CENTRAL CITY — Gilpin County commissioners approved several year-end items during a special meeting on Monday morning, December 15, 2025. 

The board selected a new regional Early Childhood Council provider. Members also set formal reserve policies, reaffirmed a $2 million water rights fund, adopted the 2026 county budget, and approved the 2025 property tax levy for the 2026 budget year. All votes were unanimous.

Early childhood council provider selected

The board first approved Resolution 25-150, selecting Jefferson County Public Health to serve as the region’s Early Childhood Council provider, and encouraging Clear Creek and Jefferson Counties to make the same selection. It authorized the chair to sign a joint letter to the Colorado Department of Early Childhood by the December 31 deadline.

During the presentation, commissioners also dealt with familiar screen-sharing issues. Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth summed it up plainly: “It seems like many of our meetings recently have had technology challenges, and it's a lesson in patience for us.”

The selection process was described as open and competitive, with two applicants considered. The presentation stated Jefferson County Public Health scored higher than the incumbent provider, and the recommendation from the multi-county selection committee was unanimous. Commissioners approved the resolution and moved on.

County reserves formalized, including water rights fund

Next, the board approved Resolution 25-149, establishing a Minimum Operational Expense Assigned Reserve equal to three months of annual operating expenses, including the TABOR reserve, based on prior-year actuals, excluding capital and one-time expenditures.

The commissioners then approved Resolution 25-147, reaffirming a Strategic Water Rights Acquisition and Development Assigned Reserve in the amount of $2 million. County Manager Ray Rears told the board the county’s long-term sustainability depends on securing reliable water resources.

Commissioners stressed that the fund is intended to be available when an opportunity arises, not money that must be spent each year. The discussion returned repeatedly to the idea that the County needs to be able to act quickly if land tied to water becomes available, especially when that water could support wildfire protection, development, and other county needs.

As the conversation wrapped up, a familiar line landed again: “water is life.” 

Slash site update, budget hearing

Before the budget hearing, the group received a bound copy of the 2026 budget and heard a brief operational update. The East Slash Yard opened due to high winds, is free for residents, and is expected to be open through December 21.

During the public hearing on the 2026 budget, staff described the budget as a long process that started months earlier and was also shared through OpenGov for public transparency.

In the budget overview, staff said gaming makes up about 45% of County revenue, and projected total revenue for next year was just over $33.4 million. Staff said the County budgeted conservatively for gaming, projecting a 7.5% reduction, adding, “We absolutely hope that we'll receive more than that, but obviously we budget conservatively through the process.”

The budget presentation also referenced a temporary tax credit and stated that it would amount to $318,702 in refunds to taxpayers. Staff also noted the County has been debt-free since 2022.

No one spoke during public comment. The board closed the hearing and approved Resolution 25-148, adopting the 2026 budget.

Property tax levy approved

The commissioners also approved Resolution 25-146, levying general property taxes. The total levy was set at 10.173 mills, which includes a temporary tax credit.

The meeting ended with brief thank-yous and holiday wishes. 

The next Board of County Commissioners meeting was announced for January 13, 2026, at 9 a.m. It will be held in person at the Historic Courthouse, 203 Eureka Street, Central City – 2nd floor BoCC Meeting Hall & online via Zoom. Please visit tinyurl.com/GilpinCommissioners to attend virtually.