By High Country Advocate Staff
The Teller County Board of County Commissioners opened its September 11 meeting with a solemn moment of silence for conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, assassinated in Utah the day before; for Irina Zerkaska; and for the victims of the Evergreen High School shooting in Denver. Chairman Bob Campbell asked those present to pause in reflection, saying, “We never want to become numb to tragedies that shake our communities.”
Public Comments: Security and Fire Mitigation
Two residents addressed the board during public comment.
- Carlay of Divide said she attended a memorial for Kirk and was disturbed to see “a handful of people show up to celebrate his death.” She praised the presence of local law enforcement at the gathering and called for prosecutors to ensure those responsible for the assassination face full accountability.
- Tony Moore of Florissant, representing the NoFloCo Fire Mitigation Posse, described his group’s efforts to secure grants for wildfire prevention. He asked commissioners for letters of support and stressed the group’s openness: “Every email, every grant request, every goal is published so it’s 100% transparent.”
Commissioners Call for Civility
The board’s reports were dominated by reflections on the political violence that has drawn national attention.
- Commissioner Eric Stone said heated online rhetoric can spark real-world consequences. “We don’t want to live in a world where public officials are scanning rooftops before attending a memorial,” he warned.
- Commissioner Dan Williams, a veteran, linked the situation to his combat experience, noting the psychological toll on communities. He said Kirk’s planned appearance at Colorado College forced law enforcement to divert resources, and he urged citizens to treat political opponents as neighbors rather than enemies.
- Chairman Campbell echoed the calls, asking residents to consider “what kind of world we want to hand our kids and grandkids.”
Fiscal Health and Budget Signals
Treasurer Crystal Perry presented the county’s semi-annual financial report. Teller’s funds increased from $33.1 million in January to $34.7 million by June, a 4.9 percent gain. Property tax collections stood at 96.4 percent, holding steady from last year. Perry did caution, however, that tax liens and foreclosures rose to 769 this year, up 19 percent from 664 the year before.
While commissioners noted that overall finances remain stable, they said the lien increase is worth monitoring as broader economic pressures filter into the county.
Projects and Administrative Items
Commissioners moved quickly through several agenda items:
- Approval of a $230,000 striping contract to improve roadway safety.
- A $147,000 snow removal contract with Peak Landscapes, securing services for the coming winter.
- Renewal of an agreement with Gorn Medical to provide immunizations under the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.
- Purchase of property along U.S. Highway 24 in Divide for $140,000, part of the county’s wastewater expansion project. Officials said the acquisition ensures space for necessary infrastructure as Divide continues to grow.
Contributions and Appointments
- Newmont/CCV Mine presented another check toward the fairgrounds fund, bringing its total contribution to $95,000. Commissioners called it a “multi-generational investment” in local youth programs and 4-H.
- Lee Chapman, an architect, was elevated from alternate to full member of the Board of Review.
- Ryan Sajusky, a deputy district attorney, was appointed to the Fourth Judicial District Community Corrections Authority.
Sheriff’s Office Absence
The Teller County Sheriff’s Office did not attend the meeting, as its leadership was assisting with security briefings and a news conference at Colorado College, where Kirk had been scheduled to appear. Commissioners publicly thanked the sheriff and local police chiefs for their vigilance.
Editor’s Note: This article is based on the official Sept. 11, 2025 Teller County BOCC meeting proceedings and public comments. While care has been taken to reflect events accurately, some details may be clarified in future updates.
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