[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6511388,"mediaKeyId","5331342-a1aa5b9cf4ccbd6427eb571823ad9169","parentId",5331342,"title","Pitkin County budget director proposes streamlined 2026 review focused on changes, positions and capital","audioSeconds",1136,"startMs",7269000,"endMs",8405000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5331342-a1aa5b9cf4ccbd6427eb571823ad9169&start=7269&end=8405","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5331342-a1aa5b9cf4ccbd6427eb571823ad9169/thumbnail_7269000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6511388/Pitkin-County/Colorado/Pitkin-County-budget-director-proposes-streamlined-2026-review-focused-on-changes-positions-and-capital","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511388-2ff7bc667352818755cffd131d32fb9f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185959&Signature=Ov4QocToBTQhAbDgjQmVqAvuAB~1VnQCEPFmBL0ib7tDdKjkNwfJobrAkRmSNsX-eWXMgRGGOb5Ke7u3YXyRjyotb-9jSAAJqJ92qnNuvCEWqiS3b8Zlq8GNCh6QczCdBZaiJ08UWmXHKq-fBx~j1k1CRYhCjHylntR-dTyyvFWSViSS0ArnNMN-7ddvQMBVY1fDRC6obj0TV~Gm-AzE7IR7uNnpHTmjOyfMBrus9pcMpbu8IGTUOeKnFncwDJOjpDyB7Blfglt9k83~Zal0i52TJjCB-60rfmfJ9PbQrwrE23Ph~VfCMQrtGYdPMipmxofFWSBqHLW5gD5ELZ4BkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pitkin County","date","2025-07-08T18:26:28Z","article","Pitkin County’s budget director outlined a proposal on July 8 to refocus the county’s 2026 budget review so commissioners spend fall work‑session time on new positions, capital projects and major operational changes rather than routine, unchanged departmental presentations.

Connie Baker said Colorado Revised Statutes require a proposed budget to be presented to the board no later than Oct. 15 and mill‑levy certification no later than Dec. 15, but how the board conducts its review between those dates is discretionary. She proposed concentrating fall time on substantive changes — new positions, capital requests, operational shifts and five‑year plans with major changes — and scheduling routine departmental updates at other times of the year (for example, as quarterly briefings). The goal, she said, is to shorten fall sessions while preserving oversight of substantive items and to surface cross‑departmental priorities (for example, climate action plan initiatives captured in budget profiles).

Key elements of the proposed process

- Focus: presentations during the formal fall budget review would be limited to new position requests, new capital requests and material operational changes. Departments without substantive changes would not be required to present in the primary budget-review meetings. (Connie Baker)

- Timeline: tentative dates included an Oct. 14 proposed‑budget overview, an Oct. 28 full‑day budget review (staff suggested aggregating similar requests on that date), November meetings for Healthy Community Fund recommendations and a Nov. 18 wrap-up meeting; climate action plan initiatives could be presented in November or, if preferred, shifted earlier in October. (Connie Baker)

- Climate and cross‑department coordination: Baker said budget templates are being updated to let departments flag projects that further the county’s climate goals; staff from the climate office will summarize those flagged items for the board. (Connie Baker; Michael Port, referenced)

- Safeguards and materials: commissioners would still receive full written materials (budget profiles, five‑year plans, capital replacement schedules, written position and capital requests) in advance. Baker said additional meetings could be added in November if the board needs more time. (Connie Baker)

Board reaction and topics raised

Commissioners generally supported experimenting with a new format while emphasizing that the change should not reduce oversight. Several commissioners suggested emphasizing state and federal funding risks as a primary budget call‑out for 2026 because special sessions and federal uncertainty could affect local health and human services funding streams; staff said they plan a September briefing on anticipated external funding impacts and will embed any significant changes in department presentations.

Commissioner Patty said departmental presentations are valuable and urged staff that rescheduling should not be perceived as a sign staff presentations are less important. Connie Baker replied the change is a trial and staff would return with adjustments after the board evaluates the approach.

What’s next

- Baker will gather department submissions and refine the schedule based on the number and size of substantive requests; staff will block additional November time as needed.

- Staff will provide an early September briefing on state and federal funding items that could influence the 2026 budget, and the finance office will continue to circulate full budget documentation to commissioners ahead of the October review.

Ending note

Commissioners signaled tentative support for the approach and asked staff to be flexible: if the October–November cadence is insufficient, staff will add meetings and allow departments to present where warranted.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BOCC Work Session (1st and 3rd Tuesdays) - 07/08/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Pitkin County’s budget director proposed streamlining the 2026 fall review to emphasize new positions, capital requests and major operational changes while moving routine departmental updates to quieter parts of the year.","taxTitle","Pitkin County, Colorado","taxId",27807,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511394,"Pitkin County details Redstone South Bridge replacement, detour plan and outreach",2644,570000,3214000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5331342-a1aa5b9cf4ccbd6427eb571823ad9169&start=570&end=3214","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5331342-a1aa5b9cf4ccbd6427eb571823ad9169/thumbnail_570000.jpg","/articles/6511394/Pitkin-County/Colorado/Pitkin-County-details-Redstone-South-Bridge-replacement-detour-plan-and-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511394-d5b13f3922deba974217c8eb9a87201b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185959&Signature=RKZYscWp-xrqWjKLpBmCE3IJngfzcaTjPGCmxuaXql25UkxgKeGHMDRqp~V1E1CY-vaEgTsPkXQu-l3F3EkKuR-gVgCqAw54D8lx7abf687Aeqn8Cgf9jweGbIydBzW6H4PZebwEYyFYkbTDSn8zcsKRVxjtZYeT4fuYNAx5lV7N6hYS8C0B0wWkP99Eow~45S6urN1xjLeI~~-dCvAqDphb6w4WdNXlFNhS-1PXe5CIhbGc7px8V99YWrzKvdQmo513S8~EjrdPusIsFcW5tsCXhhh0dngM2A1oYA4Mbz0VrNJCxuWSSIc~BVJhjXwYVK7K94JIJrpjWKvEH7~v5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pitkin County officials and their consultant on July 8 presented a 90%-level design and construction plan for the Redstone South Bridge replacement, including removal of the existing center pier, a new 10-foot sidewalk on the downstream side and a detour that will route traffic over the North Bridge.

County Engineer Andrew Knapp said the new span “will no longer have a center pier in the middle of the Crystal River” and that the project will “be adding a 10 foot sidewalk to the downstream side of the bridge,” noting Open Space and Trails will help fund the wider sidewalk because the crossing is on the Redstone–McClure Pass trail alignment. Design consultant Mark Freimoyer of SGM said the team has advanced plans to roughly 90% and intends to advertise bids this fall.

Why it matters: the existing center pier is a river hazard, the sidewalk closes a gap in pedestrian access in Redstone, and the detour and construction period will significantly affect local circulation, businesses and school transportation during spring and summer.

Most important facts

- Schedule: staff described a design finish this fall, advertisement for construction this fall, a goal to have a contractor under contract by January, demolition beginning in early March, and a typical construction season running roughly April through October. (Mark Freimoyer)

- Alignment and structure: the bridge will be replaced on the existing alignment as a free-spanning structure (no mid-river pier) using concrete box girders and a modern, crash-tested dog-house–style concrete railing. (Andrew Knapp)

- Pedestrian access: a 10-foot sidewalk will be added on the downstream side of the bridge; Open Space and Trails is contributing to that element because it is on a planned trail alignment. (Andrew Knapp)

- Detour and traffic: the principal detour routes traffic across the North Bridge as a one-way-in/one-way-out flow. Additional options include signage directing drivers to Elk Park parking with pedestrian access across the Elk Park bridge and limited overflow parking for major events. SGM has evaluated vehicle swept paths and expects the detour to accommodate passenger vehicles, pickups and some single-unit trucks but not large tractor-trailers. (Mark Freimoyer, SGM)

- Environmental/permitting review: staff said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will conduct permitting for in‑stream work and will engage National Park Service review for possible Wild and Scenic River eligibility; the Forest Service provided a courtesy review and noted the design reduces wetlands impacts and removes the mid-river pier. (Andrew Knapp)

- Aesthetics and public outreach: staff presented three finish options (concrete gray, redstone-red and a weathering-brown/iron-oxide tone) and a picture of the dog‑house railing already installed elsewhere. They plan another round of public outreach: a Crystal River Caucus meeting, an open house at Elk Park and a meeting with the Redstone Community Association. (Andrew Knapp)

- Safety and design details: the dog‑house railing will meet current crash‑test standards; the pedestrian openings are six inches, and railing height will be 42 inches. Staff noted the new design coating will be used for longevity whether in color or gray. (Design team)

- Construction management: staff proposed encouraging earlier completion via a contractual early-completion incentive and discussed liquidated damages as the opposite tool. The team suggested an early-incentive budget around $50,000 total, with examples of daily incentives ($2,000–$5,000 per day) used to motivate contractors to shorten duration; commissioners asked whether those funds would be better spent on mitigation measures for residents (shuttles, traffic control, signage). (Mark Freimoyer, Andrew Knapp)

Discussion highlights and outstanding issues

- Detour impacts: commissioners and staff discussed pedestrian safety on Redstone Boulevard (where there is no continuous sidewalk), emergency access, and contractor routing; staff said they anticipate much demolition traffic to use the west side of the river and suggested limiting contractor access through town. (Greg; Mark Freimoyer)

- Large vehicles and school buses: SGM’s swept-path analysis showed the detour route will not comfortably accommodate large tractor-trailers; school-bus routing is under review with Roaring Fork School District and Marble Charter School. Staff said bus operators have multiple stops on the boulevard and that routing all students to Elk Park would create unacceptably long walks for some students. (Mark Freimoyer)

- River resources and Wild and Scenic review: staff told the board the Army Corps’ permitting will trigger a National Park Service Wild and Scenic review; the Forest Service provided a courtesy review and highlighted that the project reduces in‑river hazards and seeks to minimize wetland disturbance. (Andrew Knapp)

- Public outreach and color selection: staff will present the color and railing options at scheduled public outreach events (Crystal River Caucus session, Elk Park open house and Redstone Community Association meeting). The board agreed to defer final color selection until after outreach and warned the public that paint options age and may vary over time. (Board discussion)

What the board directed

- The board did not take a formal vote but signaled support for continuing final design, proceeding to the outreach schedule and returning with final bid documents and a recommendation on an early‑completion incentive. Commissioners also asked staff to minimize through‑town construction routing and to coordinate further with school officials on bus routing. (Commission direction)

What’s next

- Staff will hold the announced outreach events, complete final design and prepare the construction bid package for advertisement this fall. Permits and coordination with the Army Corps and other agencies will continue as required before in‑stream work occurs.

Ending note

County staff emphasized the team will keep the board and community informed as outreach feedback is incorporated and as the final bid package and construction-management details are completed.","Pitkin County presented near-final plans on July 8 to replace the Redstone South Bridge, remove the existing center pier, add a 10-foot sidewalk and route traffic over the North Bridge during construction.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511392,"APHA presents updated five‑year strategic plan; Pitkin County board hears preview of 2026 work plan and budget requests",2466,3234000,5700000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5331342-a1aa5b9cf4ccbd6427eb571823ad9169&start=3234&end=5700","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5331342-a1aa5b9cf4ccbd6427eb571823ad9169/thumbnail_3234000.jpg","/articles/6511392/Pitkin-County/Colorado/APHA-presents-updated-fiveyear-strategic-plan-Pitkin-County-board-hears-preview-of-2026-work-plan-and-budget-requests","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511392-6a6f289dbf42a03a1cb1ca7112ec1180/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185960&Signature=eG0HxpKhT6rNgMW1CcupKrDoq9TeeE1NrD3zv2igmB7DxJS1wFoGUULpAj36FEIW1OrYZoKAS3yVgODQ1wOQKAF3huamc40YntjA5p6dCoLPL9bTImZeZfia~WR~8O3i6xjxAF0n8m7jf~X9gk3j8Ae5cCAhOmYasIGn~HlDb69FJAtjpnJtPXbCojvE7y3anulXnIm~S0EwpqO-gscEYc0oZnfPflCzpHQAKRC-PNIc0QXpRuc6uHt0r000SJIbjSKSU5LS7JNIhIU7pjwe8xjuw89aVig9fP-76Gr0RbMFeK2A1hs6d0LDFCsKFroc6hbJPbZRSb52UPARClwNhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pitkin County commissioners on July 8 heard a briefing from Aspen‑Pitkin Housing Authority (APHA) staff on an updated strategic plan and elements likely to appear in APHA’s 2026 work plan, including an expansion of a homeowner repair grant program and modest operating needs.

Matthew Gillen, APHA director (presented by staff and housing and resiliency director Ashley Pearl), told commissioners the authority completed a five‑year strategic-plan update that reflected public outreach including surveys and two community sessions. The plan distills public input into values and four strategic goals — compliance, quality, community and leadership — and will be placed on a future regular agenda for formal adoption by the board via an informal resolution per the authority’s intergovernmental agreement (IGA).

Why it matters: APHA manages deed‑restricted housing and programs that affect long‑term local affordability. The strategic plan guides priorities including stewardship of existing housing, customer service, compliance programs, and studies of needs and inventory; the board will be asked to adopt the plan and later to review APHA’s 2026 work plan and budget request.

Key points from the session

- Adoption process: staff said the APHA strategic plan must be adopted by the Pitkin County Board of Commissioners via an informal resolution under the IGA; the City of Aspen adopted the plan two weeks earlier. The APHA board intends to finalize a work plan at its next meeting and will present the proposed plan and any requested changes to the commissioners at a future regular meeting. (Ashley Pearl)

- Public outreach and structure: APHA staff said they conducted a public survey (December–January), two well‑attended community sessions and a facilitated board retreat; that outreach informed the plan’s values (quality service, efficiency, effectiveness, innovation) and four goals (compliance, quality, community, leadership). (APHA staff)

- Compliance and homeowner supports: the plan includes strategies to improve regulatory compliance and to create clearer pre‑qualification materials for prospective APHA homeowners so that buyers better understand responsibilities that come with subsidy and deed restrictions. APHA staff highlighted recent compliance work that returned properties to the inventory. (APHA staff)

- Home repair grant program: APHA staff previewed a request for an additional $50,000 (shared between city and county) to continue a homeowner repair grant program for individual owners. Over the past two cycles the program allocated funds with an average repair cost of about $13,000 and an average grant of roughly $7,000; staff said they plan to expand eligibility to include certain owners and mobile homes. APHA is coordinating with CORE (weatherization) and other regional partners on energy‑efficiency and repair work. (APHA staff)

- HOAs and capital reserves: staff reported ongoing work to review capital reserve studies for roughly 40 APHA homeowner associations and said the authority will present analysis and policy options at future board meetings. (APHA staff)

- Rightsizing and lottery rules: staff noted continuing tension between preserving access for longtime residents and improving churn to allow younger households to access deed‑restricted units. The board discussed previously proposed changes to lottery rules and said any changes would require formal regulation updates; staff will present options including pilot rightsizing programs for board consideration. (APHA staff, commissioners)

- Hearing officer and compliance outcomes: staff noted APHA recently completed an RFP and selected a new hearing officer; staff said the new officer has heard cases and that compliance work has quietly returned multiple units to the market. (APHA staff)

Board questions and next steps

Commissioners asked about use of the word “equitable” in the values and whether that phrasing could affect state or federal grant eligibility; staff said terminology can be revisited depending on grant goals. Commissioners asked for a timeline: staff said the APHA board would finalize a work plan next week and staff expected an implementation schedule and a 2026 budget request to come back to the county during the regular budget process.

Ending note

APHA staff emphasized the plan is the result of substantial public outreach and that the authority will bring a formal adoption resolution and a draft 2026 work plan and budget request to the county in the coming months.","Aspen‑Pitkin housing authority (APHA) staff presented a community‑driven five‑year strategic plan that emphasizes compliance, quality, community engagement and leadership; staff previewed a modest 2026 budget request focused on website upkeep and an expanded home repair grant program.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Pitkin County budget director proposes streamlined 2026 review focused on changes, positions and capital

Pitkin County details Redstone South Bridge replacement, detour plan and outreach

APHA presents updated five‑year strategic plan; Pitkin County board hears preview of 2026 work plan and budget requests