In a town hall at Naturita Community Center last week, commissioners met to give updates but also hear citizen concerns. Katie Yergensen, communications director for the county, gave a lengthy presentation.
Yergensen said there’s a form on the county’s website for the Road and Bridge department. She said the form enables citizens to report an issue, such as a county road needing bladed. County officials will respond to the online form within 24-48 hours of receiving it. Citizens may also attach a photo to their online submission. The online forms are sent to the commissioners, Montrose County Public Works and also the Road and Bridge department. Yergensen said the method eliminates confusion and makes for better communication.
She added the county is also considering an interactive map or weekly post of county roads that are open. She asked the crowd if that would be helpful. She said Road and Bridge are working on a new software, and there is a possibility of integrating a maps feature.
There has still been snowpack remaining in some parts of the county. There were drifts as a high as 15 feet at Windy Point. While 25 Mesa Road was open last week, not all roads have been open. The county’s goal is typically Memorial Day weekend, but with this year’s precipitation, some road openings have been delayed.
The Montrose Regional Airport is still under construction. The $37 million project will double the size of the terminal. The airport was voted busiest on the Western Slope in 2022 and saw 470,000 passengers travel through it. Two jet bridges are being added, along with paving, making a total of 610 parking spaces. Much of the work wraps up this year. Commissioners told the audience property taxes don’t fund the airport.
Yergensen also said the county’s critical wildlife plan is being updated. Last revised in 2009, the plan is in the revision process and public input is needed.
“This plan helps identify priority areas for fuel reduction areas. It also helps the county be more competitive when applying for grants,” said Montrose County Director of Emergency Management, Scott Hawkins, in a news release last week. “One of the most important parts of the plan is resident involvement. Public feedback is a very important part … Please take time to fill out the survey as this helps drive strategies moving forward.”
The survey is available at storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d078d39d4a144ed18d9ba3957b29b84f on the county’s website.
Yergensen included a summary of capital projects in her presentation. The county courthouse has been under a remodel, costing $14-$20 million. Commissioner Kieth Caddy said while the previous USDA grant had too many strings attached, the county might be receiving nearly $8 million in grant funding after all.
The West End Annex is also a future plan. Yergensen said the annex would consolidate the human services facility with the sheriff’s office and also Road and Bridge. The county is looking at budgets and only in the design phase. Commissioners agreed the sheriff’s office is in need of upgrades in the old converted hanger at the airport.
A county jail expansion and renovation is also in the design phase on the east end, and that will go out for bid this summer.
Yergensen said she recommended all to visit the county’s website for transparency. She said anyone can access financial information, funds and card statements.
