Gilpin County Commissioner Linda Isenhart is retiring as the District 2 Commissioner. She was elected to the Board in November 2014, and was sworn in on January 2015. Her current term ends on January 10, 2023, when Susan Berumen will be sworn in as the new County Commissioner for District 2.

The County hosted a reception for Commissioner Isenhart and Assessor Anne Schafer, who also is retiring after nineteen years, on Tuesday, January 3, at 10:45 a.m. as the last item on the regular meeting agenda.

Isenhart served as Chair of the Board three times in 2016, 2019 and 2021. She served with six different commissioners during her time on the Board.

She has been living in Gilpin County for 38 years in March and has been married to Wes Isenhart for 45 years. They raised their two children in Gilpin County. Linda attended South High School in Denver and the University of Colorado, Boulder. She graduated with a degree in Education, K-12.

Over the past eight years, Linda has served on the Gilpin Ambulance Authority board of directors, the Gilpin 911 Authority board, Jefferson Center for Mental Health board and Gateway to the Rockies Opioid Settlement Council.

Isenhart has attended numerous in-state conferences and steering committees including those on public lands and human services sponsored by Colorado Counties, Incorporated. She was also a member of the newly formed Counties and Commissioners Acting Together (CCAT).

As the Gilpin County Commissioner from District 2, Linda worked with other commissioners to tackle challenges both large and small as a team. She states, “being a county commissioner is not a solo act, as every decision we make requires a majority vote, yea or nay. We write policy and set the yearly budget for the County in consultation with our finance department, County Manager and County Attorney. Commissioners are also a conduit for sharing information with our residents.”

Isenhart said that a highlight for her was seeing the completion of the renovations to the new Human Services/ Public Health building on Highway 119 that is now fully functional and serving the county. A sizeable challenge was helping the county weather the Covid-19 pandemic as the County’s revenue plunged by over $3 million, furloughs and layoffs were initiated, and the residents, along with businesses, were mandated by the state to quarantine for three months followed by the long duration of masking and social distancing. The county has been able to bounce back with a healthier outlook, both for residents and the County government’s revenue. “Thanks to everyone who worked tirelessly for re-opening the community center after such dark days.” Isenhart commented.

“It’s been my privilege and honor to serve our residents and hard-working County employees,” she said. “Gilpin County is a very special place to live and I am thankful to have played a small part in caring for it over the last eight years. Thank you.”

Gilpin County Commission Board Chair Sandy Hollingsworth said: “It has been an honor to serve with Commissioner Isenhart these past two years. She approaches her work with a mix of insights from her years of experience, fortitude, and humor, often adding funny quips to long workdays.

“Throughout her eight years, she has been an unwavering champion for partnerships which strengthen services to County residents including Jefferson Center for Mental Health, the Gilpin Ambulance Authority, public health, and human services. Linda supported updated employee compensation and ensured County operations.

“While the County was making decisions, she listened to emotionally charged public comments and helped steer the County through the height of the COVID pandemic, weighing varied viewpoints. She has been instrumental in the upcoming opioid settlement funded services and a planned sport shooting range.

“Thanks for her valued work for the county and residents. I wish her all the best spending time with her family and enjoying our community.”

Gilpin County Clerk and Recorder Sahari McCormick said: “Linda has been wonderful to work with. Not only did she help get me oriented to the County when I came in as Clerk and Recorder in 2019, but she has been a constant and steady presence for me and the County with knowledge and guidance.

“Always willing to listen, lend advice or just offer a shoulder to commiserate on, Linda has been a solid force in this county for the last eight years and she will be missed as Commissioner.”