Board of County Commissioners Meeting - 2026-03-26
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Board of County Commissioners meeting on March 26, 2026 focused primarily on administrative matters and service agreements, with no major zoning or development decisions. Key actions included approving a wildfire resiliency code for new construction in unincorporated areas, ratifying the appointment of Craig McBrain as Chief Financial Officer, and approving a resolution eliminating and reclassifying county positions for fiscal responsibility. The board also approved multiple service agreements including CDBG funding for senior emergency home repairs and wildlife damage management services.
Key Decisions (8)
Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code Adoption
Resolution adopting the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code establishing minimum wildfire resilient construction standards for new construction in unincorporated Pueblo County. The code requires fire-resistant materials including Class A roofing, fire-resistant siding, metal gutters, and better screening. Estimated cost increase of 1-3% ($3,000-$8,000) per new home. State-mandated deadline of April 1 for compliance.
County Position Eliminations and Reclassifications
Resolution approving elimination of certain county positions and reclassification of others to promote fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency. Fleet department will be rolled into public works department as a division, with corresponding reclassifications of director and deputy director levels.
Chief Financial Officer Appointment - Craig McBrain
Resolution approving appointment of Craig McBrain as Pueblo County Chief Financial Officer. McBrain has served as deputy director and interim director of budget and finance since May 2024, supporting Workday conversion. Holds accounting degree from Oklahoma State and MBA, with background in public utility finance.
CDBG Subrecipient Agreement for Emergency Home Repair Program
Resolution approving $50,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds from City of Pueblo for the Emergency Repair and Essential Services Program (EREST) serving income-qualified seniors with emergency repairs up to $5,000 per household. County provides dollar-for-dollar match from housing fund 215. Increase from $40,000 received last year.
School Stability Intergovernmental Agreements
Resolution approving intergovernmental agreements with School Districts 60 and 70 to increase school stability for foster children as required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Allocation of $143,902 with 80/20 split, with 20% from fund 204 (mill levy incentive and property tax relief dollars).
Inmate Cash and Bonding Services Agreement with Keep Commissary Network
Resolution approving agreement with Keep Commissary Network LLC for inmate cash and bonding services. Upgrades existing hardware and kiosks at judicial building, new jail, Pueblo West Substation, and annex. Increases online cash bonding limit from $2,500 to $5,000. Brings county into compliance with House Bill 1015 requiring more online bonding options.
USDA Wildlife Services Agreement Renewal
Resolution approving work and financial plan with USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for wildlife damage management and nuisance control for calendar year 2026. Contract not to exceed $193,000 with federal cost-sharing. Services include livestock protection, beaver control, rabies testing, and feral swine management.
Consent Agenda - Lease Amendment and Board Appointments
Four items approved: lease amendment with Goldleaf Home Health LLC for Suite 430 at 201 West 8th Street due to name change; Desert Hawk Golf Course management agreement amendment extending manager for extra month; appointment to Colorado City Cemetery District board; ratification of Pueblo Depot Activity Development Authority board appointment.
Market Signals (4)
Housing Demand
New wildfire resiliency code will add 1-3% ($3,000-$8,000) to new home construction costs in unincorporated Pueblo County, though over 50% of builders already use compliant materials.
Infrastructure
County is actively pursuing nuclear energy opportunities with Department of Energy, positioning PuebloPlex and Comanche power plant site for potential nuclear lifecycle ecosystem development.
Sentiment
Multiple commissioners noted significant outside interest in Pueblo for economic development and job growth, with ongoing discussions about industry expansion opportunities.
Other
County implementing significant workforce restructuring including position eliminations and department consolidation (fleet into public works) to address budget constraints.