BOCC Meeting, May 13, 2026

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Main Subject

The meeting focused on ongoing county operations, infrastructure upgrades, emergency management planning, budget approvals, airport improvements, road equipment replacement, employee training requirements, and public safety issues in Custer County.

Summary

The Custer County Board of County Commissioners meeting covered updates from commissioners, county departments, and public infrastructure projects. Major discussion topics included replacing aging road maintenance equipment, airport emergency preparedness, weed management services, mandatory county employee training, and the transition plan for the retiring Office of Emergency Management director. Commissioners also discussed wildfire concerns, EMS coverage issues in Wetmore, tourism board restructuring, digitizing county records, and long-term airport improvements including emergency fuel access and runway lighting.

Key Points

  1. Approval of over $252,000 in county accounts payable expenses.
  2. Approval to sell an older road grader with a $70,000 minimum bid while purchasing a newer used grader from Chaffee County.
  3. Airport emergency generator project approved to maintain fuel access and emergency aviation operations.
  4. Discussion about vulnerabilities in the airport power supply infrastructure.
  5. Mandatory employee and supervisor training approved for July 2026 to comply with Colorado requirements.
  6. Emergency Management Director retirement announced; interim position posting approved.
  7. Weed management contract approved with Ark Valley Weed Management and Consulting LLC.
  8. Landfill fee waiver approved for cleanup assistance at a veteran’s property.
  9. Continued concern about wildfire conditions despite lifting of the fire ban.
  10. Updates provided on tourism planning, public health strategy, child care needs assessment, and digitization of county records.

Summarized Transcription

Bill Canda (Chairman):
“This is the May 13, 2026 meeting of the Custer County Board of Commissioners. Please silence your phones and stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.”

Opening Prayer:
“We ask for guidance in making decisions that benefit the citizens of Custer County.”

Commissioner Lucas:
“We attended Board of Health training, Tourism Board strategic planning, IT infrastructure meetings, and public health planning sessions. We’re also digitizing county records and reviewing retention policies.”

Commissioner Updates:

  • Fairgrounds improvements are underway.
  • EMS coverage concerns continue in the Wetmore area.
  • Fire restrictions were discussed, with reminders about burn permits and fire safety.
  • Airport improvements include emergency generator planning and runway lighting upgrades.

Road & Bridge Discussion:
The county approved selling an older grader with a minimum bid of $70,000 and discussed purchasing a newer used grader from Chaffee County to reduce maintenance costs.

Airport Discussion:
Commissioners approved funding for an emergency generator to ensure continuous fuel access and emergency aviation operations.

Training Approval:
Mandatory employee and supervisor training sessions were approved for July 2026.

Associated Poll