Huerfano County commissioners adopt travel policy, approve liquor licenses and short-term contracts

Huerfano County commissioners on Jan. 13 approved a new county travel policy and a series of routine items, including three liquor-license renewals, a short-term contractor agreement for Family Resource Center training, an added motor-vehicle-record background check and a purchase order for tank inspection.

The board adopted Resolution 26-07, amending Article 9 of Chapter 2 of the county code to establish a travel policy. The resolution was introduced by county staff and carried in a recorded vote after a motion to approve. Commissioners did not expand on the policy in detail at the meeting; staff signaled the change updates county code formatting and administrative procedures.

On routine licensing matters, the board voted to renew liquor licenses for the Tiny Inn (application reported submitted on time, no violations), the 4 Seasons Bar and Grill and the Dunbar (listed under Todd Martin). Each renewal was moved, seconded and approved in recorded votes.

The board also approved a contractor services agreement with Andrea Montoya to provide Family Resource Center management training and assist with grant preparation and transition work. The agreement covers the period beginning Jan. 12, 2026, through April 30, 2026, and was approved after a motion and second.

Separately, commissioners approved an amendment to the Employers Council background-check service to add motor-vehicle-record searches at a stated cost of $22 per check. County staff presented the addition as a protective measure for the county’s workforce and operations.

A purchase order (2026004) for inspection of the garden tank with Marine Dining Solutions was approved by motion “not to exceed $5,750.” During discussion a speaker uttered a figure of $155,750 that conflicted with the motion language; the recorded motion and subsequent vote referenced the $5,750 not-to-exceed amount.

In staff reports, county staff said two Department of Human Services positions remain open (case-worker and protective-services supervisor), an RFP for new construction is expected to be released later in the week, and a judge in New York temporarily put a funding freeze on hold for roughly 14 days. On the funding pause, county staff warned that a prolonged interruption of federal funds could cause serious impacts to DHS operations and programs. As summarized by a staff presenter: “This funding impacts almost every facet of DHS.”

The county attorney also advised commissioners that a response was filed in a county-related lawsuit prior to Friday. No executive session was requested. Commissioners noted upcoming public-works and administrative workshops later that day and adjourned the meeting shortly after 10:12 a.m.

Votes at a glance: agenda approval (motion carried); consent agenda (motion carried); Tiny Inn liquor license renewal (approved); 4 Seasons Bar and Grill renewal (approved); Dunbar/Todd Martin retail liquor license renewal (approved); Resolution 26-07 (adopted); Andrea Montoya contractor services agreement (approved); Employers Council MVR addition (approved); Purchase order 2026004 (approved).