By: Staff Writer – High Country Advocate
DEL NORTE – October 22, 2025. The Rio Grande County Board of Commissioners met for their regular session Wednesday morning at the courthouse, beginning with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners Deacon, Glover, and Ratzlaff were present.
Public Comment: Concern Over Inflation and Government Growth
A resident spoke at length about the “continual growth of government,” saying local, state, and federal agencies were taking more from taxpayers while providing less accountability. He urged commissioners to “lower the sales tax, land use fees, and short-term rental costs,” saying the cost of doing business was driving people into poverty. He warned that middle-class families were being “crushed into poverty” and compared the trend to “socialism or Marxism.”
Another speaker referenced a news segment about homelessness in Denver, describing it as a “cycle that strips people of their ability to pay their bills.” He thanked the board for meeting with local residents and urged action at the local level.
Veterans Service Office Report
Veterans Service Officer Jack Rudder thanked the board for their support and said he might be the only active VSO currently working in the San Luis Valley. He reported helping veterans as far away as Louisiana and emphasized the growing shortage of state VSOs. Rudder also announced several community events including the upcoming Marine Corps birthday celebration, the Lights of Valor at Home Lake, and a VFW potato feed.
Liquor License Approval
The board approved a hotel-restaurant liquor license for Seeger Holdings LLC, doing business as Wendi’s Good Things Market, located at 5987 W. County Road 9 North in Del Norte. The application will be forwarded to the state for final approval.
Airport Updates
Airport Board President Tom Haefeli publicly thanked Patrick Sullivan and the Road & Bridge Department for maintaining the runway and assisting during a recent aircraft incident. He also recognized the Sheriff’s Office for its prompt response. Haefeli noted a growing waiting list for hangar space and said nearby Mineral County had 21 pilots waiting. Commissioners discussed exploring a state infrastructure loan program to fund future hangar development.
Equipment Shelter Approved
Airport Manager Brian Burrell, attending virtually while recovering from medical leave, requested $2,500 from the airport fund to build a 12×30 metal shelter to protect the airport’s Gator and jet-fuel trailer. The equipment has twice been damaged by weather, including during the recent flooding. The board approved the purchase, emphasizing that it would not burden taxpayers.
Federal Shutdown Letter to Senators
Commissioners unanimously approved a letter to Colorado’s U.S. senators urging them to reopen the federal government. The letter described severe local impacts from the ongoing shutdown, including disruption of SNAP benefits, delays in DSS and public health funding, reduced tourism revenue, and financial stress on local federal employees. Commissioners agreed that “political maneuvering” in Washington had created hardship in rural counties and said the message needed to be clear and bipartisan.
Cost Allocation Plan Renewal
Finance Director Amanda Klapperich presented a renewal contract with Matrix Consulting Group for $15,000 per year to update the county’s cost-allocation plan. The study allows the county to claim indirect costs on grant funding—returning roughly $200,000 annually through a 15 percent reimbursement rate. The contract was approved.
Commissioner Reports
Commissioner Deacon warned of new land-use restrictions proposed under the Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection Act, saying the measure could limit grazing rights and harm ranchers. He plans to coordinate with regional cattlemen’s associations and monitor related legislation expected in the 2026 session.
Deacon also confirmed preparations for the November 8 Veterans Day Celebration, where Lewis A. Chance will receive the county’s Veterans Medal. A new monument honoring a local Pearl Harbor veteran will be completed by then.
Commissioner Barber reported on landfill regulations, noting a three-year reprieve on gas-leak testing under Regulation 31 but warned some fee increases will be needed to comply long-term. He also discussed ongoing opioid-mitigation efforts and a new infrastructure grant opportunity for Hopen Valley through the Gates Foundation. At the county museum, volunteers have begun cataloging a large donation of hand-built military models to be displayed behind protective glass.
Commissioner Ratzlaff reported on the joint Planning and Zoning Board’s work on renewable-energy regulations and discussed voter-roll maintenance efforts following a meeting with Dr. Frank.
County Attorney & Administrator Updates
County Attorney Nancy Lake reviewed the budget hearing and legal cases, saying the Trujillo case is moving in the county’s favor and should close before January. Administrator Skip Rains reported that the courthouse elevator repairs were nearly complete and funded through the Underfunded Facilities Grant Program. He praised maintenance staff for working extended hours and thanked Road & Bridge for their flood response, saying damage to county infrastructure was “extremely minimal.”
Rains and Lake are drafting a joint letter with the Town of South Fork addressing CDOT’s delays on the Selma Meadows affordable-housing project and Base Camp convenience-store access. The project, partly funded under Proposition 123, has been ready for occupancy since 2024 but remains stalled awaiting CDOT approval. Commissioners voiced frustration and will press the issue at the November 13 TPR meeting.
Meeting Adjourned
The meeting adjourned at 4:41 p.m. The next regular session is scheduled for November 5, 2025.
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