RBC | The Rio Blanco County Commissioners held a public meeting in Rangely, Colorado, on Aug. 27, 2024. Commissioners Doug Overton and Ty Gates attended in person, while Jennifer O’Hearon joined via Google Meet.
During the public comment period, Charles Brady of Rangely expressed disagreement with line item B which is the public comment part of the agenda, suggesting it should be revised.
“You have to understand that the public normally entrusts you to do what’s best for them and for our county, and when statements like that are made, it doesn’t sit well with the public. You guys need to look at that and see what you can do,” Brady said.
Brady also raised concerns about the lack of a question-and-answer portion during the public comment section. “If we’re supposed to comment, then how do we get answers to our comments? You guys work for us; we don’t work for you. So my question is, why don’t you think you have to answer questions in a meeting?”
Commissioner Gates responded, “It’s not that we don’t want to answer questions or that we won’t answer questions. It’s for the sake of everyone’s time in the meeting that we don’t want to spend the entire time going back and forth on a topic. It’s not that we don’t want to answer the public’s questions or give you an answer; it’s just that it might not be right then and there during our public meeting,” Gates continued.
Brady further commented on the funding of the White River Museum by the Rio Blanco County Commissioners, asking if they provided financial support.
“The contract is for them to manage that property, and yes, they do receive a management fee for that. The county owns the building and maintains the exhibits. We also provide funds to the Rangely Museum at different times when specific items are needed,” County Administrator Vicky Edwards said.
Brady responded, “According to the [Rangely]museum, you guys haven’t given them money in a long time.”
“If you have a concern like that, which requires research to provide the correct information, we won’t be able to pull that information right here at the meeting. It’s not a delay tactic; we can certainly set a future meeting or a special session where the commissioners are briefed on all the relevant information,” Edwards stated.
Brady expressed concerns that the citizens of Rangely have issues they are afraid to bring up. “It’s getting pretty bad when you see all the people here in this room, and there’s not one other citizen except myself. Have you ever asked yourself why?” he asked.
Commissioner Doug Overton responded, “I ask myself that all the time. I want more public participation. But getting back to the comment, government lawyers always do things for the extreme because that’s how we deal with things, and then we come down from there.”
“When they did that, they were figuring on a whole room full of people that we need to control. But as chairman and a board member, I will talk to you or anyone else that walks into this room. We’re going to do it,” Overton continued.
Brady added, “I’ve been to a lot of Town Council meetings in Rangely, and they don’t have that stipulation. It’s a public comment period. All I’m saying is if you want more participation, be proactive so that the citizens feel like their input and concerns are valid, and that you guys will do what you can to address them.”
Commissioner Overton agreed. “I want to know what people are thinking and how they want their government to be run. That’s what I would like to hear,” Overton said.
Brady then asked what the commissioners do for Rio Blanco County.
“I’m telling you how people feel. We don’t see you, we don’t hear anything from you other than what’s in the paper from time to time. What do you guys do all day? Where are you? How come you’re not out in the public?” Brady asked.
County Administrator Vicky Edwards responded, “The commissioners’ phone numbers are published, and I know they’ve always been available to take calls.”
“The statement that says, ‘We want to allow adequate public comment time’ can lead to long and drawn-out discussions. We want to focus their time and get them the right answers, so they can set up a special work session, for instance,” Edwards continued.
Brady emphasized the importance of the commissioners visiting Rangely. “We’re not the armpit of Rio Blanco County; we’re Rangely, Colorado, and we’d like to be treated that way. It’s time the commissioners, including our own, got out more in our public so we can see what you guys actually do,” Brady said.
The board approved the agenda for the Aug. 27 meeting, as well as the consent agenda. They also received several presentations related to automobiles that will be talked about in the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned after the presentations. The next County Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Sept. 10, 2024, at 9 a.m. in Meeker, Colorado.
By JARED HENDERSON
