MEEKER | With a name like Balboa, it’s hard not to think of the famous underdog boxer who made grit and perseverance his trademark. But while Rocky Balboa fought his battles in the ring, Beky Balboa is stepping forward in a different arena — public service — as she runs for Rio Blanco County Treasurer.
Balboa describes herself first and foremost as a woman of faith, a wife and a community member. “I am a Christian and a Republican,” she said. She and her husband, Daniel — “who is my best friend” — have been married for 26 years. The couple shares their home with Selah, their “adorable Malshipoo” who, Balboa laughs, “loves cuddles, play time and is super smart.”
Balboa holds a bachelor’s degree in business and brings a range of financial and administrative experience to the role. Her background includes working at Bank of the San Juans in Meeker, three years at Bank of America, serving as an accountant at a megachurch, and owning and operating both an event planning company and a photography business with her husband. She even served as treasurer of her high school student council — an early sign of her interest in financial stewardship.
She and her husband moved to Meeker in 2022, intentionally seeking a community that reflected their values. “We were looking for a conservative area that matched our Christian values of family, community and pride in our country,” she said. “We have intentionally adjusted our lifestyle to match the culture of Meeker. We love the slow pace, kindness, and natural beauty of this community.”
Currently serving as deputy treasurer, Balboa is being trained and mentored by current Treasurer Rhonna Waldref. “I am honored that she selected me to succeed her as the next treasurer for our county,” Balboa said.
When asked what she sees as the most important responsibility of the Treasurer’s Office, Balboa was clear. “To have integrity in all we do as the bank for the county,” she said. “To have excellent fiduciary responsibility with the monies we collect and distribute to our local entities — and to be kind while doing that.”
Balboa noted that broader financial challenges and funding decisions for specific programs fall under the purview of the County Commissioners, not the Treasurer’s Office. Instead, she emphasized the Treasurer’s role in safeguarding and properly managing county funds.
Communication with residents, she said, is key. The county currently prints the budget in the newspaper twice a year and makes an abstract pamphlet available in the Treasurer’s Office detailing which entities are paid monthly through approved mill levies. Additionally, the yearly tax notice provides each resident with a breakdown of how their taxes are distributed.
To ensure financial resilience during economic fluctuations, Balboa said the county has diversified its funds across multiple interest-bearing accounts, including local banks, investment pools and treasury notes. “These give a variety of interest rates that will vary based on the Fed rates,” she explained. “As the economy fluctuates, we are able to move monies to the better performing accounts to give safety and best returns on investment.”
Looking ahead, Balboa hopes her time in office would be defined by steady leadership and principled stewardship. “I would like my legacy as Treasurer to show that integrity and kindness with prayerful stewardship will support our county’s growth and protection,” she said. “I want to be able to hand over a smoothly operating office to a highly trained individual who will continue to steward the office well.”
As for the inevitable question about her name, Balboa admitted she hasn’t actually seen the Rocky films — only a few clips. After doing a bit of research, she noted that the first two movies were released before she was born, and the others when she was still a child. Still, she appreciates the lesson behind the character. “As they are boxing movies, the lesson I see is when you get knocked down to get back up and keep trying,” she said.
And while her campaign may not involve boxing gloves, Balboa appears ready to step into the ring for Rio Blanco County — determined to serve with integrity, kindness and perseverance.
