Council authorizes negotiations to buy 97 county lots inside city limits, votes 5–2

Public Works Director Matt Langhorst told council the county is offering 97 previously county-owned lots inside Glenwood Springs limits for sale; earlier right-of-way abandonments created large, sloped blocks that are largely unbuildable because of steep slopes, geohazards and lack of utilities. The county completed appraisals and listed the parcels for sale and has already sold two lots.

Langhorst recommended acquiring the lots where it makes sense — particularly those adjacent to city-owned property and water-tank infrastructure — to control debris-flow risk, rockfall hazards, and future mitigation work. He proposed offering $500 per lot (approximately $48,500 total) to gain control of the parcels; staff said the purchase would be from the water fund and would require a supplemental appropriation.

Councilors discussed appraisals (staff said county appraisals did not account for steep slopes and lack of utilities, producing high market values on paper), potential buyers' development plans, mandatory hook-up obligations if utilities are within certain distances, and the downside of ownership (additional maintenance, enforcement and liability). Staff said the city would need to maintain any acquired parcels and that ownership would shift responsibilities from the county to the city.

Mayor Pro Tem Salinski moved to authorize Matt Langhorst to begin negotiations to purchase the 97 county-owned lots within city boundaries at $500 per lot; Councilor Schachter seconded. The motion passed 5–2 (Mayor Dame and one other councilor dissenting). Staff will proceed with negotiations and return to council if the offer terms change.