Elected Officials
Custer County elected officials serve four-year terms and are accountable directly to the residents they represent. Each constitutional officer brings unique responsibilities — from property assessment and tax collection to recording vital documents and ensuring public safety.
Property Assessment
Assessor
J.D. Henrich — The County Assessor determines fair market value for all real and personal property in Custer County for taxation purposes. The office administers property tax exemptions for senior citizens and disabled veterans, maintains property records dating back to 1877, and provides property valuations for tax assessment.
Key Services:
- Property valuations and assessments
- Senior and veteran tax exemptions
- Property record searches
- Address change requests
Phone: 719-783-2218
Address: PO Box 518, Westcliffe, CO 81252
Records & Elections
Clerk & Recorder
Kelley Camper — The Clerk & Recorder serves as recorder of deeds, Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners, motor vehicle agent, and Chief Election Official for Custer County. The office maintains real estate records, issues marriage licenses, processes motor vehicle titles and registrations, and conducts all county elections.
Key Services:
- Motor vehicle titles & registration
- Marriage licenses
- Real estate recording
- Voter registrations & elections
- DD214 recording (free for veterans)
- BOCC meeting minutes
Phone: 719-783-2441 or 719-783-0441
Address: 205 S 6th Street, Westcliffe, CO 81252
Law Enforcement
Sheriff
Lloyd "Rich" Smith — The Sheriff is the chief Law Enforcement Officer for Custer County, responsible for patrol operations, criminal investigations, emergency response, and detention services. Sheriff Smith brings extensive law enforcement experience from the Colorado State Patrol, including work in critical infrastructure protection, emergency management, and criminal investigations.
Key Services:
- Law enforcement patrol
- Criminal investigations
- Emergency response & dispatch
- Search and rescue coordination
- Detention services
Phone: 719-783-2270
Emergency: 911
Email: lsmith@custersheriff.com
Address: 702 Rosita Avenue, Westcliffe, CO 81252
Tax Collection & Investment
Treasurer / Public Trustee
Virginia Trujillo — The Treasurer collects and distributes property taxes, holds the annual tax lien sale, invests county funds, and issues Certificates of Taxes Due. As Public Trustee, processes deed of trust recordings and forclosure proceedings. The office also serves as a collection agency for all county departments.
Key Services:
- Property tax collection
- Tax lien sales
- County fund investment
- Certificates of Taxes Due
- Public Trustee foreclosures
- Monthly payment plans available
Phone: 719-783-2341
Address: PO Box 209, Westcliffe, CO 81252
Death Investigations
Coroner
Brad Baltzly — The Coroner investigates deaths occuring under unusual or suspicious circumstances, determines cause and manner of death, and coordinates with law enforcement when necessary. Required by law to investigate specific categories of death.
Phone: 719-285-3844 or 719-783-2270 (Sheriff's Office)
Email: coroner@custercounty-co.gov
Address: PO Box 150, Westcliffe, CO 81252
Land Surveying
County Surveyor
The County Surveyor position is responsible for preserving property boundary markers and maintaining survey records for public and private lands. Custer County currently does not have an appointed County Surveyor.
Status: Position Currently Vacant
For surveying questions, contact the Board of County Commissioners at 719-783-4207
