How to Engage with Las Animas County Commissioners, Meeting Guide

The Las Animas County Board of County Commissioners is the county s primary governing body and holds regular public meetings that set policy and direct county operations. Meetings are generally held twice monthly on the first and third Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m., with occasional changes for holidays or special sessions. Meetings take place in Room 201 of the Las Animas County Courthouse at 200 East 1st Street in Trinidad and often offer a hybrid option for public participation through Zoom.

Agendas, packet materials, and meeting minutes are posted in advance on the county website, on the commissioners page. Residents who wish to follow agenda items should check that page for current agendas and any rescheduling notices. Most meetings include a public comment period and some agenda items require a formal hearing or permit application with separate procedures. Review of the agenda in advance and arriving early or joining the Zoom link improves the chance to speak during public comment and to understand any submission requirements.

The Board administers the county budget and sets policy for core county services, including roads, public health, human services, and land use. In unincorporated areas the Board makes land use and zoning decisions, and it occasionally holds public hearings on permits or grant applications. Those outcomes determine funding priorities, infrastructure work, and regulatory conditions that affect residents, property owners, and local businesses.

Commissioners serving the county are Felix M. Lopez, Robert A. Lucero, and Tony C. Hass. Commissioners contact information including emails and phone numbers is listed on the county commissioners page. For assistance with agendas or to request that an item be placed on a meeting agenda contact the county administrative office.

For residents seeking to engage, the practical step is simple. Check the posted agenda early, note whether an item requires a hearing, and plan to attend in person or join the Zoom session. Participation at the Board s meetings is a direct way to influence local decisions that affect everyday services and long term planning in Las Animas County.