RBC | The Rio Blanco County Commissioners held a regular meeting in Rangely on May 27. Rangely resident Wendi Gillard, attending virtually, asked if the Child Protective Team has been re-established in the county. She was told the public comment period is not a time to ask questions, and that Commissioner O’Hearon would set up a separate meeting with Gillard to discuss the matter.
Presenting for Rangely District Hospital (RDH), Elizabeth Wiley shared some of the options for mental health care that have been made available in the county. At RDH, for example, the hospital has contracted with telehealth providers since 2022. Wiley said they were seeing nine clients a month at the start, and now have more than 50. She also shared information about Senior Life Solutions, an intensive outpatient program exclusively for seniors.
Dana Foley, with County Tech Services Inc. (CTSI), which is a nonprofit for county governments that provides “pools” to meet employee benefit needs, workplace risk, and needs with regard to property, vehicles, and liability issues.
Foley presented a five-year loss analysis for Rio Blanco. Foley recommended a three-hour defensive drive class for county employees, noting that three claims in 2024 were all auto-related. Worker’s comp related claims have dropped every year from 2020-2024, and claims are well below the average amount of other pool members.
In other business, the board:
• Approved an amendment to a Colorado Department of Early Childhood memorandum of understanding for DHS and discussed applying for HCPF Preferred Project Grants for DHS. County Attorney Don Steerman said he would review the requirements involved.
• Approved purchase of a Caterpillar 309 excavator for road and bridge. The purchase was included in the budget, and the county will be trading in a backhoe to help offset the cost.
• Approved comments via the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado to Colorado Parks and Wildlife regarding CPW’s proposed strategic plan.
• Continued discussion about the Meeker Airport GA Ramp Replacement Project and approved a transfer of funds.
• Approved a bid for synthetic shake for the county-owned Garrison building in the museum complex in Meeker.
• Approved a special events liquor license for the Lions Club for Range Call events.
• Ratified a letter to the state air quality control commission regarding Regulation 31, which will impact landfills, although it’s believed it won’t affect the county landfill at this time.
•Approved Resolution 2025-16 for the county’s participation in litigation against the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission.
