Pagosa Springs Town Council approved placing two ballot questions before voters at their February 3 meeting, including a $3 million Colorado Water Conservation Board loan for October 2025 San Juan River flood recovery and a Home Rule Charter amendment for fine and jail sentence limits. The council established a Dark Sky Steering Committee to pursue international certification and appointed five residents as members. Council members heard a presentation on state-mandated wildfire resiliency building codes that must be adopted by April. The flood loan carries zero interest for three years, then 3.35 percent interest with annual payments of $170,566.
Flood Recovery Loan
The $3 million loan from the Colorado Water Conservation Board will fund disaster recovery from the October 2025 San Juan River flood. Development Director James Dickhoff confirmed voter approval is the first step in the loan process.
Council Member Bergon asked for clarification that the ballot language allows flexibility beyond safety priorities. Mayor Pierce said safety remains the primary concern for flood recovery projects.
The loan agreement includes zero interest for three years followed by 3.35 percent interest. Annual debt payments will be $170,566 from general fund revenues without new taxes.
Charter Amendment
The council approved placing a Home Rule Charter amendment on the April ballot to modify maximum fines and jail sentences for ordinance violations. Town Manager David Harris said the change represents language cleanup required by recent Colorado Supreme Court decisions.
The amendment ensures town ordinance penalties align with state statute provisions. Without voter approval, the town would be limited to $1,000 fines for some violations.
Dark Sky Initiative
Council approved Resolution 2026-02 establishing a Dark Sky Steering Committee to pursue international dark sky certification. The resolution was amended to specify committee members would be appointed by vote rather than resolution.
Council voted 5-2 in October 2025 to proceed with dark sky designation efforts. Council Member Martinez said he voted against the initiative due to lack of federal funding and wildlife management conflicts.
The committee will consist of up to five regular members and two alternates. Council appointed Kelon Crawford, Pat Hasenbuhler, Dena Laterza, Michelle Juneau, and Aaron McCraken as regular members.
Wildfire Building Code
Building Official Tim Hatch presented the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, which the state requires towns to adopt by April 1, 2026, and implement by July 1, 2026. The code applies to new construction and substantial renovations involving 25 percent or more roof or siding changes.
Most of Pagosa Springs falls under Class 2 moderate to high fire risk designation requiring specific building materials and construction methods. A small downtown area qualifies as Class 1 low risk.
Existing homes remain unaffected unless owners undertake major renovations. Hatch emphasized the code aims to protect residential neighborhoods from wildfire, noting building codes historically developed in response to fire risks.
The town is working with Wildfire Adapted Partnership to provide educational resources. Council will consider formal adoption in March.
Sanitation System Update
Town Manager Harris provided an update on sanitation infrastructure. The October flood destroyed 50 feet of gravity sewer main on the Highway 160 bridge.
Pump Station One operates with a bypass pumping system and has a new dual guide rail system under construction. Pump Station Two requires drive motor replacement expected in four to six weeks.
The First Street Lift Station project continues after flood damage accelerated the timeline. The town is coordinating pedestrian bridge installation with the lift station work.
Council Member Williams discussed whether to declare a sanitation emergency to access additional funding sources. Public Works Director Karl Johnson briefed council on ongoing repairs and equipment replacements.
Other Business
Council approved the consent agenda including January 20 meeting minutes, a highway safety grant for North Pagosa Boulevard reconstruction, Building Code Board of Appeals appointments, committee appointments, and a tourism board appointment.
The council postponed discussion of Reservoir Hill Park expansion fundraising to the February 17 meeting.
Council held two executive sessions for legal consultation on the Tourism Advisory Board intergovernmental agreement and property discussions related to Project 102.
Support Independent Local Journalism — High Country Advocate was created as a real alternative to regional media that too often silences dissenting voices while taking sides in the political struggle. Producing in-depth, unflinching reporting like this series and others is expensive: servers, editing, research time, and legal review all add up quickly. If these articles have informed you or given you new perspective, please consider supporting HCA with a paid subscription — every subscriber helps keep this reporting strong and independent. 