CENTRAL CITY — Gilpin County commissioners opened the first meeting of 2026 by thanking Public Works, the Sheriff's Office, the Office of Emergency Management, the Joint Information Center, the County Manager, and all others who helped with the County response to the recent extended power outages. 

“I know that the county will be having a debrief about it and talking about things that went well and things that could change and improve. But I wanted to especially thank the Sheriff's Office and Public Works because I know that your staff are out there doing extraordinary things to help people and keep the policy.

"I also wanted to extend sympathy to the family of Renee Nicole Good, her children,” said Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth.

The first item of business was to adopt the list of official appointments. The board unanimously reappointed The Mountain-Ear as the County’s official newspaper of record!

The board approved Resolution 26-003 on Tuesday, January 13, continuing the designation The Mountain-Ear has held since December 2022. The appointment determines where legal notices, public hearings, and official county actions are published.

Two letters of interest were submitted. One from The Mountain-Ear and one from the Weekly Register-Call.

“There have been no issues that I’m aware of with The Mountain-Ear,” County Manager Ray Rears said.

Aiken said the Weekly Register-Call keeps raising legal issues regarding The Mountain-Ear's status as the newspaper of record. He said, “As long as we make sure we're okay legally on that.”

County Attorney Todd Messenger responded by saying, “We had a look at these issues last year, and we are not worried about the designation of The Mountain-Ear.” 

Hollingsworth confirmed that both papers are eligible and qualified to serve as the County’s paper of record. 

Messenger said, “And so it would be which one does the board believe would provide the best level of service. I understand, you know, in terms of accuracy and timing of issues that the board would have concerns about. And I believe, historically, that's what staff has been basing its recommendations upon.”

Aiken nominated The Mountain-Ear, and the vote was unanimous. Managing Editor Barbara Hardt thanked the board during public comment.

“Thank you for allowing The Mountain-Ear to continue as the newspaper of record,” Hardt said. “We look forward to working with you for the next year.”

The board also selected its 2026 leadership. Susan Berumen was appointed Chair. Jeff Aiken was named Chair Pro Tem.

Commissioners then approved the consent agenda, which included the Clerk and Recorder’s December financial report, the Treasurer’s November report, the disposition of abandoned property, a digital accessibility update, and approval of the December 9 and December 15 meeting minutes.

New Detention Officer Courtney Weldon was introduced. She recently completed her field training and began working independently.

“Glad to have you,” Aiken told her, adding that he would be seeing her in Detentions. With a chuckle, Hollingsworth clarified that Aiken counsels inmates. 

Public Works Director John Combs and Right of Way Specialist Andrew Decker presented the Highway Users Tax Fund update. Combs explained that HUTF revenue comes from fuel taxes, vehicle registrations, and related fees, which are then distributed back to state and local governments for road maintenance and improvements.

Gilpin County received $697,851 in 2025 and is expecting the December payment. Monthly distributions averaged $63,441.

The commissioners noted that the fuel tax has not changed in decades and that electric vehicles do not pay at the pump. Combs explained that EVs contribute through registration fees instead.

“Hopefully people keep driving to our state and purchasing gasoline or diesel fuel,” Combs said, explaining that the fund is based on gallons sold, not the price of fuel, and that continued travel and tourism directly impact the County’s ability to maintain roads.

Commissioners approved Resolution 26-002, authorizing law enforcement academy repayment agreements. The agreements outline the County’s commitment to fund training and require officers to reimburse costs if they leave within two years.

“Currently, we are fully staffed,” Adami told the board. “Which we have not had in how many years? A long time.”

The board approved Resolution 26-006, continuing Stage 1 fire restrictions that began December 23 due to dry conditions, high winds, and limited snowpack.

“We need to be very mindful of the use of fire in our county,” Sheriff Kevin Armstrong said. “So we don’t have a Marshall Fire that would be catastrophic because of these winds.”

“Hats off to our county and everything to opening up the slash pile to help our people, even as we are now with all the downed trees and everything, to reduce the fuel that is available for any type of fire start,” said Armstrong. 

Aiken responded by saying, “I appreciate the work on this matter. It's very critical. I think it's one of the most important things we can do in the county is fire safety.”

As wildfire risk remains high, Armstrong said the Sheriff’s Office is introducing the GeniSYS program to provide ongoing public updates during incidents, while keeping HyperReach reserved for emergencies. He told commissioners that GeniSYS will allow residents to stay informed as situations evolve, without desensitizing the community to critical evacuation alerts.

Commissioners also approved Resolution 26-004, adopting the annual list of take-home vehicles for on-call employees. The list includes two Public Works vehicles, one for the Coroner’s Office, and 24 for the Sheriff’s Office.

Undersheriff Greg Demo said the program improves response times and supports recruitment and retention.

“If this is a means of keeping staff without constantly hiring new staff, it’s worth the cost in my mind,” Rears said.

Resolution 26-007 was also approved, authorizing the County to apply for the Innovative Local Government Workforce Solutions Grant. The grant would fund the Elevate Gilpin Workforce Initiative, a paid internship and mentorship program across several departments.

“This grant opportunity directly supports a growing need within the county,” Human Resources Director Chanda Johnson said.

Messenger then provided his report, outlining ongoing work on land development code updates, county roads standards, easements, contracts, tax appeals, and confidential legal matters. He also introduced a new associate with a background in architecture who will assist with zoning and code issues.

Rears followed with a detailed report and a look ahead at the year’s work session schedule.

The next work session is tentatively set for January 20. Topics are expected to include amendments to the short-term rental ordinance addressing outdoor fires, OWTS fee changes requested by Public Health, the Deputy Human Services Director position, the Infant at Work policy, and a discussion of a nonprofit alternative for the food pantry.

A second work session is planned for February 17. The morning agenda is expected to focus on revisions to the employee handbook and the nepotism policy. That afternoon, commissioners will meet jointly with the Clear Creek County Board of Commissioners in Georgetown.

The joint meeting is expected to address issues related to Charlie’s Place, Bellevue Mountain Resort, and the shooting range. Rears said the meeting will be held in Georgetown and is tentatively scheduled for 2 p.m.

Rears also noted that the County Annex project is slightly delayed due to high winds that disrupted framing, but that crews are working to make up lost time. He said staff are also reviewing cost-saving measures.

He described increased grant activity, improved community engagement metrics, and strong public response to recent posts about the slash yard opening.

“Having this information helps the community,” Rear said. “And it shows the great work being done by staff.”

Hollingsworth raised the idea of recognizing upcoming state and national anniversaries and asked whether Gilpin County should begin planning events, pointing to work already underway in Lincoln Hills. 

Rears said he will coordinate with Community Development, Strategic Projects, and Parks and Recreation to explore possibilities and floated the County Fair as a potential opportunity to showcase local and state history.

Later in the meeting, the board received an update from the Policy Matters lobbyist group. The lobbyists joined virtually and reviewed current state-level legislative activity, with a focus on issues that could affect rural counties and human services. 

The discussion included bills related to workforce, housing, and public safety. Human Services Director Janey Barker attended in person to participate in the discussion and address questions about potential impacts.

Commissioners asked about timing, priorities, and how proposed legislation could affect Gilpin County operations. The lobbyists said they would continue to monitor bills and provide updates as the session progresses.

The board also discussed future work session topics, including recycling programs, producer responsibility funding, and possible historic events tied to Gilpin County’s role as one of Colorado’s original counties.

The meeting closed with commissioner reports and public meeting notices.

The next regular Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, at 9 a.m. at the Historic Courthouse, 203 Eureka Street in Central City. Virtual access will be available.