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Custer County commissioners vote to withdraw from Southern Colorado Economic Development District
Summary
Commissioners voted to withdraw participation and fee payments from the Southern Colorado Economic Development District after concerns about the district's capacity and local benefit; the board directed the funds toward local options instead.
CUSTER COUNTY, Colo. — The Custer County Board of County Commissioners voted Wednesday to withdraw from the Southern Colorado Economic Development District (SCEDD) and not pay a proposed fee increase. Commissioners said other member counties were not adopting the increase and expressed concern the district had not demonstrated sufficient benefit to the county.
Why it matters: The county’s membership in a regional economic-development district would typically provide access to technical assistance and regional programming. Commissioners said SCEDD recently completed its first audit and the county lost a primary contact (an employee named Tracy) who helped the county previously. Given limited county resources, commissioners said the county could put the membership funds to better local use.
Details and board direction - The district requested the county absorb a 3% fee increase (described in the meeting as paying an additional 0.03 of the original amount). Commissioners discussed recent district activity and said other counties were declining the increase.
- The board voted to withdraw from SCEDD and to reallocate the funds to local priorities (a board member suggested depositing the money in a local bank). A commissioner suggested inviting a SCEDD representative back later if the district’s services improve.
Board comments - Commissioners expressed concern about administrative capacity at the district and said larger payers will capture most of the value in pooled programs. One commissioner summarized the view: the county should conserve limited funds for the most effective local use.
Next steps - Staff will formalize the withdrawal and redirect the funds; the board left open the possibility of reconsideration if SCEDD improves its audit and services.
Ending note - The board’s vote to leave the district was intended to preserve county funds for locally controlled initiatives until the regional district demonstrates measurable value to Custer County.
