RBC | Rio Blanco County commissioners worked through a full agenda last week, taking public comment on term limits for elected officials, approving budget changes and wildlife policy letters, updating land-use rules for natural medicine healing centers, and discussing control of the fairgrounds concession stand used by the Meeker Lions Club.
At the May 5 meeting in Meeker, commissioners opened public hearings on supplemental budget appropriations and whether to ask voters this fall to reconsider term limits for elected county offices. Finance staff outlined a supplemental budget that included funding for new treasurer’s office software and Federal Aviation Administration-related airport projects covered by grant proceeds. Commissioners later approved the appropriations.
A quarterly financial update showed most county operating expenditures tracking between 20% and 25% of budget about a quarter into the fiscal year, while tax revenues lagged slightly because of normal collection timing. Finance staff said operating costs remain generally in line with expectations across major funds.
During the term limits hearing, longtime election judge and former county employee Christine Hicken argued that term limits can undermine continuity and expertise in offices responsible for complex statutory duties, particularly elections.
“These elected officials are an integral part of the running of their offices,” Hicken said, adding that voters should ultimately decide whether officials remain in office.
Commissioners also discussed challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified candidates for elected offices. One commissioner said term limits “don’t serve the people” in Rio Blanco County and described the ballot question as an opportunity to “go back to the public and just ask which way they would like to go.” The board indicated a future resolution will be required to formally refer the measure to the ballot.
On wildlife issues, commissioners approved a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the federal agency’s proposed rule for Colorado’s experimental gray wolf population. Commissioners expressed concerns that Colorado Parks and Wildlife is not following the state’s adopted wolf management plan.
The board also ratified comments opposing a petition related to fur-bearer trapping regulations, saying the issue intersects with broader concerns over beaver management and predator control.
Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution amending the county’s 2016 land use regulations to add special-use restrictions for natural medicine “healing centers” under Colorado’s Proposition 122 framework. Planning staff said the changes incorporate fire suppression standards, separation distances from schools and day care centers, compliance with state licensing rules, and the possibility of financial guarantees or bonding requirements depending on the project.
In other business, the board approved the purchase of two pickup trucks from Victory Motors in Craig after determining a local bid exceeded the county’s 5% local preference threshold. One truck will replace a previously sold facilities vehicle and another will go to landfill operations.
Commissioners also received an update on proposed Department of Human Services legislation tied to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility, including concerns about a proposed regional budgeting structure. The county also received its latest Secure Rural Schools allocation, with portions to be distributed to local school districts.
During a separate work session, commissioners and county staff began negotiating a formal memorandum of understanding with the Meeker Lions Club governing access to and management of the fairgrounds concession stand beneath the grandstands, which the club has operated for roughly 46 years.
Lions representatives said concession revenues fund scholarships, eyeglasses, 4-H support and other community projects, and that the stand contains tens of thousands of dollars in equipment and inventory. Members also described past security problems, including unauthorized access and damage to an ice machine they valued at about $5,000.
County staff said all county facilities are being moved to a standardized high-security key and badge system supported by cameras and electronic access logs. Operations Director Eric Jaquez said the county’s priorities are safety, code compliance and emergency access, not use of the Lions Club’s equipment or supplies.
Lions leaders said they are open to an agreement protecting both the club’s access and its investment in the facility. Commissioners directed staff and club officers to continue drafting an MOU before the busy summer rodeo and fair season.
