During its regular meeting held on June 16, the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) unanimously approved Resolution 2026-48, appropriating additional sums of money to defray expenses in excess amounts budgeted in the General Fund.
The BoCC discussed the matter earlier that day during a work session, with County Manager Longinos Gonzalez explaining that he did a midyear budget review for different county departments and found some areas that had not been identified as “being in need.”
He mentioned there were one or two areas of the budget “that we did not get properly addressed” in the 2026 budget, along with a couple of other “unforeseen costs.”
Gonzalez specifically mentioned that one of those unforeseen costs is the county potentially moving forward with gravel pit permit application through the state.
“Sounds like discussion has been trying to identify trying to move forward with gravel pits that we could use for local consumption,” Gonzalez said, explaining “that does come with significant permit fees.”
Gonzalez indicated that the gravel pit permit fee could range from $20,000 to $53,000, “depending on the circumstances of the permit and the area.”
Gonzalez also explained that one of the unforeseen costs includes the installation cost of a new generator at the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office, noting that may cost up to $21,000.
Gonzalez mentioned that he wanted to have enough contingency to be able to cover at least those two items, noting that “several other items” have also been brought up, such as a donation to the Ruby Sisson Library, a commercial business sign for Cloman Park and furniture for the transit building.
Gonzalez indicated the commercial business sign would likely cost around $5,000, and that the county would try to work with a local company to offset costs, but “we would have to likely front-load the cost of adding the signage.”
Gonzalez explained that the request before the BoCC was to approve the $100,000 increase, and not each specific item, noting those approvals could be done separately.
In response to a question from Commissioner John Ranson in regard to the amount for a potential gravel pit permit fee, Gonzalez explained that if the county wants to move forward with that it needs to be able to show funds are available, adding that the permit fee is “clearly the significant portion” of the $100,000 increase request.
“If we don’t do it, we just don’t spend it,” Gonzalez said.
Ranson also asked about the library donation, asking if this was a “multiyear award” and stating that he believed the county was not supposed to dedicate funds from future budget years.
Gonzalez explained that the commitment was a “show of faith” to the library and that a previous BoCC made the commitment to make a donation if the funds were available.
He also noted that this year and next year would be the last of that commitment.
Ranson noted that he was not opposed to funding the library.
He also commented on funding for furniture for the county’s new transit building, stating, “this is why grants aren’t free.”
He commented that the project went $500,000 over budget, and that “expenses and overhead” continue to grow.
Commissioner Veronica Medina asked if businesses are “actually interested” in having signage put up in Cloman Park, “or is this just a great idea from a previous employee that’s no longer with us?”
She explained that it would not be free for a business to post their individual sign, but that it would provide them with a space to do so.
Gonzalez stated that he had not received individual responses from businesses in the area yet, but that if the BoCC’s desire is not to fund that item, then it does not have to.
“I have a real issue with budget adjustments coming in midyear,” Medina said, explaining that she understood a couple of the items that “somehow” were eliminated from budget discussion, noting the timing and transition in the hiring of Gonzalez. “So some things did fall through the cracks.”
Medina also discussed the library expansion project.
“I understand that the library is definitely in need of the funds so that they can finish the project,” Medina said, adding that she wanted more information on the Cloman Park business sign.
She commented that the sign is “not an emergency,” suggesting the county could plan and budget it for next year.
“I don’t think it should be on here,” she said.
Medina also commented on the potential gravel pit permit fee, stating, “We need to have a plan.”
She mentioned that there may be options to work with the U.S. Forest Service for gravel and wanted to “really talk about that” and understand those options, suggesting there may be gravel available now in some areas.
Medina expressed more concerns about the midyear budget adjustment request.
“My concern with if we approve these budget adjustments, they’re all under your threshold of signature authority, so we’re not gonna really know what it is that you approve,” Medina said to Gonzalez.
Medina reiterated her understanding of a “couple” of the items mentioned by Gonzalez, but stated, “I have an issue with doing this.”
“Clearly based on feedback I would not move forward with items that the commissioners give me as, ‘We don’t think we should be moving forward on,’” Gonzalez replied.
He explained that the $100,000 amount takes all the items he mentioned into account with a “slight excess” in case of one or two other things popping up.
Medina commented that she would rather see “preparedness items” on the budget adjustment compared to some other things, “because we need to be prepared and we’re not,” referencing potential public safety power shutoffs being introduced by La Plata Electric Association.
Commissioner Warren Brown explained that the commitment to the library donation was done as “if funding provides” and not necessarily a “year after year thing.”
He noted that it was for a total of $60,000 over six years.
“So, that was the commitment,” he said.
Brown also explained that the Cloman Park business sign was a request from that community, adding that it would not be a “no cost” to those businesses.
He mentioned that the project has been discussed for several years now, suggesting it would be “good” to have money earmarked for that if the businesses want to move forward with it.
In regard to the gravel pit discussion, Brown commented, “I’ve pulled my hair out about the cost of gravel and being able to have it.”
He added, “And we are going to spend money, and it’s just where we’re gonna spend money and what kind of control we’re going to have over the proving.”
He explained that if the county continues to contract out for gravel, it’ll always be in a supply-and-demand situation with prices going up.
“So, we are going to be held hostage,” he said.
Brown indicated he liked the idea of potentially working with the U.S. Forest Service, noting that there is gravel available in Hinsdale County through the Forest Service.
He also commented that the county’s gravel needs will not go away, “and we have to have access to it so we can properly maintain our roads at the lowest cost possible.”
Ranson commented more on potential gravel pit options, suggesting the county may actually save money by hiring a consultant to review the county’s options.
“Our staff is overwhelmed as it is,” he said, adding that “consultants know this stuff” and “they know the things that we don’t know.”
Ranson noted that spending $30,000 on a consultant could potentially save the county some money in that regard.
Ranson also commented more on the Cloman Park business sign, stating that he’d like to see an analysis on the property tax the county receives out of Cloman Park.
“It’s significant,” he said, adding, “I think those businesses have paid their share to have some advertising.”
He explained that it will generate more retail sales tax for some businesses, along with property tax, suggesting that out of all of the items presented by Gonzalez, “There’s one on here that will pay for itself, in my opinion, and that’s the Cloman [signage].”
During the meeting, Medina reiterated, “I’m not in favor of doing budget adjustments midyear.”
In response to a question from Medina, Gonzalez indicated that there is approximately $26,000 left in his budget for the year.
“I think the $100,000 is too high,” Medina said, acknowledging the funds needed for generator installation at the sheriff’s office and the library commitment.
“Absolutely we need that,” she said.
Brown offered more closing comments, explaining that Gonzalez “was at a significant disadvantage when we started the budgeting process,” noting he’s only been with the county for just shy of one year.
Brown indicated there was no “blame” on Gonzalez, noting the “lack of continuity between the previous county manager.”
Brown also commented that “with more continuity and people staying in positions longer, we don’t forget as often or as much.”
clayton@pagosasun.com
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