BOCC Meeting, August 19, 2026
Main Subject
The primary focus of the August 19, 2026 meeting of the Custer County Board of County Commissioners was continued post-Aspen Acres Fire recovery, wildfire debris disposal support for residents, application for a major natural disaster mitigation grant, road department staffing, and a proposed scenic overlook grant project.
Summary
The August 19, 2026 BOCC meeting, held at 1:00 p.m. and chaired by Bill Canada, centered on recovery actions following the Aspen Acres Fire (started June 29, 2026) and associated flooding risks in the San Isabel area. Commissioners reviewed after-action findings from the fire response, approved a time-limited county program covering landfill disposal fees for wildfire ash, authorized pursuit of a no-match Colorado Natural Disaster Mitigation Enterprise Grant (up to $900,000) for home ignition zone and fuel reduction work, discussed posting requirements for the Assistant Road Boss position, and supported advancing a Federal Lands Access Program grant application for a scenic overlook. The meeting included a Treasurer’s report, strong public comment from Aspen Acres residents on the need for federal disaster assistance and burned tree removal, and routine approvals. Most items passed unanimously with limited debate.
Key Points
Commissioner Reports & Recovery Updates
- San Isabel recovery efforts delivered approximately 3,800 sandbags and three truckloads of sand to reduce flood risk from the burn scar.
- An after-action review of the Aspen Acres Fire response was conducted with staff and state partners; lessons learned will shape future policies, procedures, and training.
- AirFest was held the prior weekend with roughly 800 attendees; the event featured free breakfast, aircraft displays, and live music and highlighted the county airport’s role.
- Budget hearings for all departments were scheduled to begin September 14; the next regular BOCC meeting was noted as rescheduled in the broader calendar context.
Treasurer’s Report
- June 2026 financials accepted: beginning balance $10,533,637.10; ending balance $11,750,761.81 across funds and taxing entities (second consecutive positive month).
New Business – Wildfire Debris Disposal Support Program
- Program approved to cover disposal fees at the Southside landfill in Pueblo for Aspen Acres Fire ash through September 30, 2026.
- Residents remain responsible for transport and proper packaging (minimum 6-mil double-wrapped plastic, ash kept wet to control dust). Estimated county cost $1,000–$3,000 from the general fund.
- Aimed at reducing the burden on uninsured or under-insured property owners and encouraging cleanup before winter. Asbestos precautions noted for older structures.
New Business – Road & Bridge Staffing
- Newly appointed Road Boss Scott Camper indicated intent to promote long-time employee Don Kelly to Assistant Road Boss.
- Position must be posted internally and externally for a minimum of 10 days before formal appointment can proceed.
New Business – Colorado Natural Disaster Mitigation Enterprise Grant
- Board approved applying for up to $900,000 (no local match required) focused on home ignition zone treatments, full-property fuels reduction, and fuel breaks along evacuation routes.
- Targets homes in moderate-to-high wildfire risk areas (approximately 67% of structures per prior assessment). Application due by end of August; awards expected in October.
- Overlaps with previously authorized recovery management firm support. County would receive limited administrative overhead for project management staff.
New Business – Frontier Pathways Scenic Overlook Grant
- Board supported proceeding as fiscal agent for a Federal Lands Access Program grant application (preliminary request approximately $100,000, zero match) to develop a scenic overlook on county-owned land along CO 96 near San Isabel National Forest.
- Project would include parking, site grading, and interpretive signage. Letters of support from Westcliffe and Silver Cliff already obtained. Preliminary application due by month-end.
Public Comment
- Aspen Acres residents stressed the urgent need for state and federal disaster declarations or additional grants to support rebuilding of 80+ destroyed homes, restore lost assessed valuation, and prevent long-term blight.
- Questions raised about removal of burned trees along Highway 165 before winter (CDOT responsibility for right-of-way; private property remains owner/BLM responsibility).
- Suggestion offered to bid out maintenance of certain gravel side roads to free county crews for higher-priority work.
Summarized Transcription
Meeting opened at 1:00 p.m. with Pledge and invocation focused on recovery efforts. Roll call confirmed commissioners present. August 12 minutes approved unanimously.
Commissioners reported on sandbag operations, the Aspen Acres after-action review, and the successful AirFest. Treasurer’s June report accepted. New business began with presentation and unanimous approval of the Custer County Wildfire Debris Disposal Support Program covering landfill fees for properly packaged ash through September 30. Discussion followed on posting requirements before filling the Assistant Road Boss position. John Van Dorn presented the Colorado Natural Disaster Mitigation Enterprise Grant opportunity; the Board approved applying. Bob Fulton presented the Frontier Pathways scenic overlook concept; the Board authorized moving forward as fiscal agent for the federal grant application.
Public comment centered on the scale of loss in Aspen Acres, the need for broader disaster assistance, tree removal along Highway 165, and potential contracting of secondary road maintenance. No executive session. Meeting adjourned after routine closing items. Most actions passed without opposition.
2 Responses
We should be helping those impacted by the fire any way we can as a community and as the county government. These folks need all the help they can get. Just don’t want the money to go to grifters, and they are like ambulance chasing attorneys. They are drawn to disasters like moths to the flame, if you’ll pardon the pun.
If John Van Dorn is involved, there’s a bait and switch involved. He’s a crook