RBC | The Rio Blanco Board of County Commissioners held its regular meeting last Tuesday afternoon, with all three commissioners in attendance.
During the public comment period, Wendy Gillard, a Rangely resident, raised concerns about health and human services in the county. She explained that these concerns have persisted throughout the year, referencing several cases brought to her attention.
“The most recent one would be the case where our county made its few minutes of fame on TikTok,” said Gillard. “It was about two little boys’ terrible day, which is now on TikTok and across the web.”
Gillard continued, “On TikTok, it talks about the abuse they experienced and how it had been ongoing for a while. I want the community to hear that there is a real concern for what’s happening, not just in this one specific situation.”
Gillard then questioned how hotline referrals are handled, specifically asking about the screening process.
“What does the structure look like? Is there a team that screens the referrals according to the statute?” she asked. “Do we have our own structure to screen referrals, and how is it being documented and sent back to the state?”
She noted multiple reports on recent cases but expressed concern that not much was being done. “There’s not a lot happening, not just in the public eye,” she said.
Commissioner Jennifer O’Hearon responded, explaining the process. “The hotline doesn’t go directly to Rio Blanco. It goes to Prowers County, and they take the information before it’s sent to us locally,” she said.
“We have a ‘Red Team’—a supervisor, caseworkers, and the director—who review the referral and decide if it needs to be investigated or document why it’s not,” O’Hearon added. “After so many referrals, by Colorado Revised Statute, an investigation must be conducted, no matter what.”
Rangely School Superintendent Matthew Scoggins also spoke during the public comment period. He discussed the school district’s pursuit of a bond mill levy to support infrastructure improvements.
He explained that everyone on the Rangely School Board are Rangely graduates. He highlighted that all of the board’s spouses are Rangely graduates as well.
“The school board is invested in the community. We’ve looked closely at our infrastructure—our buildings look good on the outside, but under the hood, they need help,” said Scoggins. “There’s nothing cheap about this type of work, as you know.”
Scoggins said the district is working with an engineering firm to assess facilities and prioritize projects. “The cost estimate is around $20 million, and the board voted to pursue that,” he said.
He also mentioned additional projects, including structural issues with the northwest corner of one of the buildings. “We’ve started gathering the right information to apply for the best grants, which will help us fund these projects,” Scoggins said.
After public comments, the board moved to approve the Sept. 24, 2024, agenda, the consent agenda, and an agreement with Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) for the operation of the airport. The board also approved a public health environment contract and a grant application for a November election judge pay increase.
Later in the meeting Matt Solomon with the Northwest Colorado Energy Initiative gave a presentation on alternative energy sources, including nuclear, wind and solar power. After that, County Attorney Vicky Edwards and the County Commissioners gave their updates. The meeting adjourned without an executive session. The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 8, 2024, in Meeker, Colorado.
By JARED HENDERSON
