The Mancos Board of Trustees on Wednesday heard public comments on the town’s proposed value statement and approved an ordinance adding Automated Vehicle Identification Systems along state highways to curb speeding.
The meeting opened with audience business.
The first speaker, Mark, said he owns land the town uses for its diversion from the Mancos River. He asked trustees to honor a 1960 easement allowing that use or to work with him to establish a new one. He also asked whether the raw water pipeline replacement project will include about a half-mile of pipeline on his property. Trustees said they could not respond under meeting guidelines.
After a representative from Millie’s restaurant spoke, several residents addressed the value statement.
Resident Russ Taylor referenced the upcoming vote, saying the statement would bar the use of town resources and the Marshal’s Office to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol, noting that state law already limits local law enforcement involvement.
Taylor said that adopting the statement would serve as a public reflection of the community’s shared moral values.
“We defend the right of our peaceful and productive neighbors from an increasingly oppressive regime,” he said, adding that it’s the board’s duty to protect residents.
Another audience member argued a resolution would be stronger than a value statement because it would offer more accountability. He urged the “privileged” and “powerful” board to use that position to “protect your neighbors who are being ripped from their families and homes and kidnapped and killed.”
A speaker named Kate encouraged the board and community to work together. Another, Johanna, asked, “What harm does it do to the predominantly white community to hear we support people of color, immigrants and other minorities at this point in time?”
After public comment, trustees heard letters of thanks from the Cancer Resource Alliance and Hospice of Montezuma for recent donations.
The board then considered Ordinance 876, Series 2026, establishing AVIS designation along state highways. Staff cited rising and “dangerous” speeding incidents and explained how the system would capture and ticket speeding vehicles. Trustees unanimously approved the designation.
The board’s next meeting will be Wednesday, March 25 at 5 p.m. in the Town Hall board room, where trustees are expected to discuss a possible ban on roosters and other male fowl within town limits.
