Pitkin County commissioners recognized Kelly McNicholas Kury for seven years of public service during her final meeting before resigning from the District 2 seat effective February 16. The board approved water rights purchases, bond authorizations for airport and environmental projects, commissioner salary increases, and multiple land use agreements at their February 11 meeting. Chair Jeffrey Woodruff and commissioners Francie Jacober, Patti Clapper, and Greg Poschman led the session addressing 18 resolutions and ordinances. Applications for the District 2 vacancy are due February 6.
McNicholas Kury Recognition
Commissioners presented a proclamation recognizing McNicholas Kury’s service advancing housing policy, family leave programs, childcare funding and healthcare access. The proclamation cited her role in the voter-approved housing tax and support for the Aspen-Pitkin County Housing Authority.
The proclamation also cited her work championing parental leave policies and helping establish Colorado’s FAMLI program. It noted her advocacy during airport negotiations, mental health services and water rights protection including Crystal River designation as wild and scenic.
Water Rights Acquisition
Commissioners approved acquiring shares in Twin Lakes Reservoir and Canal Company and Fountain Mutual Irrigation Company. A commissioner said the purchase allows the county to flow more water down the Roaring Fork that previously flowed to the East Slope.
The board also approved a supplemental budget appropriation for water rights acquisition funded through Healthy Rivers and Streams sales tax revenue bonds approved by voters.
Bond Authorizations
The board declared official intent to reimburse the county with proceeds from Airport Enterprise Revenue Bonds. Commissioners also authorized reimbursement with Healthy Rivers and Streams Sales Tax Revenue Bonds.
Both resolutions allow the county to use bond proceeds for expenditures made before formal bond issuance.
Commissioner Salaries
Commissioners approved setting salaries for elected officials other than county commissioners to align with Category I-A under state statutes for terms beginning in 2027.
The board also authorized increasing county commissioner salaries contingent on pursuing a state legislative change from Category II-B to Category I-A classification.
Housing and Social Services
The board approved a grant agreement with the West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition supporting the Good Deeds Program. The resolution provides county funding for regional housing initiatives.
Commissioners approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Aspen and Town of Snowmass Village sharing costs for the Pitkin Area Co-Responder Teams program expenses not covered by external grants.
Land Use and Leases
The board authorized an agricultural and outfitting lease for Coke Ovens Open Space with Pair a Dice Outfitters. Commissioners also approved an agricultural lease for Wheatley Open Space with Roaring Fork Mill.
A conservation easement deed for the Carvelli Property received approval. The board granted an encroachment license and an underground right-of-way easement to Holy Cross Energy.
Airport Operations
Commissioners authorized a guest services terminal space lease at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport with Aspen Chamber Resort Association.
Emergency Resolutions
The board approved a Colorado Office of eHealth Innovation Connected Care for a Rural Colorado Grant Agreement through emergency resolution with confirmatory reading.
Commissioners authorized emergency submission of an application for a Department of Local Affairs Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Fund grant for the Phillips Mobile Home Park Water Well Development Project. The resolution is set for confirmatory public hearing February 25.
Citizen Appointments
The board appointed Charlotte Anderson to a citizen board through consent agenda approval.
Public Comment
Cindy Hoobin offered public comment thanking McNicholas Kury for her service. Additional public comment was provided on items not related to the meeting agenda.
Next Meeting
The next regular meeting is scheduled for February 25 at 12 p.m. at the BOCC Meeting Room, 530 E. Main St., Aspen.
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