Fremont County ended 2025 with $45.98 million across all funds while foreclosure filings surged to 83 cases, a 41% increase from 59 in 2024, County Treasurer Kathy Elliott reported to commissioners January 27. Elliott’s semiannual report showed improved finances compared to the previous year, with the Department of Transportation and Department of Human Services accounting for the bulk of fund balance increases. Sales tax collections reached $8.69 million, running nearly $1 million over budget, while the county also vacated a right-of-way running through McKinley Elementary School and appointed Gail Dexter to the Tourism Council. Despite the foreclosure surge, four property owners successfully avoided losing their homes by curing their payments during the process.
Foreclosures Hit Veterans Hard
Of the 83 foreclosures initiated in 2025, 26 involved VA loans. The Public Trustee’s office processed 391 deed releases in the fourth quarter, up 55 from the third quarter.
Elliott reported 36 foreclosed properties went back to banks while four owners successfully cured their payments. The Public Trustee’s office generated $31,985 in revenue with expenses of $16,971, maintaining a year-end balance of $160,325 after transferring $75,000 to the General Fund.
Sales Tax Collections Plateau Above Budget
Sales tax revenue reached $8.69 million for 2025, running $989,289 over budget. Budget Officer Sean Sutton noted collections have plateaued around $9 million annually since 2021 after jumping from $7 million in 2020.
Lodging tax brought in $358,924, exceeding budget by $47,257 and up $49,139 from 2024. Auto use sales tax totaled $1.52 million, $245,609 ahead of budget despite declining $174,698 from 2024.
Sheriff’s sales tax collections reached $5.79 million, running $338,693 over budget. The five-year trend shows stable revenue following the pandemic-era spike.
Clerk Reports Strong December
County Clerk Justin Grantham reported collecting $1.37 million in December 2025, with Fremont County retaining $793,885 or 58% of total fees. December collections ran $157,051 ahead of December 2024.
Year-to-date collections fell $32,941 below 2024 due to year-end processing backlogs. Grantham noted 17 days remain for voters to change party affiliation ahead of primary elections, with the DMV office closing February 17 for new system implementation.
School Right-of-Way Problem Resolved
Commissioners unanimously approved vacating a 16-foot right-of-way discovered running through classroom #3 at McKinley Elementary School. Canyon City Schools Director of Operations Scott Morton said the issue emerged during gym construction surveys.
The right-of-way was platted in the 1960s but serves no transportation or utility purpose. The board waived $557 in fees for the public project, retaining $43 for recording costs.
Search and Rescue Logs 8,000 Volunteer Hours
Fremont Search and Rescue completed 18 missions in 2025, below their typical 27-30 annual average. Commander Dustin Elliott and Captain Randy Sorge reported the 26-member team logged nearly 8,000 volunteer hours across missions, training and community events.
The Mountain Rescue Association-accredited team operates specialized units including K9 search with human remains detection and trailing dogs, an Alpine team for avalanche scenarios and winter rescue, and three swift water rescue technicians. The team includes seven wilderness first responders and one former emergency room physician providing medical capabilities.
Elliott said the team faces equipment storage challenges due to construction delays on their dedicated facility. Commissioners reaffirmed commitment to completing the building project, currently delayed by groundwater issues.
The team trains with Canon City Fire Department on high-angle rescue and partners with El Paso County and Custer County search and rescue teams for K9 and collaborative training. Six new members joined in 2025 with six additional recruits in the certification process.
Legislative Threats to Local Control
Commissioner Kevin Grantham warned of Senate Bill 4’s “Extreme Risk Protection Order” provisions expanding authority to petition for firearm removal. The bill allows neighbors, healthcare workers, first responders and school officials to seek gun confiscation without requiring hearings.
The legislation had its first committee hearing January 27. Grantham noted multiple bills threaten local control through unfunded mandates during the state legislative session.
Other Business
The board scheduled a February 19 public hearing for Diana’s Pumpkin Patch agritainment venue application. Dexter, appointed to the Tourism Council through December 2027, brings 11 years of Royal Gorge Bridge & Park experience and serves on the Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance Board of Directors.
Christopher Olney, Senior Government Affairs Specialist with Colorado Springs Utilities, updated commissioners on Arkansas Basin water resource planning discussions. Olney said the 5-50 year planning process continues with commitment to county engagement on water resource development.
Commissioners warned fire danger continues despite recent precipitation. The next meeting is February 10, with the following session moved to February 19 for the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference.
Commissioner Debbie Bell chaired the meeting with Commissioner Kevin Grantham present. Commissioner Dwayne McFall was absent.
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