A topping-out ceremony last week at the construction site of the Central Service Center in Divide represented a milestone for Teller County.

Scheduled to open within the next year, the 15,000-square-foot building will centralize most county departments. 

“This center will have a multi-generational impact on the county,” said Commission chair Erik Stone, speaking to county and city officials, in addition to the crew from Taylor Kohrs construction.

“Nothing gets done in this county, in certain areas, without Fred Clifford,” Stone said, referring to the county’s public works director.

Clifford, however, lauded the role of county officials and Taylor Kohrs in the project. 

“This building is something we can all be proud of,” he said.

Stone highlighted the fact that the county remains debt-free and plans to cover the entire cost of the project. The final numbers are expected to be released this week. With offices consolidated, the savings in rent or lease payments are estimated to be around $1 million within a decade, said Commissioner Bob Campbell.

When the center opens, the central location will improve morale of the employees and inspire a sense of camaraderie, said Commissioner Dan Williams. “This is something the taxpayers deserve, to come into a modern building and be greeted at the door.”

The ceremony concluded with the commissioners and participants signing what would become the top beam of the building. There was a certain urgency to the finale. “I think we should sign this beam before the lightning comes,” Clifford said.

The signing was successfully accomplished.