The Gilpin County Commissioners (BoCC) called a work session to order at approximately 4 p.m. on Monday, April 8, 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 and Sandy Hollingsworth were present, along with Administrative Analyst Sam Bower. Commissioner Marie Mornis was absent.

Bower said that County staff are concerned over a July 1 deadline to become compliant with the new rules outlined in House Bill (HB) 21-1110. In particular, the staff does not have the tools or the expertise to ensure that what the public is using is fully accessible to those with disabilities.

He believed that smaller counties are at a disadvantage because they lack the dedicated web staff to meet the new requirements, which carry hefty fines if not addressed correctly.

He said the new rules hinder transparency. To meet the new standards, he believes the staff should only post material as required by law, since, as of now, the County shares much more than that required. He also expressed concerns about compliance with social media platforms and third-party vendors.

Hollingsworth said they are still hoping for a counter bill which would extend the deadline of July 1.

Bowditch said the bill passed in 2021 with all good intentions. He said that, in a recent development, the penalties for noncompliance will be rolled back one year to July 2025.

Bower was relieved to hear about the one-year grace period.

Bowditch then went on to explain the relevant Colorado House Bills, while Cassell summarized the Senate bills. He said that today (April 8) is Day 90 of the legislative session and that there are 30 days left. About 725 bills will be introduced by the end of the session. He said the legislature will probably try to pass something addressing property taxes before the session’s conclusion.

HB 24-1371: More Uniform Local Massage Facilities Regulation. Bowditch said this bill is aiming to target human trafficking and asked if Gilpin has any massage parlors. Hollingsworth said no but they do have spas that operate within the city limits of Black Hawk. The BoCC decided to monitor the bill.

HB 24-1436: “Concerning the referral of a ballot issue related to the revenue from the sports betting tax, and, in connection therewith, referring a ballot issue to the voters to allow the state to keep and spend all sports betting tax revenue in excess of the twenty-nine million dollar estimated increase in state tax revenue approved by voters in 2019 for the purpose of funding water conservation and protection projects rather than refunding such excess revenue to casinos.”

Bowditch said this will be presented to the voters. Hollingsworth said she is a proponent of taking it to the voters. The BoCC took no position.

SB-013 would increase district attorneys’ salaries to those of district court judges. Effective January 1, 2025, the bill requires that half the increase be paid by the State and half by the Counties. There would be a fiscal impact and Bowditch does not believe it will hold a high priority due to its cost. The BoCC decided to monitor the bill.

SB 24-181: Concerning the creation of the Colorado Alcohol Impact and Recovery Enterprise. The bill creates the Colorado Alcohol Impact and Recovery Enterprise in the Department of Revenue to “collect a fee from manufacturers and wholesalers that distribute alcohol within Colorado; and use the fee for alcohol and related substance use disorder prevention, early intervention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services and programs in communities throughout the state.”

Bowditch said “This will be a big fight to get this one through.” Hollingsworth asked how this will affect liquor stores; Bowditch replied that it would increase fees on wholesale distributors. The board opted to monitor.

Cassell introduced SB 24-190, Rail & Coal Transition Community Economic Measures. “Concerning economic measures related to coal transition communities, and, in connection therewith, creating an income tax credit for qualified costs incurred in the use of certain freight rail lines; creating an income tax credit for qualified costs incurred in the maintenance, operation, and improvement of certain rail lines; expanding the Rural Opportunity Office's duties in relation to coal transition communities; allowing coal transition communities to qualify as enterprise zones and enhanced rural enterprise zones; restricting the length of contracts that allow use of the Moffat tunnel; and restricting the ability to purchase real property interests of the Moffat Tunnel Improvement District.”

Hollingsworth said she has not read the full bill. Berumen said they are waiting to have an informational meeting next week. The BoCC decided to take no position until they can get more information.

Bowditch said he could check in with Senator Roberts on the bill, since he is a sponsor.

Hollingsworth asked if any of the bills on which they have taken an “amend” position require any changes of position.

Hollingsworth said they would support HB 24-1300 if it has become permissive. Section 2 of the bill requires the affected counties to leverage their existing wildfire mitigation expertise to establish a program for point-of-sale wildfire mitigation certification in connection with the sale of an existing residence located in the county. She said the bill could put constraints on homebuyers if it is not permissive.

Berumen said she prefers to monitor the bill.

The commissioners then asked about some bills they have been following.

SB 24-072: Concerning provisions to ensure that confined eligible electors at a county jail or detention center may vote. Hollingsworth said she hopes that there is a provision for small counties. Bowditch said the Clerks Association is divided on the issue.

SB 24-174: Concerning state support for sustainable affordable housing, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation. Cassell said she is not optimistic for the bill, which has a $10 million fiscal note.

SB 24-184: 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. Cassell said the bill has been amended to reduce the fee, albeit not the key amendment senators were hoping for.

Hollingsworth would like stronger language concerning the mountain railways.

Bowditch asked if there were any other questions or concerns.

Hollingsworth mentioned SB 24-194, Concerning special districts that provide emergency services, and, in connection therewith, authorizing a district to impose an impact fee on certain new construction and to levy a sales tax to generate additional revenue for district services.

Berumen said they would like to monitor the bill since it could produce revenue for special districts.

Hollingsworth thanked Berumen for attending the CCI (Colorado Counties Inc.) meeting on Friday.

The work session concluded at 5 p.m. The next legislative work session is scheduled for April 22, 2024, via Microsoft Teams. It can be accessed through the Gilpin County website at https://gilpincounty. colorado.gov/public-meetings/board-of-county-commissioners-bocc-meetings.