Story Appointed County Commission Chair
Serving in the final installment of his full four-year term on the Park County Commission, Mike Story was appointed to continue in his role as chairperson for the 2026 calendar year, receiving glowing endorsements from fellow members Bryan Wells and Jennifer Vermillion during a regular meeting scheduled for January 6th. Story, elected to the commission in 2022, was praised for his stoic presence and decision-making prowess in the face of controversy, initially receiving a nomination from Wells, who spoke first during deliberation.
“Commissioner Vermillion has been an incredible addition to this commission. She works really hard. I don’t think I could keep up with her. I think she’s implemented some really good ideas… I also think Commissioner Story has done a great job chairing these meeting, especially with conflict because of his calm demeanor,” he exclaimed just prior to recommending the senior commissioner be appointed once again to lead meetings in 2026.
“I agree [with Wells], I think Commissioner Story has done a good job chairing these meetings, especially when contentious,” said Vermillion. “I appreciate your calm demeanor. I am glad to be sitting next to you [on this commission] because it gives me an opportunity to breath and bite my tongue.”
Wells, Vermillion and Story each shared enthusiasm for the overall success of the current commission, openly lauding their camaraderie and mutual respect. “I think we have had a really good year. This is a good commission. This is not a lockstep commission like I have seen in the past. I think we have had to make some really hard decisions when it comes to spending. We’re committed to getting a handle on our budget,” Wells expressed, a sentiment echoed by Story and Vermillion.
The commission also agreed to meet on the second and fourth Thursday of each month for two separate public work sessions, a proposal by Vermillion intended to enhance the commission’s process, in addition to proceeding with regular meetings scheduled for Tuesdays at 9 am. The proposal was seconded by Wells and approved by all three members.
Board assignments—including Solid Waste, Fairgrounds & Parks, Cemetery, Airport and City-County Health, among others—the third and final action item related to annual appointments, was tabled for further consideration the following week. All three commissioners agreed that current appointments were likely to be retained though each expressed interest in participating on various boards to gain insight and experience for mutual understand and potential future involvement. The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 13th.