Telluride County discusses bids for Imogene Pass repairs and funding strategies

The San Miguel County Board of County Commissioners convened on May 28, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including wildlife tracking, road repairs, and community updates.

The meeting began with an update on a wolf that has been tracked across various regions, including Telluride, Nucla, and Gunnison, and is currently in the Roaring Fork Valley. This information was shared to keep the community informed about local wildlife movements.

Following this, the commissioners addressed the upcoming signing of a contract with Under Sheriff Koval, scheduled for June 2 at 4 PM in the courthouse. Although some commissioners expressed regret about missing the event due to prior commitments, they conveyed their support for the initiative.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the status of Imogene Pass, which is expected to remain closed until at least September. The commissioners reviewed bids from several companies for repair work on the pass. The bids were analyzed, revealing a range of estimates, with the lowest bid raising concerns due to exclusions that could lead to liability issues for the county. The commissioners discussed the importance of ensuring that all necessary safety and planning measures are included in the contract.

Jared, a staff member, presented a detailed analysis of the bids, emphasizing the need for a thorough evaluation of each proposal. The commissioners expressed optimism about the bids received, noting that they were significantly lower than initial estimates. They discussed the potential financial implications, estimating a delta of approximately $200,000 based on current funding commitments from various sources, including the U.S. Forest Service and local businesses.

The board decided not to award a contract immediately but agreed to move forward with creating a contract that could be executed on June 11, allowing for further discussions and evaluations of the bids.

In addition to the road repair discussions, the commissioners provided updates on their recent activities, including participation in a CCAP priority-setting meeting, where they discussed legislative education and state budget advocacy. They also highlighted community events, such as a Memorial Day commemoration and a scholarship announcement.

The meeting concluded with a consensus to continue engaging with the community and stakeholders regarding the road repairs and other initiatives, ensuring that all necessary steps are taken before finalizing any contracts. The next meeting is anticipated to further address these ongoing projects and community concerns.