BOCC Work Session 10/5/26, 1:30 p.m. - Community Planning, Infrastructure & Resources

Larimer County Board of County Commissioners work session on Community Planning, Infrastructure & Resources, October 5, 2026. The board reviewed a revised Ranch/Expo Center expansion concept: renovate and expand the existing Peterson Toyota Center to about 117,000 square feet, including roughly 90,000 square feet of exhibition space, rather than build a standalone expo facility that would not provide the desired amenities within the roughly $50 million budget considered. Staff said the Ranch’s voter-approved 0.15% sales and use tax supports annual debt payments on certificates of participation. Commissioners expressed support for the proposed direction, including moving the youth hockey and sports facility to Phase 3 on the North 72 property; no formal motion or vote was identified. Soil sampling is required, with payment for testing still under discussion between the county and state; the state would be responsible for any required remediation.

For other infrastructure procurement, the Taft Hill Road widening project with Fort Collins has been advertised for construction, with a low bidder expected to be selected by the end of October; no award was announced. Staff also provided updates on a forthcoming County Road 70/Owl Canyon Road open house and revised timelines for special-events and data-center code work. Solid Waste reported that a joint household hazardous-waste event had a budget of about $24,000, shared with Estes Park, and collected approximately 22,000 pounds. No other contract awards or purchasing decisions were identified.