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Taos Ski Valley planning commission urges council to fund hiring of planning director
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously recommended that the Village Council hire a Community Development/Planning Director and prioritize funding, with Board Chair Tom Wittman volunteering to handle permit work temporarily while staff conducts a budget analysis of hiring options.
The Taos Ski Valley Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously recommended Feb. 2 that the Village Council hire a Community Development/Planning Director and prioritize funding for the position in future budgets. The motion passed 6-0.
Board Chair Commissioner Tom Wittman told commissioners he would volunteer to handle building permit applications on an interim basis while the village pursues a permanent hire or contract support. Village Administrator Hammond-Paul said staff will conduct a detailed analysis of the current budget to identify feasible options — full-time, part-time, or contract — and prepare recommendations for the commission and council.
Commissioners cited the need for consistent permitting oversight and planning capacity given ongoing infrastructure work and concerns raised about permitting transparency. The commission’s motion clarified that hiring is a recommendation to the council and depends on budget availability; commissioners acknowledged current financial constraints that could affect timing and scope.
The commission instructed staff to return with budget scenarios and implementation options. The council will receive the commission’s recommendation and the results of the budget analysis before any formal hiring decision.
