Ken Miller, speaking for the Ouray County Cattlemen’s Association, told commissioners on June 4 that the group wants to revive a memorandum of understanding the county had with the association (originally signed 04/11/2017) after that MOU lapsed in 2023. Miller said the association has been inactive since about 2020, has reorganized its board, and wants to resume flagpole maintenance and other fairgrounds-related work previously handled under the MOU.

Miller said association volunteers previously handled flagpole upkeep and flag replacements; he asked whether the county could restore the old MOU or advise what the association must provide to reestablish a partnership. County staff and commissioners explained that the MOU had been terminated in 2023 and the county had not been presented with a written request to reinstate it. Commissioners and staff noted the county could accept event-based requests to fly flags without a standing MOU — in other words, groups can submit a written request to the county to have a flag flown for a particular date or event — or they could propose a new MOU for the commissioners to consider.

County officials said a written proposal on association letterhead, signed by an authorized representative, should be submitted to county staff (County manager or designated liaison). Commissioners suggested the association consider a new MOU or a work session with county staff and the association to clarify responsibilities — particularly who would take on maintenance, replacement costs and long-term stewardship if a standing agreement returns. Staff also noted the possibility that, in lieu of an MOU, the association could make charitable donations to the fairgrounds to cover flag and pole upkeep.

Commissioners offered practical next steps: (1) the association should provide a written proposal on letterhead, including who is authorized to sign; (2) county staff will place the matter on an agenda for formal consideration if the group seeks a new MOU; and (3) a work session could be scheduled for detailed discussion if needed. No immediate vote or restoration of the 2017 agreement occurred at the meeting.

Ending: Miller said he and the reorganizing board would take the commissioners’ advice to prepare a written proposal and to discuss next steps with county staff.