The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) called a work session to order at approximately 4 p.m. on Monday, March 25, 2024, exclusively online via Microsoft Teams. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the County’s legislative priorities, which were addressed by lobbyists Ed Bowditch and Jennifer Cassell.

Commissioners Susan Berumen, Marie Mornis, and Sandy Hollingsworth were present, along with County Manager Ray Rears.

Bowditch explained the relevant Colorado House Bills, saying that the Long Bill (the budget) will be introduced on Wednesday and the Senate will be taking Good Friday as a holiday.

HB 1052 “Concerning the reinstatement of an income tax credit to help income-qualified seniors afford housing.”

There have been efforts to modify the bill, though they have been unsuccessful. This bill will help seniors who do not qualify for the Senior Homestead Exemption.

Bowditch said any senior with income under $75,000 will qualify.

Mornis asked if the bill only applies to the primary residence. Bowditch explained that it is not tied to residency and is similar to an income tax credit. The Board decided to wait on taking a position.

HB 1235 is about “Reducing aviation impacts on communities and concerning measures to reduce the impact of aviation on surrounding communities.”

Hollingsworth said there have been complaints about aircraft noise and pollution, so she wanted to include it in the discussion. The commissioners chose to monitor the bill.

HB 1272 Sunset Colorado Fire Commission, “Concerning the continuation of the Colorado fire commission in accordance with the recommendation in the Department of Regulatory Agencies’ 2023 Sunset Report, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.”

Cassell said the bill will continue until it sunsets in 2033. Again, the Board decided to monitor the bill.

HB 1295 is a priority bill, “Concerning community revitalization incentives for the support of creative industries, and, in connection therewith, extending the community grant revitalization program and creating an income tax credit for expenses incurred in completing infrastructure that supports creative industries and creative industry workers.”

This bill will do two things: one, extend the grant program for the creative industries; and two, extend a tax credit until 2032.

Cassell said it will be used in part to build up the creative districts.

Hollingsworth said that CCI (Colorado Counties Inc.) is in support of the bill.

Rears said Central City has been pursuing this bill to support the Central City Opera. Commissioners agreed to support the bill.

HB 1296, Modifications to the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), “Concerning modifications to lessen the burdens of responding to records requests for custodians of records under the ‘Colorado Open Records Act.’ ”

Bowditch said this bill gives institutions more time to make CORA requests. It will also allow any public entity to pursue full compensation. He said the bill has passed its first committee and is sitting in the Committee on Appropriations.

The Board decided to monitor the bill.

HB 1357 Pipeline Safety, “Concerning measures to promote safety in the distribution of natural gas.”

Cassell mentioned that Representative Tammy Story has been doing a lot of work on the bill. The Board chose to monitor.

HB 1359, “Concerning measures to increase public knowledge of hazardous chemicals released through oil and gas operations.”

Bowditch said “This is an attempt to have more of a process to notify citizens.” The bill would require counties to notify citizens who have opted in to the notification system if there is a leak or spill.

Bowditch expects many amendments to the bill. The Board determined to monitor the bill.

HB 1366, “Concerning sustainable local government community planning.”

Cassell said that CCI was very contentious about the bill. Hollingsworth confirmed that and said CCI took no position. Commissioners opted to monitor the bill.

SB 126, “Concerning the conservation easement income tax credit, and, in connection therewith, extending the conservation easement oversight commission and the certified holder program indefinitely, increasing the limit on conservation easement income tax credits available to donors in one calendar year, and allowing multiple transfers of conservation easement income tax credits.”

Bowditch said the State would cap the credits at $15 million for the first year. The Board again decided to monitor.

SB 184, “Concerning support for the development of surface transportation infrastructure, and, in connection therewith, providing funding and operational flexibility needed to support the development of transit and rail infrastructure.”

Bowditch said the bill is a way for the State to get more revenue for the passenger railway network.

Hollingsworth said Clear Creek County is taking an amend position. Berumen said there have been concerns about the distribution of the funds.

The commissioners chose to take an amend position. They hope the bill will address the mountain rail system.

SB 186, “Concerning the classification of a coroner as a state trooper for the purpose of determining public employees’ retirement association service retirement eligibility and benefits.”

Bowditch said the bill was introduced last week and there is not much information on it yet.

Rears said this could be quite costly for the County and he would prefer not to open “that can of worms.”

The Board agreed to monitor the bill informally and take no position.

Mornis asked about HB 10-116 and Cassell said the governor signed it about a week ago.

Berumen asked about HB 1300. Cassell said the bill will be discussed on March 26, and that there has been quite a bit of push back. She thinks the sponsors are willing to work on amendments for the bill. Berumen said she thought the Board should still stay opposed since it is a burden to homeowners.

Hollingsworth asked about HB 1349, concerning tax on ammunition and guns. Bowditch said the bill will be conditional upon voter approval.

The work session concluded at 5 p.m.

The next legislative work session is scheduled for April 8, 2024, via Microsoft Teams. It can be accessed through the Gilpin County website at https://gilpincounty.colorado.gov/public-meetings/board-of-countycommissioners-bocc-meetings.