Ellen Black

The workshop initiated discussions regarding revenue needs for the county and potential ballot measures for 2026, specifically focusing on a potential sales tax measure. A primary topic involved a discussion with Mellan Strategies concerning revenue streams, noting that general fund increases are difficult for voters, who prefer funds co-mingled for specific needs like public safety and roads. The discussion referenced a previous failed 1% sales tax attempt that was intended to benefit SOS (presumably Social Services/General Fund) and Road and Bridge. Concerns were raised regarding future revenue stability due to the anticipated decline in funding from industrial sources, specifically mentioning the potential winding down of Kinder Morgan operations and the recent closure of Air Products in a neighboring county, which collectively impact a significant portion of commercial revenue (over 30%). The group agreed to proceed with gathering detailed financial needs data to inform an accurate proposal for community engagement.

During this special meeting, the Board of Commissioners considered two resolutions pertaining to property tax levies for the upcoming budget year. Resolution #17-2022, which was approved, set the mill levies for the General Fund, Social Services, and the Road and Bridge Department for the 2023 budget. Resolution #18-2022, also approved, set the general property tax levy for the Law Enforcement Authority at 1.45282 for the 2023 budget.

The meeting included a public hearing and determination regarding a proposed Subdivision Amendment and AR3-9 Rezoning Application for the Hover Family Tracts 3 Lot Moderate Subdivision. Planning discussions involved signing Mylars for this subdivision amendment and a Boundary Line Adjustment for the Simmons Single Lot Development. The Road & Bridge Department provided a monthly report including road schedules, blade delivery, and snow plow inspections. The Noxious Weed Department reported on treatments for Cyprus Spurge and Russian Knapweed, among other topics. The Landfill Manager reported on budget, a proposed hazard waste program, and the status of the new compost windrow turner and Carver Field project. The Fairgrounds Manager reported year-to-date financial figures and the Board approved a contract for hemp processing in the commercial kitchen. The updated Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy for MCCO Public Transportation was approved. The CSU Extension Office reported on recent events, staffing, and various programs. Under unfinished business, the Board accepted a bid for freezer condenser and evaporator replacement at the jail and appointed Tammy Hampton and Jessica Thurman to the Montezuma County Fair Board. The County Attorney provided updates on compliance cases and the Natural Resources department reported on various resource management plans and approved a letter of support for James Dietrich's re-appointment to the BLM Southwest Colorado Resource Advisory Council.

The Board of County Commissioners meeting included an agenda item concerning the minutes from the July 11th meeting, which were moved for approval. The primary focus was a public hearing regarding a proposed high-impact permit application for a seasonal wedding venue and small event center on Road 41, submitted by the Moores. The applicants presented revisions to their initial proposal, which no longer sought commercial zoning but rather a seasonal accessory use permit. Extensive mitigation plans were detailed concerning noise levels, with noise testing performed at neighbor driveways showing results well within land use code limits. Traffic mitigation involved a shuttle service mandate for larger events or those involving alcohol, limiting self-parking to 15 vehicle round trips or less, with vendor vehicles adjusting accordingly. The applicants also addressed light pollution by proposing a new, more wooded parking area, and outlined strict fire mitigation procedures banning open fires and fireworks. Furthermore, they detailed plans for on-site chaperones, required bathroom trailers, and future upgrades like enhanced insulation and boundary fencing. The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved the revised application.

The board meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the previous meeting's minutes from January 24, 2023. The meeting agenda was temporarily adjusted to address the Emergency Manager regarding the Disaster of Drought Declaration, where the discussion centered on whether to let the declaration expire based on recent favorable weather conditions, noting that it could be reenacted if conditions become dry again. The board subsequently discussed and approved a variance application for Mancus Valley Storage concerning building setbacks encroaching on the north property line, emphasizing the property owner's responsibility for compliance with new construction setbacks. Later, the board held a public hearing for a proposed two-lot moderate subdivision and rezoning application submitted by Andrew Gasner, which Planning and Zoning unanimously recommended for approval; this hearing concluded with the board's approval. The board was informed that a previously scheduled PUD application by the Gardeners had been withdrawn. Finally, the board reviewed, discussed, and determined action on an amendment to the Montezuma County Operating Plan concerning Fire Operations, which proposed dissolving a one-mile jurisdictional boundary for mutual aid response to Wildland fires, allowing for county-wide response at the discretion of the responding Fire Protection District Chief or duty officer, incurring no cost to the County.