RBC | Last week, the Rio Blanco County Board of Commissioners held a work session at the Rio Blanco County Historic Courthouse in Meeker focused on infrastructure planning, housing discussions and water-related projects. Commissioners Doug Overton and Callie Scritchfield attended in person, while Commissioner Jennifer O’Hearon participated via Google Meet.
The meeting began with a brief discussion on ongoing basin-related work and long-term project development with the Yellow Jacket Water Conservancy District.
Director Shawn Welder, who represents the Josephine District, described the basin work as “exciting” and referenced ongoing efforts over multiple years. Director Paul Nielson, who represents the Lower White River District, asked questions about project activity and timeline, referencing prior work. Commissioner Callie Scritchfield requested clarification during the exchange as the group worked through details of the ongoing effort.
The Board of Commissioners then met with representatives from Pioneers Medical Center regarding the former PMC parking lot on Cleveland Street between Third and Fourth streets.
Chief Nursing Officer Janelle Borchard raised concerns about site access and vehicle movement, noting, “There’s no turnaround on that driveway,” and suggested exploring whether the existing parking area and former hospital driveway could be better utilized. She noted that bridge access already connects portions of the property.
Senior Finance Manager Janae Stanworth said the discussion stemmed from earlier board conversations and was intended as an open dialogue between the two entities about possible next steps. She said options could include long-term use agreements, purchase arrangements or donations depending on what is determined feasible.
Housing availability was also discussed as a broader community issue. Borchard said, “We need housing to bring in these young people so we can continue the economic growth here,” referencing staffing challenges and local economic sustainability.
Stanworth added that housing management systems are already in place and would include a designated point of contact for maintenance and operational concerns if the property is utilized in the future.
Participants agreed to continue discussions and report back to their respective boards.
Near the end of the meeting, commissioners discussed the County Road 33 culvert project with Recovery Manager Liz Chandler.
Chandler explained that Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) requirements mandate that designs accommodate a 10-year flood event. She said, “All waters from a 10 year anticipated flood must pass through the culverts and the culverts alone.”
She also outlined site constraints, including elevation differences between the gulch and roadway, which limit design options. Larger culverts would require significant roadway elevation changes, while a box culvert alternative would be too costly and not eligible for NRCS funding.
Chandler said engineers with SGM developed a design increasing capacity from about 115 cubic feet per second (CFS) to 231 CFS, though the estimated 10-year flood event is approximately 464 CFS.
She asked commissioners, “Are you comfortable with SDM design that the county roads needs?” and whether the system should proceed even if it does not fully accommodate a 10-year flood event through the culverts alone.
Public Works Director Thad White and commissioners discussed downstream impacts, including a nearby low-water crossing and how excess water would move through the gulch during high-flow events.
Additional discussion included irrigation ditch crossings, a parallel existing culvert and construction sequencing challenges. Chandler said engineers aim to preserve existing irrigation infrastructure where possible while integrating new culvert placement beneath or near existing lines.
Chandler also briefly referenced broader regional water conditions, including reservoir operations and irrigation supply pressures affecting the area.
No formal action was taken during the work session, as commissioners and staff continue evaluating infrastructure constraints, funding limitations and long-term planning needs for County Road 33 and other county projects.
