airport noise and requested clearer information about lease renewals before new hangars are approved. No additional speakers were recorded for public comment at the end of the meeting.
Procurement and Executive Session
The meeting closed with a procurement-policy workshop and an executive session for legal counsel. No votes were taken afterward.
Adjournment
Chair Cimino adjourned shortly after 4 p.m., marking one of the longest BOCC sessions of the year.
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