Grand County commissioners approved $1,050,989 in weekly payments and reviewed the county’s 2026 asphalt maintenance program at their February 10 meeting. County Engineer Tim Gagnon and Road and Bridge Superintendent Dave Buckley reported 2025 construction totaled $2.769 million and added nearly five miles of new asphalt, coming in $50,000 under bid despite adding two roads during the year. The board also received updates from U.S. Forest Service District Ranger Eric Frills on 3,000 acres of approved wildfire treatments and the Granby-Grand Lake transit connector coordinating with mountain passenger rail service launching in November 2026. Finance Director Alina Bell reported major disbursements included $655,919 to local governments from January tax collections and $250,000 to Winter Park for the Fraser River Trail extension.
2026 Road Maintenance Program
United Companies completed removal and replacement work on County Roads 511 and 611, plus paved County Roads 832, 834, and 60 East in 2025. One small section of County Road 511 failed geotechnical testing and United Companies agreed to replace the affected asphalt this summer.
Planned 2026 projects include removal and replacement on County Roads 5197 and 5211 East, plus new paving on Penny Road 1 East from Highway 9 to the Blue River Bridge. Officials discussed coordinating the work with heavy construction traffic from the Blue River restoration project at the confluence. Gagnon will confirm traffic routing to determine whether to proceed this year or delay to avoid conflicts.
Forest Service Wildfire Treatments
Frills reported the Forest Service signed the Big Meadow CE, providing 3,000 acres of potential treatments from Crooked Creek through Big Meadows to above Middle Beaver Creek. The area is a priority due to beetle kill and proximity to roadless areas.
The Forest Service initiated the Devils Thumb fuels reduction project covering 500 acres around the Devils Thumb trailhead. The project aims to remove merchantable timber first, then create large machine piles for winter burning.
The Forest Service is working with Grand County Wildfire Council to find funding and developing agreements for the council to serve as fiscal agent.
Transit Connector Plans
Commissioners received an update on the Granby-Grand Lake transit connector coordinating with CDOT’s mountain passenger rail service launching in November 2026 from Denver to Granby. Preliminary plans include early morning runs for commuter access to schools, housing, employment and medical services, plus midday and evening runs.
Officials noted the regional rail service should achieve over 90 percent on-time performance similar to the current ski train. Buses will return to the Lift barn facility with budget built in for deadhead time and maintenance.
Forest Management Public Comment
Daniela Kosilova of Granby addressed commissioners about dwarf mistletoe infestation in lodgepole pine forests. She explained the parasitic plant creates fire risk by causing trees to produce flammable sap, noting her area shows 95 percent infection versus 50 percent statewide. Kosilova requested the county enforce a 25-year-old forest management plan requiring removal of infected branches and trees.
A second resident spoke about the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act and county self-insurance, referencing an incident where a county plow truck hit his parked vehicle. He requested time on a future agenda to discuss how the county could respond differently from its insurance company. Commissioner Raegner noted he had reached out to meet but commissioners have fiduciary responsibility to follow advice of insurance and legal counsel.
CDOT Highway Improvements
County officials discussed CDOT’s Red Dirt Hill improvement plans. CDOT will not install an acceleration lane at the Homestead Hills intersection due to super elevation concerns but is evaluating left turn lanes, right turn lanes and acceleration lanes at the east County Road 86 entrance. The west County Road 86 entrance will close in spring 2027.
DMV Office Closure
County Clerk Jolene Linke announced the motor vehicle and driver’s license offices will close at 2:30 p.m. Friday, February 13 through Monday, February 23 while the state installs a new computer system. Recording, vitals and elections services will remain open during the closure.
Administrative Business
Commissioners approved a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act memorandum of understanding extension for Human Services, Housing Authority exemption applications, a cost-sharing agreement with Mountain Parks Electric for Eagleview aerial imagery service at $4,175 annually, and out-of-state travel for communications lieutenant Ashley McEwen to the Motorola Summit Conference in Orlando.
Treasurer Marcy Wheatley reported all 26,223 property tax statements were mailed or emailed as of February 2. The Federal Reserve maintained its target rate at 3.5 to 3.75 percent with possible cuts expected later this year.
Commissioners welcomed five new employees and recognized work anniversaries for 17 staff members, including Mike Meindel’s 31 years with road and bridge.
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