Newsbytes: Notes from BOCC meeting April 22,2025
- LKY
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
By Dexter Gill
April 23, 2025
This Week, in Montezuma County will start off with a few comments on items of interest, followed by a copy of the County's notes on the Tuesday Commission meeting. This is a very good "transparent " description of actions etc.
Now for our notes, Two meetings coming up, first is "Coffee with the County", Monday April 28th. ,10: a.m. in the Commission meeting room . Next is SAME day, April 28th, but ,6:30 p.m. open discussion information on "Energy Development in the Southwest", including Oil and Gas, etc. To be held in the Cortez Chamber of Commerce, 20 west Main.
Two Gun restriction Bills have been Signed by Gov. Polis. SB 25-003 and recently HB-25-1133 governs ammo sales and Gun Shows. Already seeing Montana offering for Colorado businesses to relocate there.
SB 25-276, a Radical Immigration Bill has just passed the Senate, acting as a Banana Republic, this will restrict the Sheriffs and others from assisting I.C.E. in locating and apprehending illegal border criminals. Carries a fine for doing so. This now goes to the "House", where Banana Republic tactics are expected there as well. This along with the Gun Bills, causes one to question, what is the definition of "police state"? HB 25-1312 on Trans protection and mis-gendering, which carries criminal charges against families, and schools, is still moving in spite of considerable opposition from God fearing public.
TWO SIDE NOTES , First, Douglas County has started process to become a "Home Rule Charter" County, which give them more LOCAL flexibility on enforcement of laws, than just having to comply with the State. Their reasoning was that the State legislature does not share the same values and concerns and how to deal with them. Four specific issues were listed that sparked the move, 1. Covid 19 2. Gun control 3. Taxation 4. Immigration. ANOTHER of interest is to note how the Country is being divided more by Voting power centers, overpowering rural and outlaying areas on political/religious ideologies. It is reported that 30 or more Counties in Illinois (Blue State) is seeking to become part of Indiana (Red State). The Same is still active out west with eastern Oregon seeking to become western Idaho..
Now here is the notes for Montezuma County Actions.
At this week’s Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting, the board approved several land use applications, including a Commercial Rezoning, a High Impact Permit, and a Setback Variance submitted by the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. The applications pertain to property located at 27601 Highway 160 in Cortez, where the Tribe plans to reopen a previously closed pottery shop and introduce a new outdoor market.
Additionally, the Commissioners approved a subdivision application and rezoning for property at 14902 Road 29.75, as well as a single-lot development and AR3-9 rezoning application for 15511 Highway 145.
Discussions on proposed fee schedules for the Fairgrounds, Planning and Zoning Department, Sheriff’s Office, and Public Health Department were postponed, with further deliberation expected next week.
The board also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the towns of Mancos and Dolores, and the City of Cortez, to enhance Geographic Information Systems (GIS) capabilities for improved emergency response coordination.
During the afternoon session, the Commissioners met with Congressman Hurd and his staff. The Congressman provided an update on his first 100 days in office, highlighting his appointments to the Energy and Minerals Subcommittee and the Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee (where he serves as Chair), both under the House Natural Resources Committee. He also serves on the Transportation Infrastructure Subcommittee and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
Hurd discussed key legislative efforts, including a proposal to permanently relocate the Bureau of Land Management headquarters to western Colorado and legislation aimed at overturning nine Biden-era resource management plans. Addressing rural healthcare concerns, with Southwest Health Systems CEO Joe Theine present, Hurd reiterated his support for ensuring rural communities have access to quality medical services.
The Commissioners raised several local concerns, including the need to protect public lands, reauthorize Secure Rural Schools (SRS) and Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) programs, and advance the proposed National Conservation Area for the Lower Dolores River. When asked about top priorities for Montezuma County, they cited the need for federal firefighting resources, upgrades to Highway 491, and funding to widen and improve Road G.
Congressman Hurd closed the session by encouraging the Commissioners to continue reaching out with concerns, emphasizing that, “Through you, the people of Montezuma County have a direct line to me.”
The meeting with Congressman Hurd, along with all BOCC meetings, is available for public viewing on the County’s website.
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