Council debated whether to authorize a council letter supporting Summit County's Measure 1A (a reauthorization of a 4.652 mill levy for mental health, wildfire mitigation, recycling, early childhood and community facilities). Some members criticized the lack of a sunset and fungibility safeguards; others said the programs merit support.

Staff recommended transfers from the general fund into the lodging tax fund to help cover police contract costs; councilors argued whether policing should be treated as a core operating cost or partly funded from tourism-driven lodging tax.

Staff recommended prioritizing a segment of the US 6 sidewalk as the best life/safety investment; council asked for engineering estimates and asked staff to phase the work given a multi‑million shortfall.

Keystone staff presented a six‑year capital outlook showing roughly $1.6M/year in capital spending and an estimated $6.3M shortfall to complete listed projects; council asked staff to return with phased options and priority rankings.

Keystone staff presented a six‑year capital outlook showing roughly $1.6M/year in capital spending and an estimated $6.3M shortfall to complete listed projects; council asked staff to return with phased options and priority rankings.

State Rep. Julie McCluskey told the Keystone Town Council the state lost about $1.2 billion in revenue after federal tax changes and that the legislature cut roughly $350 million from Medicaid last year; she urged local feedback on housing and invited council to a housing tour.

State Rep. Julie McCluskey told the Keystone Town Council the state lost about $1.2 billion in revenue after federal tax changes and that the legislature cut roughly $350 million from Medicaid last year; she urged local feedback on housing and invited council to a housing tour.

Staff briefed the council on the county Strong Futures 4.652‑mill tax renewal (funding wildfire mitigation, mental‑health, early‑childhood care and public facilities); council asked for program breakdowns, outcomes and implications for town budgets if county funds lapse.

Tony Burns and teacher Joe Gassay told the council the proposed $5.9 million mill‑levy override would restore staff lost to recent cuts, boost teacher pay and expand career‑connected learning; presenters said roughly 76% of the funds would go to salaries and that the cost would be about $109 per year on a $1,000,000 home.

High Country Conservation Center (HC3) presented countywide climate and energy initiatives to the Keystone Town Council and requested a $5,000 initial contribution to participate in the EnergySmart residential-efficiency program. HC3 outlined rebates, a 2027 budget ask and renter-access measures including 'balcony' solar.

Deputy Town Manager presented a housing needs assessment showing a 172‑unit independent community deficit and recommended a two‑pronged 2027 budget: $50,000 for predevelopment readiness to qualify for Proposition 123 matching funds and $200,000 to start a deed‑restriction acquisition program focusing on missing‑middle ownership.

Community development director said the town must adopt a fast‑track review process for certain affordable housing projects to remain eligible for Prop 123 funds; staff will bring a proposed ordinance with carve‑outs and exceptions back at the next council meeting.

Town manager proposed revising the bear‑proof container grant program to help HOAs and businesses pay for wildlife‑proof enclosures; staff said the town has a $40,000 state match and recommended $3,000 grants for enclosure design/construction with a two‑year waiver tied to mitigation plans and enforcement when a community services officer is hired.

Task force told town council it supports allowing class 1 e‑mountain bikes on trails that already permit bicycles, with a focus on education, trail signage, pedestrian‑only zones and coordination with county and Forest Service policies.

Council approved Resolution 2026-30 to enter a memorandum of understanding with High Country Conservation Center (HC3) to deliver extended-producer-responsibility education and outreach; staff said HC3 will provide Keystone-specific reporting and outreach to residents, workforce and visitors.

Council approved Resolution 2026-29 to amend deed-restriction priority on the Soda Creek Habitat for Humanity project so Summit County can allocate five units toward Keystone's Prop 123 commitment; funding remains conditional on construction commencing.

The Town of Keystone approved Ordinance 2026-11 to establish standards for hazardous trees and wildfire fuel hazards, broaden acceptable certifiers to NFPA-certified wildfire mitigation specialists, and allow administrative and court enforcement; the vote was unanimous.

Council voted to go into an executive session under CRS §24‑6‑402(4)(b) and (e) for legal advice and to instruct negotiators concerning a potential plan‑unit development and possible future annexation; council planned to reconvene to adjourn after the session.

Councilmembers discussed the Mountain Energy project, concerns that electrification may not meet expectations, and whether to explore support for a pipeline as a longer‑term resilience measure; members suggested staff research, outreach to CML, and the possibility of a future work session before taking formal action.

On first reading council backed a new ordinance defining hazardous trees and wildfire fuel hazards and asked staff to pursue outreach and coordination with Summit Fire and EMS; second reading and a public hearing are scheduled for Aug. 11, 2026.

Staff presented the Summit County Outdoor Coalition charter and recommended council consider joining as a partner and steering-committee member; participation has no financial obligation, but staff noted some notable agencies are not currently members.

Finance director presented Keystone's 2027 budget process, emphasizing heavy reliance on sales tax (about 73% of revenue), a 35% general-fund reserve policy (which includes the TABOR-required 3%), and a conservative forecasting approach amid tourism uncertainty.

Staff proposed a nuisance-focused wildfire mitigation ordinance to compel or encourage removal of dead/diseased trees and reduce wildfire fuel; staff emphasized education and voluntary compliance first and noted two large landowners may face substantial costs to comply.

Staff and Summit County updated council on the Soda Creek Habitat for Humanity project (five workforce units). Habitat has funding and is near permit issuance; staff recommended a development agreement to ensure deed restrictions and presented a county request to extend deed-priority eligibility to workers across the Snake River Basin — a proposal that prompted debate about balancing Keystone-first priorities with regional collaboration.

Deputy town manager Maddie Cielo explained Summit County's Housing Helps program (county buys deed restrictions of about 1525% of home value) and options for Keystone to partner. Staff said a local commitment of roughly $200,0002$400,000 would expand capacity; council members asked for guardrails on geography, HOA thresholds, AMI targets and long-term fund planning.