Weld County OKs $2.94 million purchase for County Roads 13 and 54 roundabout right-of-way

The Weld County Board of County Commissioners on March 17 approved a purchase agreement to acquire right-of-way on the southeast corner of County Roads 13 and 54 to build a roundabout, authorizing payment of $2,937,384 plus estimated closing costs.

Public Works Director Clay Kimmey told commissioners the county had previously placed the agreement on a pass-around and that Loveland Ready Mix, Inc. — the property owner — had signed the agreement. Kimmey said the total is below a $3 million authorization the board had previously granted and that the funds are in the 2025 budget.

Commissioner Scott James pressed for detail on the cost breakout, noting he expected land value to be larger relative to the cost of damages and improvements. Kimmey said the existing access used by Loveland Ready Mix conflicts with the roundabout location; moving the access will require relocating the scale house, moving a natural-gas facility used by the site, rebuilding access, and doing interior concrete work. “Unfortunately we’re paying more in damages than we are in the value of the land,” Kimmey said.

Commissioner James moved to approve the agreement; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Kevin Ross and adopted by voice vote with the board saying “aye.” The board chair announced the resolution was approved.

The record shows the agreement was reviewed by county attorneys before being placed on the agenda and that Kimmey said the closing costs were expected to be in the “thousand to $2,000 range.” The transcript does not specify a formal written appraisal value or itemized invoice for the damages and improvements beyond Kimmey’s summary.

The approval authorizes the chair to sign the purchase agreement with Loveland Ready Mix, Inc. and proceed with closing under the terms discussed.