Votes at a glance: subdivision amendment, two grants and five fire-district appointments approved

Here are the formal actions taken by the Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 2, 2025.

Lot-line adjustment — Hartman Heights (Mark Hedges Trust) The board approved a subdivision amendment application submitted by the Mark Hedges Trust (agent Julie Soukla) to adjust the common lot line between Lots 4 and 5 of the Hartman Heights subdivision (properties at 9595 and TBD Road 24.3, Cortez). The change reallocates a small triangular piece of land to widen the driveway entrance at the cul-de-sac; Lot 4 would receive additional frontage to improve access. Planning and Zoning had recommended approval 3–1 and asked for a wider driveway entrance. The application describes Lot 4 as about 5.56 acres and Lot 5 as about 5.71 acres. The board opened and closed public comment (no speakers) and approved the amendment by voice vote.

Promoting Safe and Stable Families grant — Department of Social Services The board approved Amendment No. 6 to the intergovernmental agreement with the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, continuing Montezuma County Department of Social Services as fiscal agent for the regional Promoting Safe and Stable Families grant for FY2026. The modification covers $200,000 for the grant period beginning Oct. 1, 2025.

OPHP preventive block grant — Public Health Department application Montezuma County Public Health was authorized to submit an application to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for the OPHP preventive block grant. The county plans to request $25,000 (no cash match) to support community health assessment work, prevention efforts through the Healthy Montezuma Coalition and to explore resurrecting the county health fair with hospital lab support. The motion authorized submission only; award amount will be determined by CDPHE.

Appointment of Los Ariola Fire Protection District board members (temporary) Commissioners appointed five individuals to the Los Ariola Fire Protection District board on an interim basis after the district notified the county that a technical error in an earlier election process left the board without duly elected members. The appointees—Michael Higman, Bill Blackmer, Rick Newby, Dustin Noyes and Douglas Muscinell—were appointed to allow the district to continue operations; statute requires the appointed board to call and hold a special election within six months to fill seats in accordance with state law. The county accepted letters of interest and appointed the five pending the special election.

Votes All items above were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. For items where the transcript records only a voice vote, the board recorded unanimous “Aye” responses on the record.

What the votes mean - The Hartman Heights lot-line amendment permits a minor boundary adjustment to improve driveway/access conditions; it does not change zoning or lot counts. - The $200,000 grant modification continues an existing regional child- and family-focused initiative for FY2026 under state IGA terms. - The OPHP item authorizes staff to apply for up to $25,000; funding is subject to state award. - The fire district appointments are temporary; the district must schedule special elections within six months under Colorado law.