CENTRAL CITY — South Beaver Creek Road has long been the kind of road that rattles teeth, tests shocks, and makes drivers wonder what it is doing to their suspension. At the June 23 Cilpin County Board of County Commissioners meeting, County staff and engineers laid out a plan to finally start paving it.

The project would cover nearly four miles, from Highway 119 to Pactolus Lake Road. J.R. Engineering presented final design recommendations, including new storm sewer pipes, drains in wet areas, soft-spot repairs, and a recycled asphalt surface.

Public Works Director John Combs said the goal is not just to smooth the road, but to deal with the drainage problems underneath it.

The work is expected to be split into four phases, starting at Highway 119 and moving north. Each phase would cover about a mile.

Combs said breaking the project into smaller pieces could also help local contractors compete for the work.

“If we were to try and do the entire project in one swoop, 4.2 miles of roadway, it would eliminate any of our local contractors,” Combs said.

The first phase is expected to be the most expensive because it requires the most soft-spot repairs. Overall, each phase is estimated to cost between about $1 million and $1.5 million.

The project is not funded in the 2026 budget. County Manager Ray Rears said he plans to include at least the first phase in the draft 2027 budget for commissioners to consider.

Commissioner Susan Berumen asked whether the County could speed up the work if grant money becomes available. Rears said the County is already looking for infrastructure grants, and the project may be more competitive now that design work is complete.

The road would remain open during construction when possible, with one lane of traffic moving through the work zone. Engineers said the project may use flaggers or temporary traffic signals.

Traffic control was estimated at about $160,000 for one phase, based on roughly 80 days of work.

The recycled asphalt surface is expected to last 5 - 10 years with good maintenance. Combs said Public Works already has equipment that can help maintain the surface if it starts to deteriorate.

Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth asked about keeping residents informed as the project moves forward. Combs replied that the County could schedule a public meeting before construction begins, possibly in a virtual format to make it easier for people to attend.

Commissioners gave general support to continue with the four-phase plan and move the first phase into the 2027 budget process.

Green light for new flag, housing process

Earlier in the meeting, commissioners declined to add a late request from Central City about opportunity zones. Staff said the request came in less than 24 hours before the meeting and did not include enough documentation. Commissioners agreed the item was not ready for discussion.

The board also approved Resolution 26-051, adopting Gilpin County’s official flag and authorizing initial flag production. The item passed 3-0 as part of the consent agenda, with no separate public discussion during the meeting.

Commissioners also approved an interim zoning update tied to Proposition 123 affordable housing funding.

Community Development Director Jamie Boyle said the county needs the update to remain in compliance with Proposition 123. If adopted by June 30, the county could also qualify for a $45,000 funding allotment to support affordable housing work.

The change creates a fast-track review process for certain affordable housing applications. Qualifying projects could receive a final decision within 90 days after a complete application is submitted.

County Attorney Todd Messenger said the change is an interim step while the County continues rewriting its zoning code. He described the current code as “Frankenstein’s monster,” with pieces that need to be taken apart, cleaned up, and rebuilt into something easier to use.

Commissioners assured the public that faster review does not mean weaker standards. The goal, they said, is to make the process clearer and quicker while keeping County requirements in place.

The board approved the resolution 3-0, with an amendment to move the longer zoning language into an exhibit so the resolution itself would be easier to read.

Funding requests ranked

The board also approved the County’s 2026 Department of Local Affairs Limited Gaming Impact Grant application.

Finance Director Lorna Plamondon said the board had to rank its funding requests. Commissioners placed the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office patrol request first, followed by the detention center, victim services, Gilpin Ambulance Authority, Jefferson Center for Mental Health, and the First Judicial District.

The total request came in at a little more than $3 million, though officials noted that he County may not receive the full amount.

Commissioners postponed a decision on how to handle Forest Service funding. Plamondon said the county could receive more money under the 1908 Amended Act formula than under Secure Rural Schools, but Berumen asked for more information about whether the change could affect Payment in Lieu of Taxes funding.

The decision must be made by July 22. Commissioners agreed to bring the item back July 14.

Other agenda items:

• The board also renewed the liquor license for Toss Wood Fired Eatery and supported the restaurant’s request for a takeout and delivery license for beer and wine.

• Commissioners approved Workforce Colorado memorandums of understanding for workforce services in Jefferson, Clear Creek, and Gilpin counties. The resolution number was corrected during the meeting from 26-056 to 26-065.

• Human Resources Director Chanda Johnson presented an update to the County’s military leave policy. The change brings the county into compliance with a new Colorado law, effective July 1, 2026, expanding military leave for public employees from three weeks to four weeks per calendar year. The policy update passed 3-0.

The next regular Commissioners meeting is scheduled for July 14.