The Ouray County Board of County Commissioners moved on July 29 to approve payment of a $50,000 pledge to Thistle Community Housing, contingent on final execution and approval of required deed‑restriction covenants by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and the City of Ouray.

Why it matters: The county previously committed $50,000 toward the project, conditioned on a deed restriction (to preserve affordability) and funding availability. Commissioners discussed the status of the deed restriction, DOLA review, and whether releasing funds now would create a hardship for the project owner. The board approved disbursing the pledged funds conditioned on DOLA approval and signatures, and on using grant‑related funds freed by a Prop 1‑2‑3 capacity building grant that shifted the county’s housing services administrator funding.

What the board heard: County attorney and staff said the deed restriction included in meeting materials had not yet been signed and remained under DOLA review; staff noted a likely typographical inconsistency in the draft deed restriction regarding references to 80% AMI versus 120% AMI and flagged that for the city attorney. Commissioners and staff discussed budget placement for the $50,000; finance staff identified a grant match line item in the budget where the money could be reallocated if the board approved.

Action and conditions: The board’s motion authorized conditional approval of payment subject to (1) DOLA approval of the deed restriction covenants and signatures from the City of Ouray, and (2) using the grant match / Prop 1‑2‑3 funds that freed the housing services administrator line item. The motion carried unanimously. Commissioners stressed they preferred signatures and DOLA approval before issuing the warrant but agreed the contingency would allow staff to process the payment this calendar year once the conditions are met.

Ending: County staff were asked to follow up with the city attorney and division of housing to resolve the typographical issue and confirm execution so that funds can be delivered within the calendar year if conditions are satisfied.