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Sales Tax Grants Spring 2026 Cycle Now Open!
Bettering The Saguache County Community As A Whole……
Pssst…..It’s time!
Sales Tax Grants Available Now!
You know that idea you’ve been kicking around? Does it fall into one of the three categories below? If so….. it’s time to make your idea a reality! The Saguache County Commissioners invite you to apply for a Sales Tax Grant through our official website at https://saguachecounty.colorado.gov/saguache-county-sales-tax-grant To make it even easier……Individuals and Agencies now must complete the grant application ONLINE ONLY.
Funding Ideas Must Fall Under One Of These Three Categories! (Awarded Grants Range From $500 - $7,500+)
- Youth and Senior Services and Programs
- Alternative Energy Projects and/or Business/Job Creation Opportunities
- Emergency Services, Public Health and Safety
The Saguache County Sales Tax Grant was established through a ballot initiative that created a fund to distribute to individuals, groups and organizations to better the Saguache County Community as a whole. This funding is derived from a 1% sales tax on most goods sold in Saguache County.
Don’t hesitate! The grant application deadline is 3:00pm on Friday - February 13, 2026! All applications must be submitted by one of the following ways; ONLINE ONLY at https://saguachecounty.colorado.gov/saguache-county-sales-tax-grant to fill out the application.
Go Now! Visit our website at https://saguachecounty.colorado.gov/saguache-county-sales-tax-grant and apply for that grant! Let’s continue working together to make Saguache County a great place to live, work and play!
Saguache County Landfill Carcass Disposal Pit
For Immediate Release
Saguache County Landfill……
Provides An Environmentally Sound Carcass Disposal Pit
Your local Saguache County Landfill reminds everyone that we provide a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible solution for the disposal of animal carcasses. This announcement is being provided as a result of recent discussions across the County concerning the introduction of wolves in Colorado chronic waste disease management efforts, local agricultural needs, and roadkill management strategies.
One of the most important things to remember is that wolves are opportunistic scavengers, and the scent of rotting carcasses will attract them, a key consideration when individuals dispose of carcasses on their private property. We encourage those who currently practice this way of carcass disposal to consider how you can make your place less attractive to them by disposing of them at the local landfill and/or making sure that you follow best management practices for on-site burial as issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division. Having a disposal plan in place will keep future depredation events to a small number.
The Saguache County Landfill carcass pit operates in strict compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, with key environmental protection measures that include:
- Strategic Location: The pit is situated at least 300 feet away from any standing, flowing, or groundwater sources and is not in a floodplain to prevent water contamination.
- Engineered Design: The facility is designed with appropriate containment systems to minimize environmental impacts.
- Operational Protocols: Carcasses received at the landfill will be covered with soil or other daily cover materials on the day of arrival to control odors, prevent access by scavengers, and minimize public health risks.
The Saguache County Landfill offers a vital, permitted disposal option for residents, ranchers, hunters, and agricultural producers, ensuring that animal remains are properly managed. Please notify the landfill attendant in advance when transporting a carcass for disposal by calling 719-221-1956. The fees associated with large animal carcasses over 400 lbs. are $20.00, and small animal carcasses less than 400 lbs. are $10.00.
Standard hours of operation are Tuesdays, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm; Saturdays, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm; and we are closed on Sundays and Mondays. A notice of holiday closures and hours can be found on our county website at saguachecounty.colorado.gov and click on the Landfill & Recycling page.
The Saguache County Landfill & Recycling facility is dedicated to providing safe, compliant, and sustainable waste management solutions for the residents and businesses of Saguache County. We are committed to protecting human health and the environment through responsible operations and community engagement.
Updated Zoom Meeting Procedures
To ensure a safe and respectful environment for all participants, Saguache County has implemented new security procedures for all public Zoom meetings. These measures are in response to recent incidents of inappropriate behavior during virtual sessions and are intended to protect both meeting participants and County staff.
Effective immediately, general participants will not have access to chat, microphone, camera, or screen sharing functions. When it is your time to speak according to the meeting agenda, microphone and video access will be temporarily enabled for you by the meeting host.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to maintain professional and secure public meetings for everyone.
Saguache County Department of Social Services Announces Temporary Closure of Center Office
Saguache County, CO — The Saguache County Department of Social Services (DSS) announces the temporary closure of its office in Center, CO. This decision aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen countywide service delivery and meet the requirements outlined in the Performance Corrective Action Plan (CAP) under MDL 25-010.
Due to identified performance challenges—particularly in managing multiple office locations—the County has taken steps to consolidate operations in order to improve oversight and coordination. Maintaining a single DSS office is a strategic move to ensure compliance with CAP targets and avoid potential fiscal sanctions.
We remain committed to serving our community and to returning to full compliance as swiftly as possible. Once we’ve met our performance goals, we will explore opportunities for strategically placed outreach sites within Saguache County.
In the meantime, community members in Center can still access services in the following ways:
- Applications Available: Pick up forms at the Public Health Office located at 220 S. Worth St., Center, CO 81125.
- Document Drop-Off: A secure drop box is available at the same location for submitting applications or documents. These are retrieved daily by DSS staff.
- Contact Us: For questions or assistance, please call 719-655-2537.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this transition. Our top priority is to continue serving the residents of Saguache County with improved efficiency and care.
Notice of 2026 Proposed Budget
NOTICE is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Saguache County Board of Commissioner for the ensuing year of 2026; an updated copy of such proposed budget has been filed in the office of the Saguache County Clerk and Recorder, where the same is open for public inspection. The budget is also posted on our website – Click here to view the 2026 budget DRAFT.
The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the 2026 budget to be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 9:00AM in the County Commissioners Meeting Room at the Saguache County Courthouse 501 4th Street, Saguache, CO.
Any interested elector of Saguache County may inspect the proposed budget and file or register any objections thereto at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget.
Final 2025 Budget adoption may be considered at the same meeting of the Board of County Commissioners to be held in the Commissioners meeting Room, Saguache County Courthouse, 501 4th Street, Saguache, CO.
Saguache County Board of Commissioners Seeks Saguache County Planning Commission Members
Saguache County Board of Commissioners are seeking members and alternates from:
La Garita/Center area – member and alternate
Town of Center and surrounding area – member and alternate
Moffat and surrounding area – member and alternate
Hooper and surrounding area – alternate
At Large for All of Saguache County – alternate
Crestone and surrounding area – member and alternate
Villa Grove and surrounding area - member and alternate
Cochetopa/Sargents and surrounding area – alternate
Saguache and surrounding area - alternate
The representative must be a property owner or property manager and reside in the area they are interested in representing. Regular member terms are for three years, and the alternate terms are for one year.
Saguache County Planning Commission meets on the last Thursday of each month in the Road and Bridge meeting room. The Planning Commission may also have work sessions throughout each month to work on the Saguache County Master Plan and different items.
Saguache County Planning Commission members and alternates are paid $100 for every regular meeting they attend, plus mileage reimbursement.
If you are interested, please send a brief letter of interest stating qualifications and interest to: Saguache County Land Use, Attn: Amber Wilson, PO Box 326, Saguache, CO 81149 prior to Thursday, January 22, 2026. All applicants will be interviewed by the Board of County Commissioners. Should you have any questions please call Amber Wilson at 719-655-2321.
Fire Ban for Baca Grande Subdivision
No burning in residential areas due to extreme danger. This includes all fire pits, campfires, charcoal grills and all Firewise and Title III grant funding recipients' mitigation debris piles. All mitigation material must be taken to the Baca Grande burn pit - no burning is allowed in residential areas.
This ban does not include barbeque grills using liquid or gas fuels controlled by a valve. These temporary restrictions will remain in effect until the Fire Marshall lifts the ban.
Dan Warwick, Saguache County Fire Marshall / Saguache County Sheriff
Colorado River District Board Appointment
ADVERSTMENT OF
Colorado River District Board Appointment
The Saguache County Board of Commissioners is accepting letters of interest for appointment from an individual who would like to serve as the Saguache County representative to the Colorado River District Board of Directors.
Per Colorado Statue 37-46-104 – “He shall have been a resident of such county, or if only a part of a county is included within the boundaries of the said district, a resident of such included part for a period of at least two years prior to the date of his appointment and shall be a freeholder who has paid taxes in the county of his residence during the calendar year next preceding his appointment.”
Letters of Interest may be addressed to the Board of County Commissioners and submitted to the Saguache County Administration office at 505 3rd Street, Saguache, CO or mailed to PO Box 100, Saguache CO 81149 by 3pm on THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026. Letters of interest may also be emailed to wmaez@saguachecounty-co.gov.
The deadline for letters of interest is THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026, at 3PM. The Board of County Commissioners will review comments and make a decision on this appointment at their regular meeting on TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026.
Saguache County Land Use 1041 - Project Manager
Saguache County Land Use is soliciting a project manager under the designation of the Land Use Administrator for 1041 application proposals submitted to the Saguache County Land Use Office. The project manager shall provide insight and expert advice from firms that are expert in environmental impact studies, as well as other matters of State interest contained in the Saguache County 1041 Regulations. This shall include, but not be limited to, a review of the Saguache County 1041 Regulations for analysis of matters of State interest contained therein to include whether sufficient information has been provided by applicants for a complete analysis of all matters of State interest and complies with Saguache County’s 1041 regulations. The proposal will include to be able to manage the project from the beginning to the end of the application process, orders and determines the fees in the pre-application and application submittal, both on-site and off-site collaborations with Saguache County, weekly to monthly updates to the Land Use Administrator and/or the County Commissioners, collaboration with the Land Use Administrator ,the third party reviewer and applicant, Management and Review Prep, Review of Applications to make sure for completeness, Additional Reviews for the Application as needed, Lead Agency Referrals, Staff Report Preparation, Hearing Preparation and Attendance. Please direct your questions to Amber Wilson, Land Use Administrator at atorrez@saguachecounty-co.gov or 719-655-2321. Businesses with expertise in environmental impact studies for large projects are encouraged to respond.
No-Cost Recycling on the Horizon in Saguache County…
Saguache County is preparing for significant improvements to recycling services as a result of HB22-1355 legislation coming to fruition. Colorado has approved its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Program Plan, created by the Circular Action Alliance (CAA) and approved on December 9th by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
This plan outlines how packaging and paper product companies—rather than residents and local governments—will fund and support a modern, convenient, and statewide recycling system. The initiative stems from Colorado’s commitment to reduce waste, increase access to recycling, and transition toward a producer-funded model that has proven effective in Canada and Europe.
Under the EPR Plan, Colorado’s new recycling system will begin rolling out in 2026, with full implementation building toward 2030.
By late 2026, Saguache County expects to receive 100% reimbursement for the net cost of recycling services currently provided at the landfill through MDS Waste and Recycle. Once reimbursements begin, county residents will no longer be required to pay fees to recycle at the landfill.
Over the next several years, the program will expand recycling access across Colorado—especially in rural areas—and ultimately make recycling as convenient as curbside trash service.
Producers of paper, cardboard, metals, glass, rigid plastics, and many flexible plastics are required to: Register with Circular Action Alliance, Report data on the materials they sell into Colorado, Pay annual dues that fully fund recycling collection, transportation, and processing and finally will support education, outreach, and development of responsible end markets to reuse the materials.
This structure allows local governments and private haulers to continue operating recycling programs while being reimbursed for eligible services through agreements with CAA.
Commissioner Liza Marron, who serves on the statewide Producer Responsibility Advisory Board, emphasized the importance of this transition, “This new system lifts the financial burden of recycling off our residents, and onto the producers of the packaging materials who do business in Colorado, Marron said. “But just as importantly, it helps us reduce packaging waste and curb the single-use materials that harm our environment. This producer-funded model is a win for rural families, a win for our Saguache County landfill operation, our county budget, and a win for the lands and waters we all depend on.”
The timeline for service expansion will begin mid-year 2026, when all residents of Colorado become eligible for no-cost recycling services, by 2028: Schools and small businesses will be added as eligible entities, and by 2030: Recycling access statewide must be as convenient as curbside trash service.
The EPR system includes infrastructure investment for underserved rural communities—an important benefit for counties like Saguache, where infrastructure, distance, and transportation costs have historically limited recycling options.
Saguache County will continue to provide updates as the EPR Plan moves towards implementation.
For more information, contact:
Saguache County Road & Bridge and Landfill Department:
Michelle Hashbarger
Office Manager
719-655-2554
Published Resolution Publication Notice - Board of DSS and PH rescind
SAGUACHE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WILL BE ACCEPTING COMMENT CONCERNING “BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES FOR SAGUACHE COUNTYAND THE BOARD OF HEALTH FOR THE SAGUACHE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH AGEGENCY SHALL SIMULTANEOUSLY SIT AS THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS” RESOLUTION UNTIL MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025, AT 3PM.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PROVIDE WRITTEN COMMENT YOU MAY EITHER EMAIL THEM TO WENDI MAEZ, ADMINISTRATOR AT wmaez@saguachecounty-co.gov, MAIL THEM TO PO BOX 100, SAGUACHE, CO 81149 OR DELIVER THEM TO 505 3RD STREET, SAGUACHE, CO.
You may view the Proposed Draft Resolution at our website www.saguachecounty.colorado.gov or request a copy by emailing wmaez@saguachecounty-co.gov. or by calling 719-655-2231.
Saguache County Dates & Events
| Monday January, 19 - Martin Luther King's Birthday |
| Monday, February 16 - Presidents Day |
| Monday, May 25 - Memorial Day |
| Friday, June 19 - Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| Friday, July 3 - 4th of July |
| Monday, September 7 - Labor Day |
| Thursday, September 10 - Closed Noon for Employee Picnic |
| Monday, October 12 - Indigenous People Day |
| Monday, November 11 - Veterans Day (Observed) |
| Thursday, November 26 - Thanksgiving Day |
| Friday, November 27 - Day After Thanksgiving |
| Friday, December 11 - Winter Holiday Employee Party |
| Thursday December 24 - Close at Noon for Winter Holiday |
| Friday, December 25 - Winter Holiday |
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Last Updated: 01/07/2026