La Plata County Commissioners

Local News

Preliminary plans for new Purgatory Resort chairlift approved

yearlong delay, momentum picks up on long-planned addition

May 6, 2026

Local News

Planning commission approves bid to reinstate major land-use permitting in Animas Valley

Plata County commissioners will have final say

April 25, 2026

Local News

Two women survive overdoses at La Plata County Jail

Sheriff says more community addiction resources needed to curb incidents

April 1, 2026

Local News

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

Local News

La Plata County commissioners acknowledge open meetings law violation

Opinion column drafted without required public notice

February 26, 2026

Local News

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

Rights Project says attorney has too much sway

February 20, 2026

Local News

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

Local News

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

Local News

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

Commissioners ended BESS moratorium on Tuesday

January 20, 2026

Local News

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

Local News

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

Works to see a boost; some employee benefits scaled back

December 9, 2025

Local News

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

Systems could provide backup power, but opponents worry about safety

December 9, 2025

Local News

Fiesta Days Rodeo loses free access to La Plata County Fairgrounds

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

December 2, 2025

Local News

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

Project faces additional steps of approval, permitting

November 18, 2025

The Durango Herald

Commissioners hit pause on search for La Plata County manager

plans to appoint 12-month interim in coming weeks

September 29, 2025

Local News

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

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

September 20, 2025

Local News

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

Local News

Two finalists named for La Plata County manager position

candidates from outside immediate area

August 12, 2025

Local News

‘Code Rights Project’ to investigate La Plata County planning, building departments

‘Why does it take so long to get something done ... relative to the rest of the state?’ organizer asks

July 14, 2025

Local News

Liquor license hearing underscores frustrations over La Plata County building codes

Commissioners ultimately grant approval for alcohol at Music in the Mountains event

July 8, 2025

Local News

Elizabeth Philbrick sworn in as next La Plata County commissioner

Business owner, mother of two, to fill District 1 seat vacated by Clyde Church

July 2, 2025

Local News

Appointment process began weeks before La Plata County commissioner formally resigned

Church announced resignation June 21; possible replacements were already teed up

July 1, 2025

Local News

Meet the candidates hoping to become a La Plata County commissioner

Land-use code, economic growth shared priorities among three hopefuls

June 28, 2025

Local News

Medicaid cuts ‘cruel and unnecessary,’ La Plata County commissioner says

Commissioners pass resolution opposing proposed restrictions to public health insurance program

June 24, 2025