Teller County commissioners ratified an emergency Stage II Fire Ban, raised concerns about a proposed state highway project conflicting with already-approved county developments, and worked through a full agenda of budget, land use, and personnel matters at their March 24, 2026, regular meeting at the Teller County Centennial Building in Cripple Creek. Chairman Erik Stone was out of the country, leaving Commissioner Robert Campbell as acting chair alongside Commissioner Dan Williams. The ban had been adopted at an emergency session March 19 in response to extreme dry conditions, 50 percent snowpack, a 7,000-plus-acre fire at Fort Carson burning at zero percent containment, and seven fires lit by trail users in Teller County the previous weekend despite restrictions already in place. The board also proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and April 6–12 as National Public Health Week, reappointed a veteran planning commission member, and ratified contracts for ballot printing and a library trustee appointment.
Stage II Fire Ban
The Stage II ban prohibits all open burning on private and public lands in unincorporated Teller County, including campfires, charcoal fires, outdoor welding with open flame, fireworks, model rockets, and prescribed burning. Rubbish burning is prohibited at all times. Smoking is limited to enclosed vehicles.
The ban exempts gas or propane barbeques and stoves placed at least 10 feet from combustibles, chainsaws with fire extinguishment equipment, indoor fireplaces, and fused explosives on designated mining property or by special Sheriff’s permit. A valid Teller County burn permit does not constitute an exemption.
The ban was requested by Sheriff Jason Mikesell in his capacity as Fire Warden and by all Teller County fire chiefs, in consultation with state and federal land agencies. Bureau of Land Management representatives were present at the meeting; the U.S. Forest Service has closed Turkey Tracks. Commissioner Williams noted one in three Teller County ambulance calls serves non-resident visitors, most without insurance, and said fire season began with no relief in sight. The resolution remains in effect until amended or repealed by the board. Approved 2–0.
CDOT Roundabout
County Administrator Ross Herzog told the board he was surprised during a March 16 meeting when the Colorado Department of Transportation presented a proposed roundabout at the intersection of Highways 24 and 67 — the same corner where the county has already approved both the new Centralized Service Center and a subdivision of approximately 170 homes, with most permits already issued. County officials said CDOT appeared unaware those approvals existed, describing a disconnect within the state agency. Commissioners said opposition is likely to develop at multiple levels. More details are expected as the situation develops.
Commissioner Reports and Legislative Update
Commissioners Williams and Campbell planned to attend the state legislative session in Denver Thursday and Friday. Commissioner Williams highlighted House Bill 1008, a recreation bill that would place all recreational uses on public lands under Colorado Parks and Wildlife oversight and give counties meaningful approval authority over plans that currently bypass them. He also noted a clean energy siting bill collapsed after industry partners withdrew following two and a half months of joint work with all 64 counties. On a positive note, Williams said Teller County’s Wildfire Community Protection Plan and mapping tool are now being used statewide as a model after a legislative deadline extension for other counties failed. Williams called on residents to continue donating to local nonprofits, noting organizations serving the county face funding cuts of 25 to 30 percent.
Public Comment
A resident raised ongoing concerns about the county’s consideration of short-term rentals in residential zones, arguing STRs function as commercial operations and should require a conditional use permit with public comment — consistent with other commercial uses such as bed-and-breakfasts. The resident also questioned how to define permitted amenities, occupancy limits, and at what point an STR becomes a resort. The acting chair noted that 85 percent of the county is zoned A-1 and said the board is preserving input for Commissioner Stone’s review.
Budget and Financial Actions
Caitlyn Lombardo of the Finance Department presented a routine monthly personnel budget adjustment totaling $737,374 across four funds — General Fund $379,623; Jail Enterprise $241,431; Social Services $111,987; Road and Bridge $4,333 — transferring turnover savings from holding accounts to active departmental budgets. The board approved the measure unanimously.
Treasurer Krystal Brown presented the Semi-Annual Report for July 1 through December 31, 2025, reporting total activity of $29,937,374.31, balanced to the penny despite issues with the county’s Tyler financial software. Accounts payable were approved in two runs: $338,445.97 for March 9 and $910,117.19 for March 24.
Child Abuse Prevention and Public Health
The board proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Jodi Mijares, CEO of Community Partnership Family Resource Center, said the nonprofit is doing more work with less, facing a 25 to 30 percent funding reduction as demand has grown. Commissioners noted an uptick in child abuse and substance abuse cases in the county, linking it to economic stress and disruptions to federal and state support programs.
The board also proclaimed April 6–12 as National Public Health Week, with Public Health Director Michelle Wolff presenting.
Other Business
The board reappointed Wendy Dillenschneider to a three-year term on the Teller County Planning Commission, 2026–2029, citing roughly 31 years of volunteer service and her role in establishing the county’s dark skies lighting regulations.
Clerk and Recorder Stephanie Kees reported a new ballot drop box is installed in Florissant and available for the June 30 primary election. The election room at the Centennial Building is nearly complete, with a state security assessment to follow.
The board ratified a contract with KP Election Services for 2026 ballot printing — $32,000 for the primary and $30,000 for the general election, not including postage — and ratified the appointment of Kelly Hunsaker to the Rampart Library District Board of Trustees, replacing Betsy Anderson, whose term ends May 2026.
The board approved consolidating three lots and an adjacent right-of-way in the Cripple Creek Timbers subdivision into a single 2.76-acre parcel for the Cripple Creek Mountain Estates Homeowners Association, conditioned on a driveway permit and a single on-site wastewater treatment system. The item had been postponed from the February 26 meeting when the required plat was not ready.
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