The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) called their work session to order at 10 a.m. on January 16, 2024, at the Old Courthouse in Central City. In attendance were Commissioners Marie A. Mornis, Susan Berumen, and Sandy Hollingsworth, as well as County Manager Ray Rears, County Attorney Brad Benning, Human Resources Director Chanda Johnson, and Sheriff Kevin Armstrong.

The work session was called to discuss some topics outside of the Board’s regular meetings, including job descriptions, comprehensive fee schedule revisions, and additional funding for dispatch.

Job Descriptions: Information Technology (IT); Financial Analyst – Chanda Johnson, Human Resources Director / Ray Rears, County Manager

Johnson presented information on the IT position, saying that it is not a managerial role and can sometimes be hard to fill. This position has not previously existed for the County. The position’s duties include diagnosing and resolving computer issues, installing and maintaining servers, configuring computers and installing software as needed, among others. One year of experience is preferred and the hiring range would be $79,000 to $94,800.

Hollingsworth asked if the position exists as an effort to bring all IT in-house. Johnson replied in the negative, and that it was the external consultants who recommended the idea. This position would encompass initial troubleshooting, interface with employees, and work on some IT fundamentals during normal business hours, whereas the consultants are available on a 24-hour basis.

Mornis asked what the hiring timeframe is, and Rears replied that they would like to fill the position within a month. If they are unable to fill the position, they will have to escalate the RFP.

The Financial Analyst position would work with the County Manager and the Finance Director. Allaire said the individual would “give the County the bandwidth to achieve priority-based budgeting and would continuously meet with department heads to fine-tune estimates.”

Allaire would like to extend the budget schedule to allow the commissioners more time to digest the information.

Hollingsworth asked if any of the proposed position’s duties are listed in the Finance Director’s job description.

Allaire responded that there may be a ten to fifteen percent overlap. Hollingsworth asked if this is a position to support him and he replied that it is more to support the County.

Hollingsworth inquired about the considerable salary and the lack of required experience or Master’s degree.

Allaire said the job is fully onsite and that he wanted to offer a competitive salary. Additionally, he is confident in his ability to train a new employee in the specific systems they currently use.

Johnson said she felt the salary is fair and fits the skill set. Allaire said the position will be a difficult one because there is a lot of revision necessary in the department.

They intend to present these job descriptions at the next regular meeting and will immediately advertise the positions if approved.

Comprehensive Fee Schedule (Parks & Recreation and all other departments) – Ray Rears, County Manager

Rears said staff recommends a seven percent increase across the board for the Public Health fees to offset cost of services.

The County is looking for additional funding for Parks and Recreation since the mill levy failed.

The fee adjustments would need to be approved by the Board and could happen as early as the next regular meeting. Mornis asked for additional time to review the proposed changes.

The current fees were adopted in June. Some fees will increase because of inflation and any fee increases need to be justifiable, Rears said.

Gabrielle Chisholm, Parks and Recreation Director, said she has compared Gilpin County’s Community Center’s fee schedule to several nearby recreation centers. Chisholm spoke about the number of residents and sources of funding for the respective centers. Many other recreation centers are funded through a small sales or property tax.

She then reviewed the proposed changes, which include an increase for seniors and non-residents, among others. Non-residents’ fees would increase from $6 to $9. A ten-punch card will increase from $27 to $45 for teens. On Mondays and Wednesdays there is a $2 drop in fees for residents and $5 for non-residents from noon to 3 p.m. Employees get 20% off childcare and league fees.

Hollingsworth requested the age demographics regarding attendance at the next regular meeting.

The fee schedule revisions for Parks and Recreation and Public Health will be voted on at the next regular meeting, and the rest of the fee schedule revisions will be reviewed at a later date.

Additional Dispatch Funding – Ray Rears, County Manager

Rears explained that most organizations receive fees to support dispatch services from other agencies and partners, whereas Gilpin does not.

Armstrong informed the board that they are currently implementing a new Computer-Assisted Dispatch (CAD) system, and that the Sheriff’s Department needs more time to submit the necessary numbers.

Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office provides dispatch services for three law enforcement agencies (both State and local agencies), two fire departments, and the Gilpin Ambulance Authority.

Lyssa Gray, Dispatch Director, said that the old system will be completely gone by February 13 and they should have better reporting numbers with the new system.

Gray hopes to tackle the issue of additional dispatch funding in July and August to give ample time for budget discussions.

The Board will look toward a work session in July or August on the matter.

The work session concluded at about 12:15 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners will be on January 23, 2024, at 9 a.m. and will be held in person at the Historical Courthouse, 203 Eureka Street, Central City and online via Zoom.