Affordable Housing Project Torpedoed
By a narrow 3-2 vote, the Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District (PAWSD) board rejected a request to waive water and sewer fees for the Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation (CDC), jeopardizing a multi-agency effort to build affordable workforce housing in Archuleta County.
Without this waiver, the project cannot move forward. “Waiving the capital investment fees is not just about cost savings,” said Emily Lashbrooke, CDC Director. “It is essential to:
- Keep homes compliant with deed restrictions and state affordability requirements.
- Preserve eligibility for Prop 123 and DOLA funding.
- Ensure that our community’s workforce — teachers, EMTs, 911 operators, and more — can actually qualify for these homes.”
🗳 The Vote Breakdown
Those voting against the waiver:
- Gene Tautges, President
- Alex Boehmer, Treasurer
- Bruce Jones, Director
Those voting in favor:
- Bill Hudson, Director
- Glenn Walsh, Director
PAWSD has previously supported the CDC’s affordable housing efforts, contributing $36,910 between 2022 and 2024.
This latest request did not specify an exact waiver amount, but the board agenda listed $260,000 as the estimated figure. The PAWSD annual budget is $56 million.
🏘 The Affordable Housing Proposal
The CDC planned to develop 35 donated lots in the Chris Mountain 2 and Trails subdivisions within the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association (PLPOA).
- Lots donated by: Archuleta County
- Infrastructure funding sources:
- State funding through Proposition 123
- Grant from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA)
- Other local and private sources
According to the CDC, reviving these dormant subdivisions would add 160 new homesites, ultimately generating $5.3 million in PAWSD connection fees over time.
💬 Reasons Given for the Opposition
Tautges, Boehmer, and Jones cited two main reasons for voting no:
- Public opposition within their social circles to waiving fees for affordable housing projects.
- A preference to focus PAWSD funds on infrastructure projects rather than housing.
However:
- The board did not request a written list of proposed infrastructure projects or estimated costs.
- Despite frequent statements about being “open and transparent,” PAWSD does not publish monthly financial statements, nor does it provide regular reports on water leaks or infrastructure upgrades.
For a local example of transparent reporting, see the publicly available financial and project status reports provided by the Pagosa Springs Medical Center board.
⚖️ Inconsistent Decisions
During the same meeting:
- The board approved a $75,185 waiver for three homes built by Habitat for Humanity.
- By another 3-2 vote, the board denied a $10,000 waiver for a private affordable housing project led by former board member Peter Hurley.
This inconsistent approach has created confusion for local developers and funders.
📣 Call to Action: Make Your Voice Heard
PAWSD does not publicly share direct email addresses or phone numbers for its board members.
However, you can still send comments through staff:
- Phone: (970) 731-2691
- Email Form: PAWSD Contact Page
Staff will route messages to the appropriate board member.
If you wish to reach other elected officials directly:
- Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners: Contact Info
- Town of Pagosa Springs: Contact Info
Tip: Be respectful but clear.
Example subject line: “Support Affordable Housing – Vote to Reinstate Fee Waiver”
✍️ Suggested Next Steps
- Ratepayers: Call or email PAWSD and local officials to express support for affordable housing initiatives. Attend the next PAWSD Board Meeting at 5 p.m. Oct. 9.
- Community Groups: Coordinate outreach efforts and share consistent talking points.
- Attend Emily Lashbrooke’s presentation to the county Democratic Club. The event is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, September 22, 2025 at Coyote Moon, 120 Piedra Road (C.R. 600)
- Media & Advocates: Push for transparency in PAWSD finances and reporting.
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