Urgent Update: Durango and La Plata County 911 Talks Stalled
UPDATE: Negotiations over critical 911 services between the city of Durango and La Plata County are advancing at a frustratingly slow pace, city officials report. City Manager José Madrigal expressed urgency at a recent council meeting, stating there is “still a long way to go” before finalizing essential agreements necessary for the city’s 2026 budget.
As the deadline looms, Madrigal emphasized the need for a client services agreement to ensure adequate funding for the Durango Emergency Communications Center. This matter is urgent, as the city relies on timely agreements to maintain effective emergency services.
Interim County Manager Kevin Hall acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations, citing the need for multiple reviews and the recent changes in county leadership following the departure of former County Manager Chuck Stevens. “We’re certainly working on it,” Hall stated. “I’ve been communicating with the city manager on exactly that for the better part of a month and a half.”
Despite these assurances, the process remains stagnant. Madrigal revealed that the county is behind on its 911 service payments by approximately $17,000, having paid only $170,687 in the first two quarters, falling short of the expected $179,038 per quarter. If this trend continues, the city could face a $34,000 shortfall by year-end.
Madrigal has sought updates on the tenants-in-common agreement, a joint ownership arrangement, but has faced delays. He received the first substantive feedback from the county just recently after multiple requests. City Attorney Mark Morgan noted he will expedite his revisions and return the draft to the county within a week, countering what he described as an unacceptably slow response time from the county.
The lack of communication and progress has raised concerns for city officials. “We haven’t even gotten to the client services agreement,” Madrigal warned. “They won’t discuss that until they finish the tenants-in-common. It does look like this is still a long way to go.”
In a joint meeting earlier this year, county officials raised alarms regarding budget flexibility and ownership costs of the 911 center, emphasizing their financial constraints, including shifts in property tax legislation and declining revenues from the gas industry. Hall reassured that the county remains committed to executing an agreement, stating, “Those services are critical to the non-city residents as well as the city residents.”
The urgency for resolution is palpable as city officials stress the importance of finalizing these agreements before the end of the year. As negotiations continue, the city remains hopeful for collaboration with the county to ensure critical emergency services are sustained.
Readers are encouraged to share this developing story and stay tuned for updates as key stakeholders work towards a resolution that impacts the safety and wellbeing of the community.
