La Plata County Commissioners

Fire

La Plata County to take tougher approach on fire risk in Forest Lakes

Officials say violations in Unit 3 will face enforcement and possible legal action

March 19, 2026 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

Government

La Plata County commissioners acknowledge open meetings law violation

Opinion column drafted without required public notice

February 26, 2026 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

Housing and urban planning

La Plata County commissioners reject citizen group’s criticism of staff

Code Rights Project says attorney has too much sway

February 20, 2026 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

La Plata County Commissioners

7 months in office, La Plata County commissioner’s belief in local government reinforced

Elizabeth Philbrick spent the second half 2025 learning the ropes

February 8, 2026 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

La Plata County Commissioners

Elizabeth Philbrick to run for La Plata County commissioner

‘There's quite a bit of room for improvement available at all tiers of the government,’ she says

January 22, 2026 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

La Plata County Commissioners

LPEA one step closer to installing utility-scale battery storage units in La Plata County

Commissioners ended BESS moratorium on Tuesday

January 20, 2026 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

La Plata County Commissioners

La Plata County residents at odds over acceptable levels of risk with battery storage systems

Commissioners voted Tuesday to extend moratorium on BESS facilities

December 16, 2025 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

Budgets and budgeting

La Plata County’s 2026 budget avoids deep cuts after sales tax approval

Public Works to see a boost; some employee benefits scaled back

December 9, 2025 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

La Plata County Commissioners

LPEA wants to build battery storage locations, some residents are opposed

Systems could provide backup power, but opponents worry about safety

December 9, 2025 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

Fiesta Days

Fiesta Days Rodeo loses free access to La Plata County Fairgrounds

Reduced scale, staffing shortages, safety concerns cited in commissioners’ decision

December 2, 2025 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

Housing and urban planning

La Plata County commissioners approve 100-home plan at Purgatory resort

Project faces additional steps of approval, permitting

November 18, 2025 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

Headlines

Commissioners hit pause on search for La Plata County manager

BOCC plans to appoint 12-month interim in coming weeks

September 29, 2025 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

Budgets and budgeting

La Plata County preps for economic slowdown, long-term deficits in 2026 draft budget

With no structural solution on horizon, cuts across all sectors expected to reduce critical services

September 20, 2025 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

Ballot initiatives

County will ask voters to approve 1% sales tax hike in November

Commissioners say new funding is needed as gas revenue declines

August 26, 2025 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

La Plata County Colorado

Two finalists named for La Plata County manager position

Both candidates from outside immediate area

August 12, 2025 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer