[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6507342,"mediaKeyId","5454813-5c96c9b7d3e2a3260bdf095ab573e9d8","parentId",5454813,"title","Custer County commissioners direct staff to draft ballot language under HB25-1247 to consider raising lodging tax to 6%","audioSeconds",2581,"startMs",7145000,"endMs",9726000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5454813-5c96c9b7d3e2a3260bdf095ab573e9d8&start=7145&end=9726","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5454813-5c96c9b7d3e2a3260bdf095ab573e9d8/thumbnail_7145000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6507342/Custer-County/Colorado/Custer-County-commissioners-direct-staff-to-draft-ballot-language-under-HB25-1247-to-consider-raising-lodging-tax-to-6","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6507342-cc84ab8e4de6b635826e899cbbfacb07/orig.mp4?Expires=1770444087&Signature=kFqZtSeTMQC-hiuqKdyMfcaU8Wt6uzehFIBLuZEEwTW~05z7cteU2Hbczl9TeaPXQiKEgvi2ABg5AYNnnW7X6rRE~W~5lAvnpDFotDBFhyeMtDUyM9nt4v6fFWY4sbKbvCPwGVRNAJY22CqZSlyVi9XWn8QbkrFdMGArHFSs4WowNvqtBXh-wkr4lKTDtp-qRA9yr1Em20bXPnMxZaeAmTrnXdDhmR5RtcAr9MUfRzreVKYzUEfX-yrfGxx1S-qygobkeypDpi7Kwo-A~FaEOAJ2TgozSaKiePoLR-lkQHR8m5BZzPbGYIxXs6n6DRpzAyZnZF~RZbl5AVno0GTu0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Custer County","date","2025-07-23T17:55:40.193Z","article","The Custer County Board of County Commissioners on July 23 voted to direct staff to draft ballot language under House Bill 25‑1247 that would allow voters to consider raising the county lodging‑tax rate. The county’s current lodging tax is 2%; HB25‑1247 permits counties to increase the lodging tax up to a total 6% if the county’s voters approve a ballot question.

The board’s motion authorized staff and the county attorney to draft a resolution and ballot language for consideration at upcoming meetings and to submit the language to the Colorado Department of Revenue for review. The clerk told commissioners the Department of Revenue review is a required step before ballot certification and recommended the board not delay submission once a draft is available.

Commissioners and members of the public debated the size of any increase, uses for the new revenue and public messaging. During public comment and discussion, tourism, workforce housing and childcare were repeatedly cited as potential priorities for additional lodging‑tax proceeds. Commissioner and community speakers emphasized that lodging taxes are paid by visitors and that any increase is an infusion of external discretionary dollars into local services. At the same time, some speakers cautioned that tourism trends are soft in 2025 and that the county should not reduce existing promotional funding.

The board did not adopt a final percentage in the resolution; however, a motion approved by the board (recorded with roll‑call “Lucas: aye; Paul: aye; Candice: aye”) directed staff to prepare a draft that included a presentation assuming a total 6% rate so commissioners would have figures and proposed earmarks to review next week. Commissioners said the draft could be amended in future meetings and they asked staff to include revenue projections, suggested earmarks and an outreach plan for voters.

Timeline and next steps: commissioners asked for draft ballot language and the accompanying resolution and revenue estimates to be prepared for the next regular meeting; the clerk will submit draft language to the Department of Revenue for review. Ballots for the November election will be mailed in October; commissioners said they want an informational campaign to precede mailing if the board adopts final language.

No final tax increase was adopted at the meeting; the board only authorized drafting and review so the public and board can see a single, complete proposal for final consideration.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Custer County BOCC Meeting 07-23-2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Custer County Board of County Commissioners voted July 23 to direct staff to draft a ballot question under House Bill 25‑1247 that would allow voters to consider raising the county lodging‑tax rate from 2% to as much as 6%.","taxTitle","Custer County, Colorado","taxId",27208,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6507356,"Custer County commissioners approve several routine agreements, grants and permits; take initial step on lodging-tax question",264,9686000,9950000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5454813-5c96c9b7d3e2a3260bdf095ab573e9d8&start=9686&end=9950","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5454813-5c96c9b7d3e2a3260bdf095ab573e9d8/thumbnail_9686000.jpg","/articles/6507356/Custer-County/Colorado/Custer-County-commissioners-approve-several-routine-agreements-grants-and-permits-take-initial-step-on-lodging-tax-question","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6507356-97e5969924192d8d4b420d1fdb22e8b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770444087&Signature=Wi72T5Y8hu6Q~mPS3hKH0wfgXAm0x-9tCWdAHYGZP5ITXCExqdZFs9~H5y~9LmewoOEGb4X5kXyPDVEQrAGtKFsi2j9gCuOJy44AqC6L2R6pCMKbBkNvL0AcqnBjahufJ5i3dgrEQLhqjrg2-mDaBsrXhCnEFCPbQH23iCq8RLwxybxHerVsEdwyCnD-oUVJ4IyaxctB2TUkWql-rIoZH-WBECzqZYIYW54yxQKuOoHz2-BEMISo2JYTWngw1CClc0aaVOX8s9qe3r7OgKfF6~WyL3N0RVQjFXJ7zh9MU1xH7BkvaykW9AGBI0F9kLtoH0XD-BgejNQljXbTs~cANw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Custer County Board of County Commissioners on July 23 approved a set of routine and program actions including minutes, a right-to-enter agreement for county access to private aggregate pits, the county’s acceptance of a state grant award offer for a downtown Westcliffe agricultural marketplace (subject to final contract review), application for a Colorado Tourism Office marketing grant with a letter of support, and a special-event permit for the American Legion’s Blue’s, Brews & Barbecues festival.

The board first approved the minutes from its July 9 and July 16 meetings. The motion to approve the minutes was moved and seconded; the record in the meeting shows the vote as “Lucas, aye; Paul, aye; Candide, aye.”

The board then approved a written right-to-enter agreement with Seyfried (Cypher) Enterprises that formalizes county access to several private aggregate pits. The agreement requires standard insurance-related provisions requested by the pit owner (including additional-insured and waiver-of-subrogation language) so the county’s insurer will accept the exposure. The board moved and seconded the motion to enter the agreement and voted in favor (motion recorded as “moved and seconded; all in favor, aye”). County attorney Dan Slater confirmed he drafted the agreement and reported no legal issues.

Commissioners voted to proceed with acceptance of the Ready25-348 DOLA grant for the Wet Mountain Valley Agricultural Marketplace, a brick-and-mortar food hub and storefront in downtown Westcliffe. The county will not execute the state grant contract until the final contract language is received and reviewed; the board’s motion authorized staff to pursue acceptance and to return the contract for review and approval. The county’s staff described the award as $100,000; matching funds and in-kind contributions were discussed during the presentation.

Separately, the board approved applying for a Colorado Tourism Office marketing grant (up to $10,000 with a $2,500 county match) and authorized the chair to write a letter of support. That motion was moved, seconded and approved.

A special-event application from the American Legion for the Blue’s, Brews & Barbecues festival at Beckwith Ranch in August was approved after the applicant confirmed required permits and traffic/posse support.

Finally, on an unrelated agenda item the board voted to move forward with drafting ballot language under House Bill 25-1247 to raise the county lodging-tax rate from 2% up to a maximum of 6% (a potential 4-percentage-point increase). The board approved a motion to proceed with drafting a resolution and ballot question and directed the county attorney and clerk to prepare language and outreach materials for further public discussion at the next meeting. The board recorded the motion as moved and seconded and the roll call recorded “Lucas: aye; Paul: aye; Candice: aye.”

The board did not execute the DOLA grant contract, accept donated vehicles on the spot, nor finalize any contract language for the lodging-tax question; staff were instructed to return with contract drafts and further detail for future formal action.

Votes at a glance
- Minutes (July 9 and July 16, 2025): Outcome — approved. Vote (as recorded in meeting): Lucas — yes; Paul — yes; Candide — yes.
- Cypher (Seyfried) right-to-enter agreement: Outcome — approved. Motion moved and seconded; board voted in favor.
- Ready25-348 DOLA Grant (Wet Mountain Valley Agricultural Marketplace) — acceptance/proceed: Outcome — board authorized pursuing acceptance and instructed staff to review the grant contract when issued; final execution deferred pending contract review.
- Colorado Tourism Office marketing grant (apply $10,000 request with $2,500 match) and letter of support: Outcome — authorized application and letter of support.
- Special-event permit — American Legion Blue’s, Brews & Barbecues (Beckwith Ranch): Outcome — approved.
- House Bill 25-1247 lodging-tax ballot initiation: Outcome — board voted to proceed with drafting ballot language to raise lodging tax up to a 6% total rate (i.e., add up to 4 percentage points). Staff directed to prepare resolution/ballot language and materials for subsequent meetings and public outreach.

What the board did not finalize: staff were specifically directed to bring back the DOLA contract for formal approval, and county staff will present detailed draft ballot language and supporting materials prior to any final board resolution committing the measure to the November 2025 ballot.

","The Custer County Board of County Commissioners on July 23 approved minutes, a right-to-enter agreement for aggregate access, authorization to accept a state grant offer for a downtown Westcliffe agricultural marketplace (pending contract review), a tourism grant application with letter of support, and a special-event permit; the board also voted to pursue drafting ballot language under House Bill 25-1247 to raise the county lodging-tax rate up to a maximum of 6%.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6507347,"Custer County moves ahead with $100,000 state grant to open Wet Mountain Valley agricultural marketplace",111,4403000,4514000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5454813-5c96c9b7d3e2a3260bdf095ab573e9d8&start=4403&end=4514","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5454813-5c96c9b7d3e2a3260bdf095ab573e9d8/thumbnail_4403000.jpg","/articles/6507347/Custer-County/Colorado/Custer-County-moves-ahead-with-100000-state-grant-to-open-Wet-Mountain-Valley-agricultural-marketplace","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6507347-382fa61c09ac6c081485162a91910179/orig.mp4?Expires=1770444087&Signature=a~BOnGLSI5bt5HNMRIT0qHZ9gWG8cGsQhRpV0NSmcecdnnL3YaOY1AeUrgdQHUsZY4V692CpQVDA9ejZZXrWsJnQ--MRrOctn7wSdM~YZ-RLp5EwF15uSLHGsvkaMEUHqYBaxPVmJMcJkVAqh0WihA2doGWb3DPCLKOxOcK~cDkEZYfedcqUaPzOi5RzG2sOFLOBRgOVTIWXqyKtUHKCJZT7WxZSQ9NVs0qo9wmzvAUsz2frdVcjul3q92PyxXm31W5e-9McQSIkYFJpX7bp85Ts4~4QeORWxRaAAH6UJIVZQsyxWMo2dm1vxMlEH8mSXqqoUu~3wMmLKO~hdXjC4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Custer County Board of County Commissioners on July 23 authorized county staff to accept a Ready25 (DOLA) grant award offer of $100,000 to seed a Wet Mountain Valley Agricultural Marketplace in downtown Westcliffe and to proceed with project planning. Commissioners and project leaders described the marketplace as a brick‑and‑mortar “food hub” with online sales and a storefront to connect local farmers and ranchers directly with residents and tourists.

John Van Dorn (co‑lead) and Bianca Frenker presented the project to the board, describing it as an economic development initiative to increase year‑round sales for local producers and to help keep agricultural lands in production. \"Working name for this is agricultural food hub,\" Van Dorn said during the presentation. The project team said the award would provide a runway to plan operations, purchase equipment (including walk‑in freezer capacity for meat processing and storage), build a draft business plan and identify a long‑term operator — ideally a nonprofit to pursue further grants and manage ongoing operations.

Commissioners were told the building owner has offered six months’ free rent as an in‑kind contribution, and other local support has been pledged; meeting discussion included a match requirement the presenters estimated at about $62,700 (some of which may be met with in‑kind rent and other local contributions). The state’s grant guidance requires the county not to obligate or spend state funds until the grant contract is fully executed; presenters and the county attorney said the county will not seek reimbursement for any pre‑contract expenditures.

The board’s vote authorized staff to accept the grant award and to return the executed contract to the board for formal approval before spending. Commissioners emphasized the project will be a county‑led startup for up to 24 months, with an expected transition to a separate entity (a nonprofit or cooperatively structured operator) during that period.

Project co‑leads said early priorities include finalizing a business plan, designing refrigeration and storage capacity for meat and perishable products, selecting a software platform for processing vendor orders and outlining marketing plans to reach Front Range and regional customers. Presenters also discussed engaging FFA students and other youth programs for workforce development and seasonal staffing.

Next steps: county staff will review the formal DOLA grant contract when it arrives, document matching funds and in‑kind contributions, and develop an implementation schedule to present to the board.

","The Board authorized pursuing acceptance of a $100,000 Ready25 DOLA grant to support a proposed Wet Mountain Valley Agricultural Marketplace in downtown Westcliffe; the county will hold funds and review the state contract before final execution and plans to transfer the project to a nonprofit or other entity during the two-year grant period.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6507351,"New 11th Judicial District attorney outlines staffing, discovery fixes and budget goals for Custer County",225,1223000,1448000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5454813-5c96c9b7d3e2a3260bdf095ab573e9d8&start=1223&end=1448","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5454813-5c96c9b7d3e2a3260bdf095ab573e9d8/thumbnail_1223000.jpg","/articles/6507351/Custer-County/Colorado/New-11th-Judicial-District-attorney-outlines-staffing-discovery-fixes-and-budget-goals-for-Custer-County","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6507351-e29ebef9846b600a7fe5e0237013db49/orig.mp4?Expires=1770444087&Signature=KNhJSQckoxlslPPMOEBeEGi9YQW4kes6bzaDXb-ayMGaIJ5BsW9Es3IXcgyTuzVSew9nYTc2Ljki9xvslLMzhwL3ADKoGg~f91Xmudd-poOcdcSk5~jX-FrsdOcrBwgh~uSHzgXNTzJRR3I15Z5KK8AElEIyA~zf7WDTiFA29mkubZJAA0ECeKL66rfXdFhs2qtn6pY88qDThfb17yl6uhfbGHVA9e0IO52mFDlBCHRmZYrnNwavx1HGmU1b7WSbjMLdmTLsjbO04sCucbB1gn0SWUDGC-gyou~MUmWumGD31CPPlcNAJMYKqvIDTDxZjBPs-MNaWoFyq~JvzVXgjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jeff Lindsay, the district attorney for Colorado’s 11th Judicial District, told the Custer County Board of County Commissioners on July 23 that he has made personnel, process and technology changes since assuming office in late 2024 and January 2025.

Lindsay said he has reorganized investigators and prosecutors, hired a part‑time appellate deputy and a dedicated Department of Corrections prosecutor, and reestablished an office manager. \"I show up every day,\" Lindsay said of his work schedule. He added the office raised salaries for victim advocates and focused on morale. \"When there's an opening and all of a sudden this person comes to you and says I wanna work for you, it's sort of, to me, heaven sent.\" (Jeff Lindsay, District Attorney.)

Lindsay said the office rebuilt its discovery process and invested in faster computers for staff handling electronic evidence. He told commissioners that updating equipment and centralizing discovery work had reduced sanctions and dismissals that occurred under prior practices. \"If computers, laptops are more than 4 years old, then the processing speed is way too slow,\" he said, describing how cloud-based files require higher processing performance.

On staffing, Lindsay described three investigators assigned across the district, including a retired lieutenant from Albuquerque and a longtime homicide‑drug detective, and said he expects to seek an additional investigator in a future budget cycle. He also described a newly created chief deputy assigned to Chaffee County and said some turnover was expected as he rebuilt the office.

On budgeting, Lindsay said the office will aim to restore an operating cushion he described as roughly $400,000–$500,000, a contingency the office had before prior administrations. He told the commissioners the office had run tight budget months in late 2024 and early 2025 but had since stabilized.

Lindsay also described improvements to the office’s public access and on‑call procedures for law enforcement, saying the office now maintains 24/7 attorney availability for warrant review and legal questions. He said the office had replaced an automated phone system with a live receptionist.

On prosecutions, Lindsay said his office intends to be more aggressive with repeated offenders and emphasized wildland‑fire cases as an ongoing priority for the district. He said his office is prosecuting a major murder case transferred to Fremont County and noted motions on venue were pending.

The district attorney’s comments prompted questions from county officials about investigator staffing, budget cushion size and responsiveness to election‑related referrals from the county clerk; Lindsay said investigators will follow up on election referrals and agreed his team would contact the clerk’s office about a historical set of signature‑verification referrals.

Speakers at the meeting praised Lindsay’s accessibility. Mike DeLaurentiis, chief of staff at the Custer County Sheriff’s Office, said in public comment that Lindsay and his staff were \"more accessible\" and that returning prosecutors such as assistant district attorney Stacy Turner were positive developments for local law enforcement.

The board did not take formal action on the DA’s report; Lindsay’s presentation was informational and commissioners asked him to return for follow‑up on budgeting and interagency coordination.

","Jeff Lindsay, newly elected district attorney for Colorado’s 11th Judicial District, told Custer County commissioners on July 23 that he has overhauled staffing, strengthened the discovery unit, improved victim services and aims to restore a financial cushion in the office’s budget to roughly $400,000–$500,000 over his first term.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Custer County commissioners direct staff to draft ballot language under HB25-1247 to consider raising lodging tax to 6%

Custer County commissioners approve several routine agreements, grants and permits; take initial step on lodging-tax question

Custer County moves ahead with $100,000 state grant to open Wet Mountain Valley agricultural marketplace

New 11th Judicial District attorney outlines staffing, discovery fixes and budget goals for Custer County