The Saguache County Board of County Commissioners passed a six-month moratorium on all data centers and approved a public hearing for Regulation 43 septic system opt-in/opt-out decisions during its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
The board also approved office closure for the Land Use department from October 26–30, reviewed multiple land use applications and marijuana operation yearly renewals, and advanced several administrative contracts and agreements.
Chair Tom McCracken, along with Commissioners Lynne Thompson and Liza Marron, called the meeting to order shortly after 9:00 a.m. and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. They approved the agenda with minor additions that included board requests and discussion of state water rule changes.
The board corrected and approved minutes from the March 3 and March 24 meetings. Corrections addressed AHEC/HART senior meals discussions, TANF fund usage, and Rhineland Consultants coordination at a POA community meeting.
Wendi Maez, County Administrator, presented her report covering review and possible approval of the MGT Cost Allocation contract for 2026 and 2027, discussion on recording work sessions, the ScSeed MOU, Public Alignment contract, shelter agreement with Northern Saguache County Fire Protection District, directive to advertise for $7,000 in Excise Tax Scholarships, DSS housing discussion, and possible decision on county facilities location.
Cathy Maestas, Saguache County Housing Authority Director, spoke on the Range View grand opening. The board noted delays in a $1.3 million solar funding contract for the housing project and received an offer of assistance from Kathy Garcia, Southern Colorado Regional Director for Congressman Jeff Hurd.
The board entered a closed session with Brad Crowell, County Attorney, and outside counsel for confidential legal advice on enforcement of 1041 regulations. The session was not recorded.
Amber Wilson, Land Use Administrator, led the 1:00 p.m. session that included a 1:30 p.m. public hearing on the Flood Plain Ordinance. The board reviewed a conditional use request for an ADU (William & Christina Bergholm), a minor subdivision request (Robin Jones, Anthony Nystrom, Meredith Hvoslef), yearly reviews for several marijuana dispensary and cultivation operations, resolutions for consolidations and lot line adjustments, land development fees for ADUs, and Planning Commission interviews.
On septic regulations, the board set the public hearing for June 9 at 1:00 p.m. and approved opt-in decisions that allow reductions in soil treatment areas with higher-level treatment systems while opting out of certain provisions, including permits for continued use of OWTS.
The board approved Land Use office closure October 26–30 for conferences, with staff available by phone and email and deadlines extended for that week.
During mail review, the board discussed groundwater data showing a 1.28-foot drop in aquifer depth at one monitored site compared to the previous year.
Limited public comment occurred. Guests introduced in the room included Kathy Garcia and new resident Jean Palmer-Moloney from County Road LL56 near Villa Grove. Online participants included Lisa Syriac of the Crestone Eagle.
Legislative discussion covered an EMS/first responders essential personnel bill on the governor’s desk and a CCI survey on EMS matters. Board requests included policy compilation, administrative support updates, and Title III funding.
The meeting included review of correspondence, bill paying, and adjournment.
Support Independent Local Journalism — High Country Advocate was created as a real alternative to regional media that too often silences dissenting voices while taking sides in the political struggle. Producing in-depth, unflinching reporting like this series and others is expensive: servers, editing, research time, and legal review all add up quickly. If these articles have informed you or given you new perspective, please consider supporting HCA with a paid subscription — every subscriber helps keep this reporting strong and independent. 