Archuleta County and The Town of Pagosa Springs, along with the Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation, have organized and participated in a housing needs assessment that will provide an analysis of the county’s housing market.
Initial results of that assessment were shared last month, and final results will be presented to both the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) and town council on April 15 for adoption, according to Development Director Pamela Flowers.
During a regular meeting held by the BoCC on Tuesday, April 1, Flowers explained that since the community began the housing assessment process, the state finalized a bill requiring “everyone” to have an assessment and a housing action plan developed from that assessment.
Flowers explained that the county is applying for a grant through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) for $75,000 to pay for the development of a regional housing action plan, which requires a 25 percent match of $18,750.
She also explained that the matter would be presented to the Pagosa Springs Town Council and, if approved, the town and county would split the $18,750 cost, but DOLA needs to see a commitment from the county that the entire 25 percent amount would be paid, even if the town decides not to approve the funds.
Commissioner Warren Brown asked where the matching funds would come from, given the item is not included in the 2025 county budget.
County Manager Jack Harper explained that Finance Director Chad Eaton identified savings from Flowers’ travel and training budget, along with monies available in the commissioners’ discretionary income and administration discretionary income.
Flowers added that she anticipates the town approving funds to go toward the required matching amount, noting the plan is a regional plan that will provide useful information specific to the town.
The matter was unanimously approved by the BoCC.
Energy task force
Earlier in the day during a work session held by the BoCC, Commissioner John Ranson introduced the topic of having an energy task force created.
Ranson indicated the matter was first brought up over a month ago, explaining that he was looking for direction from Harper as to how to move forward in creating the task force.
“Do we need to start talking to potential people?” he asked.
Ranson also explained that La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) CEO Chris Hansen is planning to meet with the county due to what Ranson described as “misinformation.”
He added, “This is not anything against LPEA, this is looking out for the best interest of Archuleta County and where we wanna be 10, 15, 20 years from now.”
He also noted that based on “everything transpiring,” he thought it’d be a good idea for the county to create an energy task force.
Ranson then emphasized again that “this has nothing to do with LPEA or the vote or anything like that. This is more taking care of Archuleta County.”
Commissioner Warren Brown expressed support, stating, “I actually think this is a good idea, John.”
Harper mentioned that he’d like to work with Ranson on getting some things “drilled down,” such as expectations of the group and the time commitment expected.
Commissioner Veronica Medina suggested that this could be an opportunity for the county’s “strategic champions” to be involved.
Medina also explained that this topic has stemmed from the power outages the county has experienced in the past couple of years, noting they are happening “more frequently.”
Brown also suggested the task force could focus on the need of getting more power available in order to develop industrial areas in the county.
clayton@pagosasun.com
