Arapahoe County commissioners signaled support July 15 for a temporary purchasing waiver that would let Colorado Legal Services continue operating an eviction support clinic at county courthouses through the end of the year.

County staff sought approval for a ‘‘sole or select source’’ waiver so the county can contract directly with Colorado Legal Services without running a new competitive procurement. Michelle Halstead, a presenter for the county, told commissioners, “We are here today to seek approval for a sole or a select source, purchasing waiver for eviction support services with Colorado Legal Services.”

The county began hosting Colorado Legal Services in its courthouses in 2021 using one‑time ARPA funds. Halstead said those ARPA dollars were exhausted earlier in 2025 and that the county’s executive budget committee approved a supplemental budget on June 10 to continue services through the end of the year while staff seek longer‑term funding. Halstead said the program “has served more than 3,000 individuals” since its start and that going back out to bid would cause a service gap.

Commissioner Jeff Baker asked whether the extension would run only to year‑end and whether the county would later issue a request for proposals; Halstead said staff would explore options, including continuing with Colorado Legal Services if funding can be secured or pursuing a competitive process later. County staff also noted Colorado Legal Services provides similar courthouse clinics in other jurisdictions including Adams and Jefferson counties.

No roll‑call motion was recorded. Commissioners indicated informal approval during the study session — “we have 4 thumbs up,” the chair announced — and staff said approval would move the waiver request to the consent agenda at a formal business meeting for final action and contracting.

County staff said Colorado Legal Services has continued limited services in Arapahoe courthouses using other funds while the county and the nonprofit seek new funding sources. If the waiver is placed on the consent agenda and approved at a business meeting, staff said a contract would be executed to fund the clinic through Dec. 31, 2025.

Next steps: staff will place the waiver request on a formal business meeting consent agenda for a vote and continue exploring funding partners and procurement options for 2026.