Montezuma County commissioners approve routine policies, two liquor-license renewals and $3.3 million in payables

The Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 30 adopted routine administrative policies, approved two liquor-license renewals and accepted $3,316,292.29 in payables for November.

Policies: Staff presented two policies — county-supplied vehicle use and an on-call pay schedule — that must be in place for the start of fiscal year 2026 on Jan. 1. Staff said the policies were routed through legal review and checked for federal and state compliance. Commissioner (S7) moved to place the policies on the consent agenda; the motion was seconded and commissioners voted in the affirmative to approve the consent agenda containing those policies.

Liquor licenses: Jerry Frizzell, the county licensing official, presented a retail liquor-license renewal for Love's Travel Center in Cortez (identified by the license location as on Highway 160/491) and a renewal for Westview RV Resort at 12092 Highway 145 in Dolores. Frizzell said the sheriff's office letters (dated 12/11/2025 for Love's Travel Center and similar clearance for Westview) showed no violations. Commissioners moved and seconded motions to approve each renewal and recorded affirmative votes.

Resolution on public notices: Commissioner (S2) moved to approve Resolution 35-2025, designating locations for public notices, agendas and legal publications; Commissioner (S7) seconded and the board approved the resolution.

Payables: Finance staff presented payables for Nov. 1–11/30/2025 totaling $3,316,292.29. Commissioner (S2) moved to approve the payables, Commissioner (S7) seconded, and the board voted to accept the payment register.

Road and Bridge update: Commissioners reported having attended Road and Bridge bucket-truck training and discussed equipment and staffing needs. Commissioner (S9/Travis) said Heath Higgins was promoted to lead foreman to supervise daily operations.

Votes at a glance:
- Approve minutes (12/22/2025 special, 12/23/2025 regular): motion moved by Commissioner (S2); outcome: approved (affirmative responses recorded).
- Consent agenda including vehicle policy and on-call pay schedule: moved by Commissioner (S7), seconded and approved.
- Love's Travel Center retail liquor-license renewal: motion to approve moved and seconded; outcome: approved.
- Westview RV Resort retail liquor-license renewal: motion to approve moved and seconded; outcome: approved.
- Resolution 35-2025 (location of public notices): motion moved by Commissioner (S2), seconded by Commissioner (S7); outcome: approved.
- Payables (Nov. 1–11/30/2025): $3,316,292.29 — motion moved by Commissioner (S2), seconded by Commissioner (S7); outcome: approved.

Why it matters: Routine policies and license renewals affect county operations, compliance and local businesses. The payables approval authorizes payment of county obligations totaling roughly $3.3 million for the month.

What’s next: The board adjourned the 2025 calendar meeting without an executive session; routine administrative matters will continue to be handled in regular meetings and through staff processes.