Chaffee County addressing the change in rural development

Historically, the role of County Commissioners throughout rural Colorado has focused on road and bridge maintenance, subdivision regulations, property and sales tax issues, various bond and mill levy tax elections and zoning updates.

With the election of Tim Glenn as County Commissioner in 2002, there was a distinct addition in the vision and energy of the Chaffee County Commission. It became obvious that Chaffee County was growing and changing at a tremendous rate. What was once a ranching, mining and railroad community has become a retirement and resort county. Not an Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge or Telluride, but a unique community in the West.

In order to keep pace with this new direction, new projects and funding sources are necessary. All counties and towns are extremely limited with sales and property taxes and creative funding sources will be required. It is key that cooperation, coordination and partnership are required in order to optimize the region’s limited financial resources

The important issues facing the county include maintaining the vitality of the ranching community, health services and daycare/education from birth through kindergarten for a segment of the public, protection of water resources, affordable housing, livable salaries and support and growth of the existing businesses.

Listed below are a number of the projects that have been successfully completed through a diverse and proactive working relationship with Buena Vista, Salida, Poncha Springs, the ranching community and a number of the region’s very effective citizen groups and non-profit organizations.

Ranchland Project. One of the main directions of updating the land use planning and zoning is to insure that the ranching community has every opportunity to succeed and prosper. The Commission assisted the ranchers in establishing the Ranchlands project. This was in cooperation with Vision 2020, the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, the County’s Planning and Zoning, a strong citizen’s group and several excellent consultants.

Humane Society Funding. The Commission worked with the animal shelter, its board of directors, local businesses and citizens to initiate a ballot proposal to support a mil levy increase to be solely directed to the use and maintenance of the local animal shelter. This passed by an overwhelming margin.

Peoples Clinic in Buena Vista and Salida. All counties are challenged with the high cost of health and medical services for those not covered by medical insurance. The staff of the County’s Public Health office secured a three year grant from Colorado Trust for $385,000 and now provides a free clinic in BV and Salida. The Clinic is now it’s own non-profit organization.

Post Office Ranch Conservation Easement. The Commissioners worked closely with the local ranching family, the Colorado Cattlemen’s Land Trust, Great Outdoors Colorado and the National Resources Conservation Service to establish the first ranch conservation easement. The ranch brings 300 acres into the system and is becoming the model for other ranchers

Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byways. In 2004, GARNA asked the County Commission to consider support and a grant of $10,000 to apply to CDOT for a Scenic Byways designation. This was successful and the Byway connects with the Top of the Rockies Byway in the north and runs through Buena Vista, Poncha Springs and Salida. GARNA has turned the initial grant of $10,000 into $235,000 and is preparing a management plan for the Byways corridor.

Heritage Tourism in Buena Vista. The Buena Vista Historical Board has been well aware of the benefits of historical and cultural tourism. Its request to the County Commission for a grant of $35,000 for projects in St. Elmo, the Turner Farm, the rail road car and other important projects have resulted in attracting over $275,000 additional funds to complete these projects and initiate similar projects

Emergency Medical Services in Buena Vista. Until 2006, the EMS services in the northern portion of the County were based in Anthrop and responded on call. It was obvious that this system was inadequate at best. In 2006, the County funded full time EMS operations in Buena Vista and is moving forward to establish a permanent facility in the near future.

Economic Development in Chaffee County. The Chaffee County Commissioners established the first County department of Economic Development in 2006 in cooperation with the towns, the Chambers and Vision 2020. This effort resulted in Housing Needs Assessment, Countywide Leakage Survey, and Chaffee County Economic Analysis, established a Small Business Development Council and managed the Ranchlands Tourism survey.

Small Business Development Council. The SBDC was established with the ED office, the Salida Chamber, The Upper Arkansas Enterprise Zone and Western State College. It has been expanded to include the Buena Vista Chamber along with the Leadville Chamber. At this time, Lake and Chaffee County have three counselors available to assist local businesses. The key to economic development is insuring strong existing businesses.

Early Childhood Center. The Salida Headstart had room for 35 youngsters and a need for nearly 100 and asked to County to assist in seeking funds for a new building. The coalition with Headstart, the Salida School, Family Youth Initiatives and the County was able to secure $1.2 million for the new facility.

Whitewater River Parks. Chaffee’s two whitewater river parks in Buena Vista and Salida are critical recreational and economic resources. In order to secure future flows, in 2003, the County filed for a Recreational In channel Diversion (RICD). The County Commissioners funded legal action, hired legal council, attended all hearings and worked with all interveners. This successful action resulted in the largest RICD (1800 cfs), the least expensive ($278,000) and the quickest (2 years) statewide.

The Salida Steam Plant. This important facility has been a high priority for many citizens, businesses, the City of Salida and the County for over 20 years. Strong funding efforts by all parties for the past five years have resulted in the full funding and projected completion of the Salida’s conference center by July of 2008.

County Fairgrounds Upgrade and Solar Project. Chaffee County Fairgrounds hosts some 70 events and 40,000 individuals each year. Given the central location in Colorado and the region’s outstanding attributes, the demand continues to grow. In 2007, the Commissioners authorized a marketing analysis for the potential completion of the new building and attracting additional events. In addition, the study reflected that the addition of a photovoltaic system would reduce the electrical needs by 20% with a savings of $1500 annually. Given the high volume of visitors, a model for energy efficiency could be established.

Historical Hutchinson Ranch. A favorite project of the citizens of Chaffee County is the restoration of the Hutchinson Homestead. The board of the Ranch Committee has provided an outstanding effort in the funding, cleaning and overseeing the restoration of the first homestead in the County. Funding came from citizens, businesses, the Colorado Historical Society, Salida, Poncha Springs and the County.

Affordable Housing. Affordable housing is a nationwide crisis and growing worse daily. In Chaffee County, the average home is selling for $270,000, while the income for a family of four is around $40,000. In early 2008, the County and a local group of citizens formed the Community Land Trust. This is a non profit that is designated to own the real estate and the homeowner owns the house and any improvements. The increase in the price of real estate is a main limiting factor in affordable housing. This program will be operational at the end of 2008.


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All photos © Mike Rosso - Four Corners Photo