News

• A State of the County Address
• Telluride approves free 30-minute parking
• Filmmaker Max Walker-Silverman comes home

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A State of the County Address
San Miguel County Commissioner Chair Anne Brown shared her State of the County Address at their February 5th meeting, highlighting current efforts to fulfill the county’s goals.

“Hello friends and neighbors. As this year’s chair of the San Miguel Board of County Commissioners, I’m addressing you regarding the state of the county of San Miguel. I’m pleased to report that the state of the county is strong,” stated Brown.

“I reflected last week on the uncertainty around the country and around the globe at this time of transition in Washington. As is often the case, the new administration has different priorities than the previous one. Less typical is the number of executive orders and memos the administration has quickly issued to direct the implementation of its policies. Many of these directives are related to pausing or eliminating funding for environmental, social services, public health and equity programs at local, state, federal and international levels.”

“At the same time, our new Congress is working on budget appropriations and high-level appointments, which may also change how federal funds are allocated. In addition, the Colorado governor and legislature are debating how to handle a projected multi-million dollar deficit in the state budget, which will have further financial implications within the county.”

“Which brings me back to the state of San Miguel County and how well we can weather these uncertain times.”

“Fortunately, the county is in good financial standing. Over the past years, we have prudently built healthy reserves in our operating funds. This effort was made in anticipation of a future downturn in the economy, which inevitably happens from time to time; we wanted to be prepared to continue county services should tax revenues and other sources of income decline, as they did during the Great Recession. While an economic downturn is not in the forecast, revenue streams are uncertain for the reasons described above. We should all be heartened to know that the county’s financial reserves are robust, and can be drawn upon with commissioners’ approval, should the county be required to backfill essential expenditures normally supported by state and federal funding.”

“The mission of the San Miguel County Board of Commissioners is to ensure that county residents are healthy and flourishing and our communities are safe and vibrant. When new commissioners are elected, this mission remains the same, though the priorities each BOCC sets as a means to implement this mission may evolve.”

“Currently, the top three priorities which this BOCC established for 2023-25 are: 1) increase affordable housing opportunities; 2) increase access to behavioral health services; and 3) continue to build climate action/resiliency.”

Commissioner Brown ensures that progress will be made despite what may happen in the federal government. Brown highlights the county’s efforts for workforce housing development on the Pathfinder gravel pit, and housing opportunities through the Colorado Department of Transportation. 

She also outlines the efforts to rebuild the co-responder program for assisting first responders to behavioral health related calls. 

Finally, Commissioner Brown outlined the county’s alignment with their climate action plan to reduce emissions by 26% by the end of the year, and included a commitment to fund EV charging stations and electric fleet vehicles.

“In all of this, public input is essential and we are always grateful to those who communicate with the commissioners or other county boards and staff,” stated Brown. “At the same time, we are doubling down on our own efforts to communicate directly with the community through a new county newsletter, monthly KOTO programming, regular social media posts and news releases, and of course this annual State of the County address. If you’d like to hear even more from us, please sign up for notifications regarding meeting agendas and announcements related to your areas of interest at sanmiguelcountyco.gov.

All three commissioners are proud to represent and serve all members of our community and will continue to do so with integrity, fiscally sound practices, and with open hearts and minds. We look forward to a productive year ahead.”

Despite changes in the federal government, San Miguel County moves forward with their focused goals for 2025.

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Telluride Approves Free 30-Minute Parking
The Town of Telluride will implement 30 minutes of free paid parking in downtown.

At the beginning of the year, the town expanded the paid parking zone and increased the hourly rate to $2.50 an hour. The new paid parking area runs the length of Main Street from Davis to Alder and extends up to Columbia (from Aspen to Willow). Metered parking will remain on Pacific from Aspen to Willow.

The hourly rate will increase to $2.50 in the commercial downtown, with a $2 hourly rate on Main Street from Davis to Aspen and on Columbia. The Silverjack Parking Garage will remain $2 an hour, with $50 for overnight parking.

In response to a request from some members of the Town Council, the town is also introducing limited free parking to accommodate locals running quick errands.

“It’ll be all pay-to-park metered zones, limited to one use per day,” said Haden Brodowsky, assistant town manager, during a Town Council meeting on Tuesday.

“The pilot program would expire on Dec. 31 so we can collect data and figure out if it’s worth our time,” Brodowsky added.

To take advantage of the 30 minutes of free parking, drivers will need to visit a physical parking meter (the town is installing more).

“When you go to the meter, you’ll put in your license plate. If you enter your phone number, you’ll be notified 15 minutes before your time is up, and you can pay the next hourly rate,” Brodowsky explained.

With the shift in parking fees, the town is also implementing a license plate reading system to more efficiently identify vehicles parked illegally. This means heightened enforcement is on the way. Speaking at a meeting last year, Councilmember Geneva Shaunette urged the community to stay alert.

“Enforcement is coming. We have a new system; it will include some new rules. Tickets will happen. That is the main message the town needs to get out,” Shaunette said.

Town Council unanimously approved the changes to the parking program. The 30-minute free parking will go into effect Monday, Feb. 10.

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Filmmaker Max Walker-Silverman Comes Home
Filmmaker Max Walker-Silverman, a Telluride native, premiered his latest film, Rebuilding, at the Sundance Film Festival. The film explores a rural ranching family’s efforts to rebuild after a wildfire.

Walker-Silverman, whose 2022 debut A Love Song was filmed at Miramonte Reservoir, spoke to KOTO News about the film’s themes of climate change, loss, and hope. His previous film is available for streaming on Hulu and Canopy through the Wilkinson Public Library.

Story begins at 7:40.

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Highway 145 Rock Clearing Operations
The Colorado Department of Transportation is conducting rock and ditch clearing operations on Highway 145 between Telluride and Placerville.

Work began February 5 and will continue through February 7, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The northbound lane will be closed between Mile Markers 75 and 77, with alternating traffic and reduced speed limits. Expect 10- to 15-minute delays.

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Herbal Aphrodisiac Workshop at Wilkinson Library
Celebrate the month of love with an Herbal Aphrodisiac workshop hosted by local herbalist Miriah Meiers at the Wilkinson Public Library.

The workshop, scheduled for February 6 at 5 p.m., will explore herbs for reproductive health and aphrodisiac properties, accompanied by herbal teas and snacks. Registration is required at telluridelibrary.org.

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New U.S. Secretary of Energy Confirmed
Chris Wright, CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, was confirmed as the new U.S. Secretary of Energy with a 59-38 vote in the Senate.

Wright, whose confirmation drew concerns from environmental advocates, pledged to support “reliable” energy sources while acknowledging the impact of carbon emissions on global temperatures.

Aaron Weiss of the Center for Western Priorities warned that Wright’s nomination could undermine the U.S. leadership in energy transition.

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Colorado Mental Health Bill Advances
Colorado lawmakers are moving forward with a bill to improve mental health coverage by insurance companies. John Daley reports for the Capitol News Alliance.

Story begins at 16:52.

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The Doomsday Clock Ticks Closer to Midnight
The Doomsday Clock, created by atomic scientists in 1947 to track nuclear threats, is now focusing on broader existential risks. Amy Hadden Marsh reports for Rocky Mountain Community Radio.

Story beings at 17:37.