The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners held a work session on August 20, 2024, to address a range of topics outside their regular meetings. Although no formal decisions are made during these work sessions, the discussions provide critical insights into the challenges and plans for the county.

Commissioners Susan Berumen (Chair), Sandy Hollingsworth, and Marie Mornis were in attendance, along with County Manager Ray Rears and several department heads.

The work session opened with a presentation by Chanda Johnson, Director of Human Resources, on the County Technical Services, Inc. (CTSI) 5-year loss analysis. Berumen inquired whether the County’s trend was higher in relation to the overall pool. Johnson confirmed this, noting that while Gilpin County’s claims were higher, they were still lower than those of the Road and Bridge and Law Enforcement departments.

“Overall, it is good,” Johnson reassured the commissioners, indicating that the County’s position was stable despite the upward trend.

Melissa Lewis, Director of the OEM, provided an update on the department’s priorities, with a focus on the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

“So far, everything is going well and is on track,” Lewis reported, highlighting the progress made in this critical area.

Lewis stressed the importance of community outreach and preparedness, noting that she is planning an event in September as part of National Preparedness Month. She encouraged residents to visit https://www.ready.gov for more information.

Additionally, Lewis shared that the state had agreed to install additional wildfire sensors in the county, particularly around United Power electricity poles, critical infrastructure, and densely populated areas.

She also commended the dedication of the Gilpin County Animal Rescue Team, with whom she plans to continue holding monthly meetings.

Rears asked if the OEM had had a presence at the recent County Fair. Lewis explained that she was unable to attend due to engagements scheduled before her hiring, but assured the Board that OEM would have a booth at next year’s fair.

The session then moved to a discussion led by Michael Dubrava and Laura Farina from the Solid Waste Department, regarding the County’s solid waste management and fee structure.

Rears noted that recent changes in neighboring Clear Creek County and Nederland had led to a significant increase in solid waste being brought to Gilpin County. He proposed hiring an additional full-time employee, which would cost approximately $70,000 to $80,000 for an experienced CDL driver.

The Solid Waste Department’s three-person staff has experienced a turnover of 14 people in the past six years, raising concerns about employee retention. Mornis asked how to mitigate this trend, to which Dubrava suggested varying the routine to encourage retention.

Rears reminded the commissioners that any adjustments to the fee structure cannot be profit-driven, per State statute, and recommended an analysis to ensure the county was breaking even on waste disposal costs.

Hollingsworth suggested raising fees for non-residents to offset the increased costs. Berumen noted that the landfill fees amounted to $40,000 for the past six months.

Finance Director Joe Allaire added that, while Public Works has been covering the Solid Waste Department’s needs, proper staffing in Solid Waste would reduce costs compared to Public Works’ higher rate of pay. The need for a fourth full-time employee was confirmed by a recent staffing study, but the position remains unbudgeted.

Janey Barker, Director of Human Services, brought up a concerning issue regarding the Volunteers of America. Barker reported that the VOA had requested to renegotiate their contract, unfortunately for less funding.

This change could result in the loss of the new Pacifica van used for Senior Services and a reduction in the number of congregate meals served.

Barker explained that this year, the VOA would only reimburse 1,500 congregate meals, down from 2,200 meals last year. This shortfall amounts to $6,600, which Human Services believes will impact services in 2025 unless the County provides additional funding. The issue is expected to be on the August 27 agenda.

Joe Allaire and County Assessor April Nielsen provided a legislative update on Initiatives 50 and 108. Initiative 50 proposes a 4 percent annual limit on total statewide property tax revenues in Colorado and requires a statewide vote for any local district that wishes to exceed this cap. This initiative has qualified for the November 2024 ballot and needs a 55 percent majority to pass.

Initiative 108 aims to reduce residential property assessment rates to 5.7 percent and non-residential rates to 24 percent, with the General Fund covering the shortfall for local districts. This initiative is currently gathering signatures and would need a 50 percent majority to pass.

Allaire noted that the impact on Gilpin County would be less severe than in counties with higher property taxes. The commissioners discussed the possibility of a special session and a newer, third option that would also reduce rates. Hollingsworth said if the special session passes, it would result in more tax reduction than Senate Bill 233; if not, Initiatives 50 and 108 will remain on the ballot. [Editor’s note: a special session has been called for August 26, 2024, to deal with property taxes.]

The session concluded with a discussion on digital accessibility led by Community Engagement Officer Melanie Bleyler and Administrative Analyst Sam Bower.

In 2021, Colorado enacted HB21- 1110, also known as the Colorado Laws for Persons with Disabilities, which aims to eliminate access barriers and prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

Bower mentioned that he, Bleyler, IT, and possibly someone from the Sheriff’s Office might assume the roles of Accessibility Coordinators. Bleyler added that training would be offered for these roles. Rears emphasized the importance of proper training, noting that errors in providing accessibility could lead to fines.

This work session focused on several important issues facing Gilpin County, from emergency preparedness and solid waste management to legislative updates and digital accessibility. The discussions will likely inform future decisions as the County continues to address these challenges.

The next regular meeting of the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for August 27, 2024, at 9 a.m. and will be held in person at the Historic Courthouse, 203 Eureka Street, Central City and online via Zoom.