Rio Grande County commissioners approved a $18,661 retroactive salary increase for the District Attorney position at their February 11 meeting while receiving a public letter criticizing reduced county clerk office hours. The board also heard record-breaking airport fuel sales reports and approved changes to tourism marketing funds distribution. A representative from the San Luis Valley district attorney’s office presented the salary increase request, noting the adjustment aims to retain qualified legal personnel in the rural multi-county district. The salary adjustment takes effect January 1, 2026.
District Attorney Salary
Commissioners unanimously approved increasing the District Attorney salary by $18,661.12, effective January 1, 2026. The increase represents Rio Grande County’s contribution to a valley-wide effort to make the position more competitive with other Colorado district attorney offices.
Officials noted District Attorney Ann Kelly indicated she will not accept the increase if funds must be taken from existing office budgets. The salary adjustment comes from county funds rather than the district attorney’s operating budget.
A representative from the district attorney’s office explained the increase addresses recruitment and retention challenges in rural legal positions. The district attorney position serves multiple San Luis Valley counties.
Clerk Office Hours Letter
A letter was read into the public record criticizing county clerk office hours. The letter stated the clerk’s office has operated two days per week during the past month and alleged this change occurred without commissioner approval as required by statute.
The letter listed services requiring in-person clerk office visits including marriage licenses, vehicle registrations, and real estate document filing. It requested commissioners require the office to operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Commissioners acknowledged receiving the letter but took no action during the meeting.
The agenda packet notes the clerk’s office announced limited motor vehicle services February 13-16 due to a computer system upgrade, with services potentially slowed during the adjustment period beginning February 17.
Airport Operations
Airport Manager Brian Burrell reported January fuel sales reached 2,600 gallons of aviation gasoline, setting a monthly record for the facility. The sales occurred despite mild winter weather that typically reduces aviation activity.
Burrell introduced Al DiMaggio as the new assistant airport manager. He reported DiMaggio has exceeded performance expectations in his first month.
The board approved a CDOT aeronautics grant providing $22,000 for a snow removal equipment storage shed, with the county contributing the required 10 percent match. Burrell noted the airport generates over $50,000 in annual fuel sales revenue.
Marketing Funds Distribution
Commissioners approved updating the intergovernmental agreement governing tourism marketing funds distribution. The revised agreement shifts from jurisdiction-based allocation to zip code-based distribution with annual adjustments replacing fixed percentages.
Under the new structure, funds collected in the Center area (zip code 81125) will be managed by the Rio Grande County Tourism Board. The five-year agreement includes review triggers for state law changes affecting lodging tax collection.
Participating entities must report annual revenue by March 31 under the updated agreement terms.
General Business
The board approved a liquor license for Eduardo Mexican Grill and assigned a private road name as submitted by Land Use Administrator Dixie Diltz.
Commissioners approved museum landscaping requests from Museum Director Lyndsie Ferrell and museum volunteer Ruthanne Johnson. The board also authorized technology equipment upgrades for museum operations.
The board approved a letter supporting the Housing for the 21st Century Act funding increase.
Commissioners authorized submission of a Department of Local Affairs Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Fund grant application for land use planning purposes.
Department Reports
Land Use Administrator Dixie Diltz, Museum Director Lyndsie Ferrell, Maintenance Director Stan Montoya, and Road & Bridge Director Patrick Sullivan provided reports. Building Official Randy Kern submitted a written report.
Burrell discussed emergency operations plan updates scheduled for two upcoming dates. He reported participating in a March 8 fire response in Monte Vista and a March 21 officer-involved shooting incident where emergency management provided support equipment for investigating officers.
Consent Agenda
The board approved accounts payable for February 11 and ratified accounts payable from January 28 and February 4.
Commissioners approved minutes from meetings on December 31, 2025, and January 7, 14, and 21, 2026.
Commissioner Updates
Commissioners provided updates on regional activities and upcoming events. The board discussed coordination efforts for veterans affairs representation across the San Luis Valley.
Commissioners announced notice of mining activity in the Jasper area for public information.
Commissioners present were Scott Deacon, Gene Glover, and Tyler Ratzlaff. Also attending were County Administrator Skip Schoen, Airport Manager Brian Burrell, Land Use Administrator Dixie Diltz, Museum Director Lyndsie Ferrell, Maintenance Director Stan Montoya, Road & Bridge Director Patrick Sullivan, and County Clerk Cindy Hill.
The meeting was held both in person and via Zoom with public participation options available.
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