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Custer County

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
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Phone: 719-783-2218

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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
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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
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Phone: 719-783-2270

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Emergency: 911

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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
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Phone: 719-783-2341

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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.

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Phone: 719-285-3844 or 719-783-2270 (Sheriff's Office)

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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.

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Status: Position Currently Vacant

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For surveying questions, contact the Board of County Commissioners at 719-783-4207