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Elbert County commissioners vote to oppose proposed rodenticide restrictions
Summary
On Feb. 4 the board voted to oppose Senate Bill 62, a proposal to restrict certain rodenticides and glue traps; commissioners cited potential impacts on ranching, county operations and wastewater facilities and asked staff to follow up with CCI and public‑health agencies.
The Elbert County Board of County Commissioners voted on Feb. 4 to formally oppose Senate Bill 62, a proposal that would restrict the sale, distribution, and use of certain rodenticides and glue traps.
The bill, described in the briefing as limiting second‑generation anticoagulant rodenticides and some glue‑trap products, raised concerns among commissioners about definitions and impacts on ranching and county operations. Commissioner Dallas Schroeder led the motion to oppose, and the board recorded 'aye' votes and carried the motion.
Why it matters: Commissioners noted that ranchers commonly use rodenticides and raised questions about whether prairie dogs would be covered by the bill’s definition of "rodent." County staff said the bill’s current language focuses on rodenticide products rather than a strict list of animals and that the county’s public‑works and wastewater operations could be affected. Tim Coleman said wastewater providers and municipal waste facilities had expressed concern because rodents are often attracted to wastewater infrastructure.
County action and timeline: Lobbyists and staff said the bill is scheduled for a committee hearing and that Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI) would discuss a position at an upcoming meeting. Commissioner Dallas Schroeder moved to oppose the proposal during the Feb. 4 meeting; the motion carried. The transcript records the bill as "Senate Bill 62" in discussion, and at the motion the meeting record referred to a longer, likely garbled reference ("Senate Bill 26‑062"). The board’s action is recorded as formal opposition and staff were asked to follow up with CCI and public‑health agencies about impacts and definitions.
What commissioners said: Several commissioners voiced opposition during discussion. "I oppose it," Commissioner Mike Buck said, and Dallas Schroeder and Byron McDaniel signaled opposition as well.
Next steps: County staff will investigate operational impacts (use on county‑owned property, depots and buildings) and consult with CCI and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to inform a more detailed position if needed.
