Grand County’s Department of Human Services is stepping in to assist neighboring Jackson County residents under a new intergovernmental agreement.

At a Jan. 20 meeting, the Grand County board approved the agreement to run through Jan. 15, 2027. The partnership tasks Grand County with managing Jackson’s human services and ensures they will provide a full-cost reimbursement.

Granby to Grand Lake bus line could begin in May

The Jan. 27 board meeting highlighted the upcoming launch of a new transit line and safety protocols for county facilities. County staff provided an update on the Granby-to-Grand Lake Lift bus line, which is scheduled to begin service in May or June. The county will fund the route through a combination of Senate Bill 230 funds, lodging tax revenue and contributions from the towns of Granby and Grand Lake. A formal presentation on the service will be held Feb. 10.

New rules and proposal for pets and animals

County Attorney Maxine LaBarre-Krostue presented a new “Grand County Building and Facility Pet Policy.” The policy clarifies that while service animals (trained dogs and miniature horses) are permitted under ADA guidelines, pets are generally prohibited from county buildings. Notable exceptions include the Flying Heels Arena and the Kremmling Fairgrounds.

The commissioners also discussed a community proposal to name the new animal shelter after the late Dr. Mike Brooks, a longtime local veterinarian. Staff will facilitate further discussion with Pet Pals on the matter.

In other news:

In public safety, the board authorized out-of-state travel for three Sheriff’s Office employees to attend the 2026 Motorola Summit Conference in Orlando. Undersheriff Wayne Schafer noted the training is critical as the agency prepares to replace its Code Red system with Motorola Rave later this year.

On the transportation front, Airports Supervisor Shawn Mahorney secured authorization to apply for federal assistance to upgrade the Precision Approach Path Indicators at the Granby/Grand County Airport. Additionally, the board assigned a hangar ground lease at McElroy Field in Kremmling to Touch and Go, LLC.

Cleanup at the Windy Gap Ranch/Kobayashi Family Open Space will expand. The board amended a contract with High Range Tree Service to include the removal of cabin debris and scrap metal left by the Windy Gap Fire, increasing the total contract to $87,000.

Public Health Director Abbie Baker received signature authority for a State Tobacco Education and Prevention Programgrant application. Meanwhile, EMS Chief Austin Wingate secured approval for a service order with PayGround, establishing an online payment portal for EMS services.

The board approved a request from the Estate of Pasquale Varra to retain a 9.85-acre parcel from the 115-acre property annexed to Hot Sulphur Springs, subject to conditions including the payment of 2025 taxes.

A 0.5% affordable housing transfer fee exemption was granted for a unit in the Coyote Creek at Winter Park subdivision, as the applicant met the developer criteria outlined in the restrictive covenants.

Commissioners designated staff members, including Assistant County Manager Micah Benson and DHS Director Deb Ruttenberg, as proxies for Colorado Counties, Inc. steering committee meetings.

The board approved a resolution for the Grand Foundation to apply for an $8,034 Colorado Opportunity Scholarship on behalf of the county.