by Larry Patrick
WALSENBURG-The new coal bed methane regulations from the state have been adopted by the Huerfano County Commissioners following recommendations from the planning and zoning board. The adoption will amend the current land use codes the County has currently. The Commissioners also adopted a new permit fee schedule dealing with coal bed methane exploration. The Commissioners had a moratorium on future drilling until new state regulations were adopted.
The Commissioners voted Wednesday to reject the bid from the Spilman Company for a new CAD system for dispatch. The County has a grant from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to purchase a new system but they are concerned about the cost of modules to update the system now and in the future. Don Mercier, the new communications director for dispatch believes he can come up with an in-house software system that will integrate well with the current equipment the City of Walsenburg is using and save the County money. Mercier has concerns that the current 9-1-1 system needs to be upgraded. County Administrator, John Galusha is to contact DOLA to see if the monies for a new CAD system can go for beefing up needed improvements to the 9-1-1 system. The County is interviewing dispatch applicants, including those who are working for the City of Walsenburg to be ready to take over the dispatch services on Feb. 1st of this year.
