Park County commissioners approved $74,000 for Platte Canyon Little League field improvements and tabled a $653,213 watershed mitigation project at their March 10 meeting, addressing immediate community needs while seeking legal guidance on compliance with voter-approved funding restrictions. The board also approved $250,000 for landfill contingency reserves, authorized three water truck purchases totaling $271,980, and selected three-year financing for $600,000 in emergency communications equipment upgrades.
Little League Field Improvements
Commissioners unanimously approved $74,000 for field improvements at Burland, including $40,000 for artificial turf installation on the small field and $20,000 for fencing on the large field. James Lassley, Platte Canyon Little League president, said the organization serves approximately 125 youth and plans phased improvements to accommodate both Little League and high school programs.
The turf will use sand-based material rather than rubber infill and will be installed by A. Sanchez Landscaping LLC of Evergreen. Lassley said the organization plans to return with proposals for additional improvements to the larger field.
Commissioners said group team sports teach cooperation and teamwork. One commissioner noted a family member had played on the same field decades ago, adding the county should improve what limited recreational facilities it has.
Watershed Mitigation Project Tabled
The board tabled Fire Adapted Bailey’s request for $653,213 to mitigate mountain pine beetle damage in three watersheds until legal counsel can review whether the project complies with the Land and Water Trust Fund ballot question. The project would address beetle-damaged trees in Rock Creek, Deer Creek, and Elk Creek drainages within Platte Canyon Fire Protection District boundaries.
Commissioners debated whether fire mitigation protecting downstream water quality fits the fund’s voter-approved purposes of preserving and protecting Park County’s water resources. One commissioner said post-fire sediment, metals, and erosion could damage water infrastructure, potentially fitting ballot language covering “improvements and maintenance of water systems and structures.”
Commissioners expressed concern about spending county funds to protect downstream reservoirs like Cheesman rather than Park County water systems. Commissioners identified affected local systems including Shawnee Water, Bailey Water, Lola-Wisp, Moordale, and Harris Park, which draws from ponds that could fill with sediment after fires.
Technical difficulties prevented County Counsel John Evans from providing legal guidance during the meeting. The item was tabled to March 17.
Emergency Communications Upgrade
Commissioners approved three-year financing at 5.54 percent interest for Motorola Solutions emergency communications equipment, with first payment due one year after contract execution in 2027. The E911 center currently maintains reserves of approximately $651,000 and generates about $600,000 annually.
Commissioners favored the shorter term to save interest costs while maintaining adequate reserves. County Manager Lucas Meyer said the county could seek grants to reduce the financial burden.
Budget Policy and Administrative Actions
The board adopted a voucher policy requiring separation of duties between employees creating obligations and those approving payments. Meyer said the policy establishes time frames for submissions to prevent late fees.
Commissioners emphasized the county handles public money, not private funds, and said clear written policies are necessary to ensure compliance within county operations.
Commissioners also approved a $24,980 contract renewal with South Park Site Stewards for historic site inventory work and updated authorized signers for the CSU Extension bank account, raising the dual-signature threshold from $500 to $1,000.
The board approved Resolution 2026-011 for a minor subdivision creating three parcels from two existing parcels at 6632 County Road 12 in Alma for Minewater Finance LLC.
Public Comment on Field Access and Process
Lee Roberts asked via Zoom why the ball field remains locked if it’s public property, saying she would like to use it for running rather than using roads. She also questioned the public comment process, noting she expected discussion opportunities during the meeting.
Meyer explained the county’s two-stage process: work sessions for initial discussion followed by voting meetings one to three weeks later, allowing time for public engagement between sessions.
Roberts also previewed concerns about the watershed project for the March 17 meeting, questioning why Denver Water doesn’t fund mitigation given its senior water rights and asking about wildlife protection during proposed work.
John Mack asked about timing for the second reading of short-term rental regulations. Meyer said second reading would likely occur in the first or second week of April, with potential adoption by month’s end if revisions satisfy stakeholders.
Administrative Session
In administrative session after adjournment, commissioners discussed submitting a congressional designated spending request for coroner facility expansion. The proposed regional forensic lab would serve Park, Lake, Chaffee, Fremont, and Grand counties, reducing expensive front-range transportation for autopsies.
The board also completed a Colorado Counties Inc. fiscal impact survey, rating the county’s fiscal health at nine out of ten on a crisis scale. Commissioners cited unfunded state mandates, inflation impacts, and deferred capital projects including jail improvements, coroner facility needs, courthouse security, and potential judicial complex planning.
Commissioners noted budget cuts affected all departments through hiring freezes and elimination of vacant positions, though employee benefits were maintained. They said the county focuses on health, safety, and welfare but delivers services at funded levels, with quality potentially reduced from previous years.
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