GILPIN COUNTY – The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) convened for a regular meeting on January 28, 2025, at the Historic Courthouse in Central City. 

Chair Sandy Hollingsworth and Commissioners Susan Berumen and Jeff Aiken were all present. The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including public comments, resolutions, grant applications, departmental updates, and future planning sessions.

During the public comment period, a resident shared concerns about issues with their septic system. Despite passing an initial inspection when the home was purchased, the septic tank later required replacement. 

The resident’s sister questioned who is holding these inspection companies accountable, pointing to broader concerns about oversight.

The commissioners unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included departmental fourth-quarter and year-end reports for 2024 and letters of support for the Great Outdoors Colorado Tolland Ranch and the Lincoln Hills Cares Foundation’s Save America’s Treasures Grant Application. A resolution authorizing revisions to the Employee Handbook was presented by Human Resources Director Chanda Johnson.

A proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month was also passed unanimously. Hollingsworth reflected on the recent loss of Altadena, a historically African American community in California, due to devastating fires.

Sheriff Kevin Armstrong and Undersheriff Greg Demo presented the Sheriff’s Department 2024 year-end report. 

Deputies conducted 8,274 proactive actions, including traffic stops, neighborhood checks, and business inspections. A total of 870 case reports were filed, with 128 felony cases referred for investigation, resulting in 34 felony filings. 

Deputies responded to an average of 57 calls per day, including 872 gaming-related incidents. 

Aiken inquired whether inmates in custody are allowed to retain prescription medications, to which Demo confirmed that recent legislation permits this. Demo also discussed the body scanner’s role in preventing contraband in the jail.

The commissioners approved a grant application for $3,556.03 in public lands reimbursement funds, which will be added to the General Fund. Hollingsworth explained that the funds help offset the lack of taxation on public lands. 

They also approved a $160,000 grant application through the Colorado Opioid Abatement Council to enhance the County’s co-responder program by addressing mobile connectivity gaps. 

Sheriff Armstrong noted that T-Mobile plans to install six new towers in Gilpin County starting in April 2025, which will improve emergency responsiveness in previously underserved areas.

Dr. Jessica Ryder was approved as the Public Health Medical Officer for 2025. Public Health Director Alisa Witt praised Ryder’s extensive qualifications, including her ongoing Master of Public Health studies at Johns Hopkins University, stating that her expertise would be invaluable during public health emergencies.

Several other resolutions received unanimous approval, including the adoption of a cooperative wildfire protection agreement with the State of Colorado to improve coordination during wildland fire emergencies, the submission of the annual VALE Grant application to support victim services, the cancellation of uncollectable property taxes, and a boundary line adjustment for properties on Hornblend Road in Black Hawk to resolve issues related to well placement.

County Manager Ray Rears outlined upcoming meeting agendas and focus areas, including:

1. February 18, 2025: Work session on state wildfire building codes, the Rudolph Ranch property, and septic system updates.

2. May 20, 2025: Regional shooting range updates in a joint meeting with Clear Creek County.

3. June 3, 2025: Discussions on community conservation funding and emergency services. 

Hollingsworth addressed speculation about the Rudolph Ranch property, stating that it was acquired primarily for water rights. A committee will be formed to determine its future use.

The meeting recessed into an executive session at 11:37 a.m., and upon return, the commissioners reviewed legislative updates before adjourning.

The next regular meeting of the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for February 11, 2025, at 9 a.m. and will be held in person at the Historic Courthouse, 203 Eureka Street, Central City, and online via Zoom.