Fremont County repeals county-collected fire impact fee, approves reappointments and appointments
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Summary
Commissioners repealed Fremont County Ordinance 2004-1 to stop collecting a fire protection impact fee for the Canyon City Area Fire Protection District after the district adopted its own fee schedule; the board also approved a slate of reappointments and a new appointment to local boards.
Fremont County commissioners voted to repeal Ordinance 2004-1 and eliminate the county-imposed impact fee that had been collected on behalf of the Canyon City Area Fire Protection District.
County Attorney Belles explained that statutory changes and a November 17 district board action gave the Canyon City Area Fire Protection District the authority to adopt and collect its own impact and development fees. The county resolution repeals the prior county-imposed fee and removes the county from the collection role; the district will collect the fees at permit issuance going forward.
Commissioners framed the change as a modest administrative simplification that reduces the county's collection responsibilities and responds to the district's updated fee schedule. Commissioners also acknowledged concerns about rising development costs and said builders or remodelers should discuss the new district fee schedule with the fire chief or the district board.
The board also moved through a series of routine appointments and reappointments: Janet Dixon and Chandra (surname recorded variably in the transcript) were reappointed to the John C. Fremont Library District Board (terms through Dec. 31, 2030); Sandy Johnston was reappointed to the Penrose Community Library Board (term through Dec. 31, 2030); John Hamrick and Bridal/Rudel Mergleman were reappointed to the Fremont County Planning Commission (terms through Dec. 31, 2028); and Dean Brady was appointed to the Fremont County Weed Advisory Board (term 01/01/2026 to 12/31/2028).
The vote: Commissioners voted unanimously to repeal the ordinance and to approve the appointments/reappointments on roll calls recorded by the clerk.
Next steps: The county will stop collecting the impact fee at the building department for the Canyon City district and rely on the district's collection process. County staff suggested residents or builders contact the fire district for specific fee amounts and policy details.