El Paso County is seeking volunteers for multiple boards that make decisions on local issues and bring regional voices to state concerns.

“What you gain is a better understanding of the process and why decisions are made,” said Randy McSparren, a El Paso County Board of Adjustment board member.

As a person who works in construction, McSparren said the board of adjustments was his way to expand his knowledge of how local governments manage development.

“You can start looking at your community in a different manner,” he said.

The board he sits on reviews applications for variance issues with the county’s land development code. That has translated, for example, into allowing a family to build an addition onto their house for a sick family member. The addition would not have otherwise been allowed based on the property line’s setbacks, but the board can rule to make an exception based on criteria.

McSparren said that board members come from a variety of backgrounds. The county is receiving applications for the current open position until Sept. 27.

Other boards, like the South Platte Basin Roundtable, bring local interests into the conversation about statewide issues. The roundtable covers the water access and conservation concerns of 22,000 square mile section of northeast Colorado, and is seeking an El Paso County member.

Roundtable member Julia Gallucci, a water conservation supervisor with Colorado Springs Utilities, said that El Paso County receives a say since a portion of the South Platte Basin supplies the area. The roundtable sends two members to a statewide Interbasin Compact Committee.

“The overarching principle is Colorado needs a better way to bring various stakeholders together and talk about their needs and wants for water,” she said.

Members represent multiple interests in the various counties and municipalities invested in South Platte Basin water, including agriculture, recreation and the environment. The El Paso County position is open through Oct. 5.

Several other volunteer positions have opened through the county this fall due to term limits, according to a spokesperson. Among them, the Pikes Peak Library District is looking for a trustee and El Paso County Community Services Block Grant Advisory Board needs a new member.

A full list of available positions and details can be found here.