Mineral County Commissioners approved nearly $58,000 in road infrastructure investments during their January 30 meeting, including experimental dust-suppressing treatment and new maintenance equipment. The board unanimously authorized purchasing three miles of Hermosyme soil stabilizer for $27,000, a product that creates an extremely hard surface “like putting glass on top,” according to Forest Service officials. Commissioners also approved buying walk-and-roll road equipment for $30,000—down from an original $41,000 quote after removing articulation features based on Gunnison County’s experience with nine similar units. The board waived a $30,000 security requirement for the Kim Kosciuszko subdivision while requiring access road completion by October 1, 2026. Additional approvals included a $1,785 contribution toward the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s mandated salary increase and authorization to purchase tire equipment from the school district for approximately $3,500.
Experimental Road Treatment Gets Trial Run
The Hermosyme purchase represents the county’s first trial of the soil-stabilizing product after successful compatibility testing on local materials. Road and Bridge Supervisor Randy Riggs sent samples from Banning Flats road base, Middle Creek Road, and Deep Creek to Nevada for testing, with all proving compatible.
A Forest Service representative noted the treatment creates nearly dust-free conditions but raised questions about potential slime factors in wet conditions. The product comes with a five-year limited warranty covering replacement materials but not performance guarantees.
Equipment Purchases Reduce Costs
The walk-and-roll equipment purchase saves the county $11,000 from the original $41,000 quote. Gunnison County removed articulation from one of their nine similar units due to user preference, generating $8,000 in savings, and offered to loan a unit for trial use.
The board also approved acquiring tire machines and a balancer from the school district for approximately $3,500, pending grant compliance verification.
Sheriff’s Report
Sheriff Terry Wetherill reported on several law enforcement activities, including two teenage speeding citations at Blue Creek corner where motorists were caught driving 66 mph in a 50 mph zone. A parent who paid the tickets accused the sheriff of “entrapment” for informing the teens about multiple complaints received regarding their driving.
A Wolf Creek Ski Area snowboard theft captured on multiple cameras led investigators to a Texas suspect who agreed to return the stolen equipment. Deputy Cody McCutcheon used license plate information from security footage to trace the registered owner through the TLOXP database. The suspect claimed the theft was a “mistake” and the case will likely be dropped if the snowboard is returned.
Wetherill also reported a DUI arrest on January 17 where the suspect registered a 0.217 blood alcohol content. The sheriff expressed concerns about the growing hockey tournament, which drew larger crowds than the music festival but lacked adequate security despite significant drinking and parking congestion. Officials discussed implementing more professional permitting processes for future events.
Subdivision Approval Waives Security
The board approved Resolution 2026-2 for the Kim Kosciuszko subdivision’s final plat. Contractor Steve Gates will provide road construction to county standards. Lots cannot be sold until construction is finished and restrictions are removed. The subdivision improvement agreement must be signed by February 11.
Wildfire Code Development Progresses
Emergency Services Director Clint Leggett updated commissioners on wildfire resiliency code development, noting five to six valley counties are considering adoption while Costilla County declined participation. The code focuses on ember-resistant construction and could add $20,000 to $40,000 in costs for a 2,000-square-foot home, primarily in deck construction requirements.
Leggett noted insurance industry pressure remains a major concern, with companies increasingly requiring compliance. Despite concerns about rushed implementation, the county recommends adoption, believing flexibility may reduce anticipated enforcement costs and homeowner expenses. The greatest subdivision risks were identified as Eagle’s Nest and Greenhaven due to small lot sizes.
Search and Rescue Recognition
The county is ordering Arcteryx outer shell and mid-layer jackets for 10 Search and Rescue members who logged 90-plus hours of service in the past two years. Leggett reported on a Last Chance Mine rescue where a Texas visitor became stuck with a street-tire equipped vehicle. Search and Rescue member John Steele assisted with a track UTV rescue after a tow company declined service.
County Administrator Report
County Administrator Janelle Kukuk reported new state legislation sets the minimum salary for 12th Judicial District Attorney Anne Kelly at $193,008, up from $130,000. The increase brings DA salaries equivalent to district court judges to retain qualified prosecutors. Counties were requested to bridge the funding gap from January to July 2026, when state funding at 80 percent begins. Mineral County’s share represents an additional $944.
Commissioners approved the CPW impact assistance grant application and canceled the February 5 work session due to travel conflicts. The landfill received preliminary permission for new trench work with CDPHE approval expected by March, and the airport grant for runway crack sealing is nearing final approval.
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