BOCC Meeting, April 29, 2026

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Main Subject

The primary focus of the April 29, 2026 meeting of the Custer County Board of County Commissioners was county infrastructure and financial planning, including road equipment replacement, workforce housing progress, transportation grant projects, policy updates, and operational budgeting.

Summary

The April 29, 2026 BOCC meeting centered heavily on county infrastructure, equipment management, and long-term financial planning in Custer County. Commissioners discussed rising construction costs tied to inflation and asphalt pricing, particularly affecting the courthouse sidewalk improvement project and transportation grants. A major portion of the meeting involved the approval process for purchasing a newer road grader from Chaffee County to improve road maintenance reliability while reducing long-term repair expenses. Commissioners debated financing options extensively before approving a lease-to-purchase agreement. Additional discussions included workforce housing development planning, emergency response coordination in Wetmore, updates to county personnel and records policies, a revised Department of Human Services child welfare policy, and agreements between the sheriff’s office and the Town of Westcliffe. The meeting also addressed drought concerns, road maintenance priorities, water availability for fire protection and road operations, and upcoming weed management coordination.

Key Points

Infrastructure & Roads

  • Rising asphalt and fuel prices are significantly increasing county project costs.
  • Commissioners approved moving forward with a courthouse sidewalk accessibility project funded largely through CDOT/MMOF grants.
  • Ongoing concerns about deteriorating county roads and the need for additional road base materials.
  • Drought conditions and water supply planning were discussed for both road maintenance and wildfire protection.

Road Grader Purchase

  • The county approved acquiring a newer used 2021 John Deere grader from Chaffee County.
  • Purchase price: approximately $215,900.
  • The grader will be financed through a lease-to-purchase agreement at 4.75% interest.
  • Commissioners emphasized that newer equipment would reduce repair and maintenance costs over time.

Workforce Housing

  • Community outreach meetings were held regarding workforce housing plans.
  • The county continues moving toward design and development contracts for the project.
  • An appraisal was approved for land associated with attainable housing development in Silver Cliff.

Public Safety & Emergency Services

  • Commissioners discussed EMS and fire support coordination in the Wetmore area.
  • Water contingency planning for wildfire season remains a priority due to anticipated dry conditions.
  • A memorandum of understanding with Upper Arkansas weed management services is forthcoming.

Policies & Administration

  • Extensive revisions are underway for county personnel policies.
  • Discussion occurred regarding streamlining CORA (Colorado Open Records Act) request procedures.
  • A revised Department of Human Services policy regarding falsification investigations and child welfare record quality assurance was approved.

Financial & Administrative Actions

  • Accounts payable totaling approximately $352,028 were approved.
  • Approval granted for the sale of surplus sheriff’s office equipment through the DRMO surplus program.
  • Intergovernmental agreement approved between the Town of Westcliffe and the sheriff’s office.

Summarized Transcription

Bill Cand (Chairman):
“Today is Wednesday, April 29, 2026. I call this meeting of the Custer County Board of Commissioners to order. Please silence your phones and stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.”

Invocation:
“We ask for blessings on this county, our citizens, our ranchers and farmers, and for moisture to help with roads, harvests, and fire protection.”

Workforce Housing Discussion

Commissioner Lucas:
“We held a community forum on workforce housing last week with a good turnout. Residents were able to review the project details and ask questions. We’re getting closer to finalizing the design contract.”

Road & Bridge Equipment Discussion

Road & Bridge Supervisor Vince:
“The reason for purchasing a newer grader is simple: our older equipment is becoming too expensive to maintain. This newer machine has lower hours, maintenance records, and should reduce repair costs significantly.”

Commissioner Cand:
“A brand-new grader would cost over $400,000. This unit is roughly half that price and comes from another county fleet that maintained it well.”

Financial Discussion on Equipment Purchase

Commissioners Discussion:

  • The board debated paying cash versus financing.
  • Officials expressed concern about preserving reserve funds during uncertain economic conditions.
  • The board ultimately approved a lease-to-purchase financing arrangement.

Sidewalk & Transportation Grant Project

Commissioner Lucas:
“This courthouse sidewalk project improves ADA accessibility and safety. However, project estimates continue rising because of increased fuel, asphalt, and concrete costs.”

Child Welfare Policy Update

Commissioners:
“The revised Human Services policy aligns the county with updated state requirements concerning falsification investigations and child welfare record quality assurance.”

Closing

Bill Cand:
“Any final public comments? Hearing none, this meeting is adjourned at 9:52 a.m.”

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