GILPIN COUNTY – The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) convened for a work session on January 21, 2025, at the Historic Courthouse in Central City. The session was held in person and focused on gathering information; no public comments were allowed.

All commissioners were present, including Chair Sandy Hollingsworth, Susan Berumen, and Jeff Aiken.

South Beaver Creek Discussion

South Beaver Creek Road, originally designated as County Road 11, was primarily used for transporting mining materials in the 1800s. 

Over the years, its deterioration has been a recurring concern, with traffic and environmental factors leading to multiple bog areas, which hinder transportation and create safety hazards for residents and visitors.

The Board discussed significant complaints regarding traffic congestion, high vehicle speeds, and poor drainage along the road. These issues have necessitated frequent temporary fixes, which have proven insufficient in providing long-term solutions. 

The commissioners decided to forego short-term repairs in favor of a comprehensive engineering study to address the road's core structural problems.

Estimated costs for engineering services range from $332,590 for basic engineering to $553,406 for grant-ready engineering, reflecting the complexity of the project. 

The engineering study will focus on drainage improvements, traffic flow optimization, and soil stabilization methods to prevent further degradation. The study will also include public engagement efforts to gather input from residents who rely on South Beaver Creek Road daily.

Potential funding sources were discussed, with Region 1 of CDOT having $12.2 million in available funds, though the maximum grant award per project for safety improvements is limited to $500,000. 

Concerns were raised about the long-term availability of grant funding and potential federal budget cuts impacting infrastructure projects.

In addition to engineering challenges, the Board addressed the high costs associated with paving, estimated at $1 million per mile. The total cost of paving South Beaver Creek Road could range from $8-9 million. 

Previous repairs conducted 12 years ago have not resolved persistent drainage issues, emphasizing the need for more effective long-term solutions.

The Board also examined the impact of heavy commercial vehicle traffic, which exacerbates road deterioration. To mitigate this, they proposed implementing weight restrictions and a permit system to regulate vehicle access.

Next steps include finalizing the scope of the engineering study, securing funding sources, and developing a phased implementation plan. The Board agreed to hold public meetings as more information becomes available to ensure transparency and community involvement.

Employee Benefits Discussion

The session continued with a discussion on employee benefits, led by Human Resources Director Chanda Johnson and County Manager Ray Rears.

Rears presented proposed changes to enhance the County’s benefits package to attract and retain qualified staff. Community engagement has played a key role in workforce optimization. One primary goal is to reach 95% staffing levels, while a long-term objective is to ensure that three qualified candidates are available for any position within 30 days.

Childcare-Employee Benefit

Childcare assistance is an essential benefit that can significantly impact employees’ lives. Increasing demand for employer-provided childcare benefits reflects the struggle to find well-qualified staff, with high costs and demands placed on working parents.

Gilpin County owns a childcare facility that has recently been leased to Mountain Kids Early Learning Center (Mtn. Kids), a local non-profit that is still awaiting its 501(c)(3) status. Historically, the County has provided financial support to the operator; however, this funding is discretionary and not guaranteed each year. 

During the session, Rears and staff proposed entering into a formal agreement with Mtn. Kids to provide a $250 monthly tuition reduction for each child of an eligible full-time employee.

After thorough discussion, the commissioners expressed concerns about the financial feasibility and sustainability of the program. 

Hollingsworth said that the County's financial contribution cannot be guaranteed annually, which could pose risks for long-term commitments. 

Berumen suggested that before moving forward, the County should review Mtn. Kids' financial statements and ensure the arrangement aligns with County budget priorities.

Rears recommended postponing the decision until the next budget cycle, allowing time for further evaluation and negotiations with Mtn. Kids to address potential risks and benefits. 

Ultimately, the commissioners agreed to wait before finalizing any agreement, opting to revisit the proposal in the future.

Employee Handbook Updates

Johnson presented proposed changes to the Employee Handbook, addressing wage/salary adjustments, no-call/no-show policies, and compensation for emergency closures. Several amendments will be revisited at the next regular meeting.

The next regular meeting of the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for January 28, 2025, at 9 a.m. and will be held in person at the Historic Courthouse, 203 Eureka Street, Central City, and online via Zoom.