Grand County commissioners approve EMS contracts, $5M EMS‑station change order, equipment lease and dark‑sky zoning; set BOE process

Grand County Board of County Commissioners on April 8, 2025 in Hot Sulphur Springs approved a series of contracts, grants and procedural changes affecting emergency services, county equipment financing, land‑use rules and property‑tax appeals.

The most consequential votes included extending Grand County EMS’ medical‑direction contract, accepting a $5,000 regional EMS grant, authorizing a $5,013,153.56 change order to begin work on EMS Station 1 in Granby before the county’s DOLA grant is formally awarded, approving a $878,904 equipment finance agreement for three motor graders, adopting countywide dark‑sky lighting rules in the zoning regulations, and directing staff to hire hearing referees and permit electronic notices for the 2025 Board of Equalization (BOE) season.

Why it matters: several items affect county capital spending and operations (the EMS station change order and the motor‑grader lease), public safety (medical‑direction continuity and ambulance equipment), and property owners (zoning and the BOE timetable for valuation appeals).

Grand County EMS: contracts, grant acceptance and equipment

Grand County EMS Chief Austin Wingate told commissioners the board approved an amendment extending the county’s medical‑direction agreement with Denver Health and Hospital Authority through 2028. Wingate said the amendment updates the contract dates and “allows for a 3.5% increase year over year for cost of living.” Commissioners voted to approve the amendment.

Wingate also presented a letter from the Foothills Regional Emergency Medical and Trauma Advisory Council (REMTAC) awarding a $5,000 grant to the county for EMS-related basic needs; the board voted to accept the funding and authorize signature.

On ambulance equipment, Wingate said the new medic chassis is expected to be delivered in July and that staff requested direction to lock in pricing and place an order for a Stryker…