HCA Staff Report
The Park County Board of County Commissioners met on October 8, 2025, for its regular session. Commissioners opened the meeting with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the amended agenda, removing an item involving a right-of-way agreement with Berger Land Company. Routine consent items, including vouchers and minutes, were approved unanimously.
Budget Review for 2026
Finance Director April presented the draft 2026 budget, noting that the county’s general fund remains tight but stable. Projected revenues total $19.99 million, with $21.22 million in expenditures and $864,000 in transfers to other funds. Commissioners emphasized their goal of avoiding any drawdown of reserves for the O3 general fund. Public Works continues to show expenses slightly above revenues, and the ARPA fund will require budget adjustments to align allocations.
Commissioner Gimmer and others praised April and her team for maintaining fiscal stability during a difficult year. The county expects PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) funding to remain uncertain because of the federal government shutdown, but Commissioner Mitchell noted that state and federal partners are advocating for continued funding.
The 2025 general fund is expected to break even, with $18.7 million in revenue and $18.8 million in expenses. Commissioners agreed that building reserve levels remains a top priority for the next fiscal year. The board expressed appreciation to staff for managing 21 different funds and commended the short-term rental tax program (Fund 23) for supporting search and rescue, tourism, and law enforcement initiatives.
Tourism Board Vacancies Filled
The board approved recommendations from the Tourism Advisory Board to appoint **Dana Peters of Guffey** and **Angie Mills of Hartsel**. This brings the board to six members, with plans to expand to seven for an odd-number quorum. Commissioners thanked both appointees and acknowledged the board’s contributions to promoting Park County as a recreation and heritage destination.
Advisory Board Policy Update
Commissioners reviewed updates to the county’s policy governing appointed boards and commissions. The policy, originally adopted in 2012, will be revised to clarify bylaws, duties, and oversight responsibilities. The new version replaces the unsigned 2019 draft policy. Commissioner Mitchell moved to amend the draft so that individual board bylaws prevail if they conflict with the general policy. The amendment carried unanimously, and the updated policy will be circulated to all county boards to ensure compliance and consistency.
Commissioners discussed the Fair Board’s unique structure, noting that it has historically operated independently and raises its own funds to support the annual Park County Fair. The board intends to standardize procedures across all advisory bodies while preserving the autonomy of legacy boards.
Technology Support Contract Approved
The board approved a **three-year professional services agreement** with **AVI-SPL LLC** for countywide audio and video systems maintenance. The $32,488.55 contract ensures ongoing support for the boardrooms and meeting facilities. The motion passed unanimously, with commissioners noting the upgrade will improve reliability and public access for meetings.
Conditional Use Permit for Alma Residence
The commissioners conducted a public hearing for **Conditional Use Permit Case A25-0023**, submitted by **Jim Smith of Alma**. The application sought approval to build a residence and garage apartment on a 7.53-acre patented mining claim known as the Phillips Lode (MS No. 1873) in the Mining Zone District west of Alma.
Planner **Julie Astral of Baseline Corporation** presented the case, explaining that the site lies within the **Town of Alma’s Watershed Protection District** and requires compliance with mitigation measures to prevent contamination from historic mine shafts. State agencies, including the Colorado Geological Survey and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, reported no significant conflicts. The Planning Commission previously recommended approval with three conditions.
Applicant Jim Smith addressed the board, stating that geotechnical tests confirmed solid bedrock and no groundwater intrusion beneath the proposed structure. Commissioners approved the permit with all three Planning Commission conditions: (1) expansion of Alma’s watershed activity permit before construction; (2) engineered foundation accounting for mine proximity; and (3) compliance with Colorado Division of Water Resources guidelines for auxiliary living spaces.
Meeting Notes and Adjournment
Commissioners also discussed the county’s longstanding Fair Board operations, ongoing federal PILT negotiations, and leadership updates from CCI. The meeting adjourned following a report on regional collaboration and budget outlooks for 2026.
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