Huerfano County commissioners approve formation steps for revitalization authority after public hearing

Huerfano County commissioners on Jan. 27 approved Resolution 26-09, a formal finding that statutory factors exist to pursue formation of a county revitalization authority and designating the board of county commissioners as the county revitalization authority for the project area. The vote, taken after a public hearing and staff presentation, passed on a roll call with commissioners indicating assent.

The resolution followed a staff presentation of packet materials from Downtown Colorado and a mixed-use master plan prepared for the Gardner Main Street project. Staff said the packet included a guide to authority formation, frequently asked questions, proof of legal notice published in the local newspaper and an RFP seeking a developer for the downtown master plan. Staff also reported a circulated petition had been verified with more than 25 signatures in support of exploring the authority.

At the public hearing, a resident who identified himself for the record raised concerns about using tax-increment financing (TIF) to underwrite redevelopment, saying only a small number of businesses in previous programs had benefitted and calling one downtown building, the Rio Picaturas, beyond economical renovation and better suited for demolition. The resident urged caution about relying on expected tax increments to finance redevelopment costs.

Commissioners and staff did not adopt a final financing plan at the meeting; Resolution 26-09 establishes the legal finding that enables the county to proceed with authority formation and related steps. Staff said subsequent work will include developer selection via RFP and additional public outreach. The board will return to the topic as planning materials and title work progress.

The board approved the measure at the same meeting it heard other routine permits and resolutions; no final redevelopment contracts or TIF districts were approved at this session.