Commissioners expand P&Z board size

by Larry Patrick
WALSENBURG — The Huerfano County Commissioners voted to expand the size of the planning and zoning board from five to six members to better represent the county as a whole. Asked about opting for an even amount of members which could result in ties, Commissioner Max Vezzani explained the commissioners make decisions based on recommendations from P&Z. So, ties don’t matter since the commissioners take the info and make the ruling.
Lonnie Brown was reappointed to the county planning and zoning board, Sandy White was named to replace Vezzani on the board and Kent Mace was appointed a regular member after serving as an alternate. Dale Lyons was appointed to the planning commission as the alternate.
Huerfano County Treasurer Debbie Reynolds reported there were 52 foreclosures in the county in 2012, and seven already on the books for 2013. Five of the seven are from Walsenburg, an increase over this time last year.
Dale Martinez asked for forgiveness on the replacement of a water line he did without permission or licensing. Commissioners gave him a choice of getting licensed and paying a fee or having a contractor replace it. The commissioners were willing to waive the $500 penalty. Martinez says he will get licensed to save money.