CENTRAL CITY – The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) met on March 11, 2025, at the Historic Courthouse in Central City, where they addressed a variety of County matters, including infrastructure mitigation, budget allocations, and updates to County policies.

Chair Sandy Hollingsworth, along with Commissioners Susan Berumen and Jeff Aiken, were all present.

Infrastructure mitigation and wildfire risk management

Travis Rodlin, Mountain Area Manager for United Power, presented an update on wildfire mitigation efforts. The 2024-2025 Infrastructure Plan, set to be unveiled at the end of the month, prioritizes protecting infrastructure in the Coal Creek Canyon area and neighboring counties. 

A major concern raised was the difficulty of implementing underground infrastructure due to the region's rugged terrain. Rodlin said that United Power is actively collaborating with fire departments and local utilities to enhance wildfire preparedness.

The AI Dash system, which utilizes satellite imagery for annual assessments, plays a crucial role in identifying areas at high risk for wildfires. The mitigation plan outlines efforts to address 405 miles of distribution assets and nearly 9,000 structures. Community outreach and vegetation management will remain key components of wildfire risk reduction.

Disposition of abandoned firearms

The BoCC discussed Resolution 25-028, which addresses the disposition of firearms abandoned and in the possession of the Sheriff’s Office. 

The firearms, tied to closed cases spanning from 2010 to 2024, have remained unclaimed despite repeated efforts to contact owners. 

The Board explored options including selling the firearms to a licensed dealer to fund needed equipment or opting for destruction if a trade-in is not approved.

There was interest in the value of specific firearms, particularly a Springfield 1911 model, and whether they would generate significant revenue. The Commissioners clarified that the Sheriff's Office could use trade credits in addition to the department’s allocated 2025 budget for equipment purchases.

VOCA grant application approval

Kristina Mahoney, Victim Services Coordinator, presented Resolution 25-033, which authorizes the submission of the 2026 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant application. 

Due to budget cuts, the grant, which typically operates on a two-year cycle, will only be available for one year. 

The Commissioners unanimously approved the submission of a funding request not to exceed $115,000. This funding will support victim services operations, including out-of-state training, conference registration, and printed materials.

Adoption of 2025 Mission, Values, and Strategic Priorities

County Manager Ray Rears introduced Resolution 25-031, which updates Gilpin County's Mission, Values, and Strategic Priorities. 

Commissioners discussed the terminology within the values statement, ultimately deciding to change the term “equity” to “equitable” for grammatical consistency. The resolution was adopted, incorporating staff input and long-term planning strategies.

Strategic priorities for the coming years include workforce retention, broadband expansion, infrastructure improvements, and economic development. 

The County aims to achieve 95% staffing levels, create comprehensive safety plans for County facilities, and enhance communication with residents.

Revisions to the Employee Handbook

The Board reviewed Resolution 25-032, which implements changes to the Employee Handbook, including increasing paid holiday hours from eight to ten and eliminating personal leave effective January 1, 2026. 

Employees asked about the fairness of holiday hours for those working different schedules, but officials assured that the adjustments would be uniformly applied. Additionally, a new vacation accrual tier was introduced for employees with over 16 years of service.

Volunteer time policies were also discussed, with a focus on clarifying eligibility and aligning the handbook with state laws regarding volunteer firefighters. 

It was recommended that the handbook be reviewed each November to ensure ongoing compliance with legislative changes. The Board approved the resolution, officially adopting the revisions.

Contracts, legal matters, and future meetings

County Attorney Todd Messenger provided an overview of pending contracts, including agreements related to medical services, engineering projects, and fire prevention initiatives.

Three of these contracts are slated for discussion at the March 25 meeting.

Upcoming work sessions will address the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) funding changes, county road designations, and the Rollinsville housing survey. 

A joint meeting between Gilpin County and Clear Creek County Commissioners is scheduled for May 20 to discuss regional concerns, including the development of the shared shooting range.

Commissioner reports and public engagement

Aiken reported on recent engagements, including a Board of Health meeting and a discussion on battery stewardship. He also attended a seminar on International Women’s Day, which focused on encouraging young women to enter the finance sector.

Concerns were raised regarding potential cuts to childcare and family assistance programs due to shifts in funding flexibility at the state level. 

The upcoming March 20 listening session on Opioid Council funding will provide an opportunity for eligible entities to apply for financial support.

Executive Session

Following public comments, the Commissioners entered into an executive session to discuss negotiation strategies and personnel matters. 

A follow-up meeting with lobbyists regarding ongoing legislative issues was scheduled for later in the day.

The next regular BoCC meeting will be held on March 25, 2025, at the Historic Courthouse in Central City, with additional work sessions planned in the coming weeks.