BOCC Meeting, July 08, 2026
Main Subject
The primary focus of the July 8, 2026 meeting of the Custer County Board of County Commissioners was ongoing Aspen Acres Fire recovery coordination, approval of a special-event permit, Tourism Board contractor agreements, an airport lighting professional-services agreement, and routine administrative and financial items.
Summary
The July 8, 2026 BOCC meeting opened with approval of the June 23 special-meeting and June 24 regular-meeting minutes. Commissioners reported heavily on Aspen Acres Fire response and early recovery efforts, including community meetings for affected residents, a new public hotline, and direction to the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for the most current information. Other updates covered the courthouse sidewalk project (now ready to bid after final state paperwork), restored television transmitters on Bunker Hill, and an upcoming airport board meeting.Under new business the board approved a special $3,000 accounts-payable item for Hansen Hall / marketplace rent (Ready grant-related). It then approved a special-event permit for the Rotary Club’s “Rock the Ranch” fundraising event on August 1 (proceeds to the Rotary Van Service; coinciding with Colorado’s 150th anniversary). The Tourism Board received approval to contract a social-media manager and a communications manager for an initial four-month period to sustain summer engagement and build year-round and agricultural tourism. Finally, the board approved a professional-services agreement with LJA for Phase 1 planning of runway and precision-approach (PAPI) lighting at the county airport (grant-supported, multi-year project).Public comment included a grazing proposal for the reclaimed north landfill property and continued discussion of a nuisance property on Gibbs Drive.
Key Points
Aspen Acres Fire / Recovery
- Sheriff leading response; recovery planning underway.
- Community meeting planned (details forthcoming; largest available venue).
- Public hotline being published.
- Official information remains on the Custer County Sheriff’s Facebook page.
Special Event Permit – Rock the Ranch
- Approved for August 1, 2026 (noon–6 p.m.).
- Fourth annual Rotary fundraising event; all proceeds to Rotary Van Service.
- Live music, activities at Beck Ranch, food and beverage sales.
- Timing coincides with Colorado’s 150th state anniversary (governor’s office providing logo and statewide promotion) and recognizes Custer County’s own 1876 founding.
Tourism Board Contracts
- Approved two contractor agreements (initial four-month terms):
- Social-media manager (Amanda) – $35/hour, up to $700/month summer maintenance / higher for off-season campaign prep.
- Communications manager (Janet) – $20/hour, up to $600/month.
- Goal: maintain strong summer engagement while building year-round visitation, outdoor recreation, dark-skies, and agricultural tourism messaging (funded by lodging tax, not general fund).
Airport Lighting Project
- Approved professional-services agreement with LJA for Phase 1 (planning) of runway lights and precision-approach (PAPI) lights.
- Multi-year, grant-supported project (county match ~10 %); subsequent phases for trenching/PAPI installation and full runway/taxiway lighting.
- Intended to improve all-weather accessibility, support mountain-flying training, and enhance medical and general aviation access.
Other Items
- Special AP of $3,000 approved for Hansen Hall / marketplace rent (Ready grant).
- Courthouse sidewalk project cleared for bidding.
- KKTV transmitter fully restored and performing well; KRDO minor tweaks completed.
- Public comments: proposal to allow limited donkey/burro grazing on reclaimed north landfill acreage; status update and follow-up direction on nuisance property at 3635 Gibbs Drive.
Summarized Transcription
OpeningBill Cand (Chairman):
“Good morning everybody. It’s 9:00… I am Bill Cand, Custer County Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. It’s 8th July, Wednesday, 2026… Please stand for the pledge.”Fire / Recovery UpdateCommissioner:
“The sheriff’s been leading the charge… we’re starting to get recovery plans put together… go to the sheriff’s… Facebook page for the most relevant information… community meeting… on Sunday…”Rock the Ranch PermitSteve (Rotary):
“I am requesting an event permit for an event August 1st… all proceeds will go to the Rotary Van Service… it is the 150th anniversary of the state of Colorado… rock bands… Beck Ranch…”Motion to approve the special-use permit – approved.Tourism Board ContractsLauren (Tourism Board Chair):
“We would like to hire both a social media manager and a communications manager… 500 %… uptick… year-round economy… Amanda… $35 per hour… Janet… $20 per hour…”Motion to approve the contractor agreements – approved.Airport AgreementAirport representative:
“Runway lights and… precision approach lights… split it into three different funding years… Phase 1… planning… PAPI lights…”Motion to approve the LJA professional-services agreement – approved.
