Douglas County Commissioners approve $14M Hilltop Road Improvement and fire support contracts

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners convened on April 8, 2025, for a business meeting focused on key infrastructure and emergency management initiatives. The meeting began with a significant discussion regarding the Hilltop Road Improvement Project, which has been a long-standing agenda item for the board. Commissioner Thiel expressed satisfaction at finally moving forward with the project, which is set to be executed by RME Limited, LLC, under a construction contract valued at $14,435,665.80. The motion to approve the contract was unanimously supported by the board, marking a notable step in the project’s progression.

Following this, the board addressed the pressing issue of wildland fire support for the upcoming fire season. Thomas Kenny, the Emergency Services Manager, presented a proposal for public contracts with several aerial fire suppression vendors, including Heliquest International and TransAero Limited. Each contract allows for a maximum expenditure of $100,000, contingent upon the actual need for services. This strategic approach aims to enhance Douglas County's firefighting capabilities while ensuring fiscal responsibility.

Commissioners acknowledged the importance of these contracts, emphasizing the county's commitment to public safety and efficient resource management. The board expressed appreciation for the efforts of the emergency management team, highlighting Douglas County's unique position as the only county in Colorado with a dedicated helitack team.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of these initiatives, reinforcing the board's dedication to infrastructure improvement and emergency preparedness in the face of potential challenges.