BOCC Work Session 11/9/26, 1:30 p.m. - Community Planning, Infrastructure and Resources

The Larimer County Board of County Commissioners’ Community Planning, Infrastructure and Resources work session was held November 9, 2026. Ranch staff requested direction to extend the campus-wide paid-parking program to the Larimer County Fair and PRCA Rodeo beginning in 2027. They cited approximately $90,000 in parking staffing costs over the five-day event and proposed a 29-minute complimentary period, then rates of $3 per hour before 5 p.m. and $6 per hour after 5 p.m., capped at $30 per vehicle per 24 hours. Staff said revenue would support parking operations, security, maintenance, technology and future improvements; volunteer and other qualifying plates could be exempted. Two commissioners supported moving forward, while the chair withheld direction pending additional information. No formal vote was recorded. Commissioners also asked staff to provide details about license-plate data privacy and proactively communicate exemptions, and suggested considering a complimentary day or other accessibility measures.

The session also included updates on US 287 and Northern Integrated Supply Project work. Northern Water said it has hired a contractor for the approximately seven-mile highway relocation, with construction anticipated to begin in fall 2027; bids for Glade Reservoir components are expected by the end of 2026. CDOT reported that the first northern safety-improvement package, budgeted at approximately $8.4 million, was nearing completion, with Zach Dirt as contractor and JUB Engineers supporting as consultant. The second package is budgeted at approximately $61 million, is expected to be advertised in January 2027, and would include passing lanes, shoulder widening, wildlife fencing and a bridge replacement, with construction extending through 2029. CDOT also updated the southern US 287 median-barrier safety project, currently in design, with advertising anticipated in April 2027 and construction planned for summer 2027. No contract award or procurement vote was reported for these projects.