Costilla County Civic Watchdog Report
Date: May 12, 2026
Focus: Costilla County, San Luis, Blanca, Fort Garland, and Garcia
- Budget & Finance
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Costilla County (BOCC): Financial Crisis Declaration – At the May 5 meeting, the Board officially addressed the financial crisis currently impacting the county. The Board reviewed and approved regular bills on May 5. Professional Services – The Board approved a Letter of Engagement with Sullivan Green Seavy Jarvis LLC specifically for 1041 Application Reviews, indicating continued shift toward outside legal and environmental oversight for major projects. CVR Agreement – A cost reimbursement agreement for a CVR 1041 application was discussed.
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Town of Blanca: The Town Council reviewed March 2026 payroll and financial reports during late April sessions. The May 12, 2026 Town Council Packet includes current payroll management and voucher approvals for ongoing operations.
- Land Use Code Enforcement
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Special Review Applications: A public hearing was held on May 5 for a Special Review Application regarding a water ravine alteration within the Watershed Protection Overlay on Waligunda Rd in Fort Garland.
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Subdivision Exemptions & Consolidations: Multiple applications for property consolidations were processed for residents in San Luis on County Rd R and Overland Way, and in Fort Garland on Reed Lane.
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Code Amendments: The Board discussed action items related to the Open Burning Ordinance, specifically focusing on fines and a Safe Harbor provision to incentivize compliance during high-risk fire seasons.
- Sheriff’s Office & Law Enforcement
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Operational Update: Interim Sheriff Joe Smith provided a formal operations update to the BOCC on May 5. District Attorney Anne Kelly confirmed during the same meeting that most of the Sheriff’s Office is currently unstaffed.
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Personnel Changes: Undersheriff Hunter Velazquez was officially sworn in on May 1. The department is actively working to fill remaining vacancies, with at least one candidate currently in the psychological evaluation phase. On May 7, CCSO posted hiring for Deputy Sheriff positions at $40,000 to $55,000 with in-person applications at 105 Gasper Street.
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Evidence Transfer: On Thursday, May 7, District Attorney Anne Kelly, with assistance from the CBI and the consent of the Interim Sheriff, took possession of all evidence currently held by the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office related to active and past investigations. This follows the March indictments of the former Sheriff and deputies for official misconduct.
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Public Incident: On May 10, CCSO responded to an abandoned animal call on Highway 159 south of San Luis. Possible remains were reported and CBI was notified. Examination determined the remains were not human. A mother dog and four puppies were transferred to San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society.
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Pre-Trial Publicity Order: On April 7, Chief Judge Amanda C. Hopkins issued a strict Order Limiting Pre-Trial Publicity for the criminal matters involving the former law enforcement officials. Next court date for the five former CCSO employees is scheduled for May 26.
- Public Notices & Grievances
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San Luis Mural Project: The Town of San Luis is moving forward with a mural project presented by Bianca Maestas during the May 5 meeting.
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Fire & Garbage Management: BLM San Luis Valley Field Office Stage 1 fire restrictions took effect May 6 for public lands in Costilla County. Formal concerns regarding regional fire safety and waste management were presented by Aubry Turman.
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CBI Investigation Tip Line: Residents are encouraged to report any further misconduct or concerns related to the Sheriff’s Office directly to the CBI at (719) 631-8550 or via email at cbi_CostillaCountySOComplaints@state.co.us.
Sources & Citations
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Costilla County BOCC Agenda (May 5, 2026): https://www.costillacounty.gov/media/6206
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Town of Blanca Council Packet (May 12, 2026): https://townofblanca.colorado.gov/departments/board-packets
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Alamosa News / Monte Vista Journal: Evidence Transfer Update: https://www.montevistajournal.com/stories/da-and-cbi-take-all-evidence-currently-in-the-possession-of-costilla-county-sheriffs-office,102187
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12th Judicial District Court Order (April 7, 2026): https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/sites/default/files/2026-04/Order%20Limiting%20PreTrial%20Publicity_3.pdf
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Costilla County Sheriff’s Office Facebook posts (May 7 hiring, May 10 incident)
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BLM San Luis Valley Field Office Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Notice (May 6, 2026)
COSTILLA COUNTY ACCOUNTABILITY & TRANSPARENCY – Weekly Update
UPDATE: Hunter was DEMOTED from undersheriff after the video surfaced.
Drought Worsening
Cielo Vista Ranch Ruling (May 18)
Potato Emergency (May 19)
COMMUNITY SENTIMENT
WHAT TO WATCH
HOW TO ACT