Saguache County appoints Rebie Hazard to water board, joins state investment pool and names tourism liaison

The Saguache County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 20 appointed Rebie Hazard to a vacancy on the Colorado River Water District board, approved joining the Centennial State Liquid Investment Pool (CSLIP) for county investments and appointed Ann Cunningham as the county’s liaison to the Saguache County Tourism Council.

During public comment, John Mattingley raised concerns that the Water District’s public notice limited eligibility for appointment to certain property owners. County Administrator Wendi Maez said the position was re-advertised and presented Hazard’s reappointment letter; Commissioner Lynne Thompson moved to appoint Hazard and the board approved the motion unanimously.

The board also voted 3-0 to approve and sign a resolution authorizing county participation in CSLIP to access pooled liquidity services. On tourism matters, Maez told the board the Tourism Council opposed raising the lodging tax from 2% to 6%; the Board nevertheless directed publication of an RFP for a project consultant to explore the ballot measure and related outreach, noting the council’s lack of support would make passage difficult.

Commissioners approved an audit engagement letter with Wall, Smith and Bateman for the 2025 audit and directed staff to pursue an RFP for lodging-tax services. Ann Cunningham was appointed the county liaison to the Tourism Council, replacing Commissioner Lynne Thompson.

Next steps: Rebie Hazard’s appointment is recorded; the county will process CSLIP membership paperwork, publish the lodging‑tax consultant RFP, and proceed with the 2025 audit engagement.