MEEKER | Continued speculation about the possibility of nuclear energy development in Rio Blanco County — whether in the form of small scale reactors for power generation or potential siting for nuclear waste storage — prompted two Rangely residents to share their concerns with the Rio Blanco County Board of Commissioners last Tuesday.
Jeremy Coleman and Wendi Gillard addressed the board during public comment. Coleman said he is “not personally opposed” to the nuclear idea, but has concerns about potential waste storage. Gillard asked about Colorado Senate Bill 141, currently in committee, that would provide an exemption from energy code requirements for small municipalities in Colorado with fewer than 2,500 residents.
Gillard also spoke about the need for transparency concerning the nuclear energy discussion. “My fears would be that the Federal government would be able to use Federal land in our rural areas without our say-so if we buy into this, and even if it’s state buy-in, that they are going to be looking at rural places like us where essentially the people don’t count.” She referenced the surveys that have been sent out and said almost half of the respondents were from “some other places in Colorado,” with only 82 respondents from Rio Blanco County. “I don’t think that Rio Blanco County has had the chance to understand what’s been going on,” she said. “I think it needs to be really looked at and not glossed over.”
Gillard also expressed continued frustration about citizens not being able to easily participate in meetings virtually, beyond the public comment period.
In the regular meeting, commissioners heard a presentation from the Northwest Business Loan Fund regarding a new Community Business Development Block Grant application and intergovernmental agreement.
Once every four to five years the county is asked to sign on to an intergovernmental agreement for access to funding dedicated to business loans. The Northwest Loan Fund is available in nine northwest Colorado counties, providing competitive loans to new and growing businesses. Commissioners agreed to review the request and add it to the March 11 agenda.
Commissioners conducted an interview with Meyers Emergency Management to consider outsourcing the county’s emergency management services to an outside contractor.
The board agreed to table the decision at this time to do some additional research. “I think all three of us are going to need some more time to dive into this, because it’s a big position for us,” said board chair Jennifer O’Hearon.
Commissioners also interviewed Rangely resident René Harden for a re-appointment to the Community Services Block Grant Advisory Committee. Members provide input and participate in the development, planning, implementation and evaluation of the CSBG-supported services to the low-income community. Harden said she feels it helps the seniors and provides information about what is going on with grant funding, senior nutrition program requirements, and more.
The board also heard a presentation from Operations Administrator Eric Jaquez regarding interest in the county housing one of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control Type 1 helicopter and team. “The idea is that they’re looking for a suitable location on the western slope,” Jaquez stated. “This is an on-site team that is in the community. The idea is that it’s centrally located on the Western Slope.”
There would be economic and emergency response benefits, Jaquez noted.
“I think it’s an opportunity,” said Commissioner Doug Overton. The board agreed to submit a letter of interest in response to the RFI.
The board also discussed Colorado House Bill 25-1258, the “Scientific Wildlife Management” bill. Commissioner Callie Scritchfield said it’s been called the “anti-hunting bill” and suggested letters of opposition, to which the other board members agreed. Also up at the state is a bison bill that would classify wild bison as big game wildlife. Scritchfield said there are significant concerns about SB25-053 because of the introduction of another species causing similar issues to the ones caused by overpopulation of wild horses. The board agreed to send letters of opposition on that bill as well.
In other business, the board:
• Awarded bids for herbicide and dust control.
• Ratified a letter of support for housing development in Rio Blanco County for a proposed subdivision near the hospital in Meeker.
• Ratified a letter of opposition regarding SB25-003 (semiautomatic firearms).
• Approved an agreement to contract with Eide Baily for a review of the county’s accounting software.
• Approved a CORE contract amendment for an additional $8,000 with Healthy Minds, LLC to provide services for therapeutic visitation and family therapy.
• Ratified a resolution approving the Colorado Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics Grant for the 2025 Meeker Airport Fuel Farm Project (previously approved).
• Approved an agreement for $16K for a new fire protection at the Fairgrounds 4-H building that would be integrated into the county fire suppression system instead of being a standalone system. Jaquez is also working on updating security measures at the building.
• Approved a resolution for the Peacock Minor Subdivision and a resolution rezoning two lots from agricultural to rural residential, and one lot from agricultural to industrial to accommodate existing use.
In commissioner updates:
Commissioner Overton said he attended the Conservation Districts annual meeting and banquet, had a meeting and discussion with U.S. House Rep. Jeff Hurd, and attended some other meetings, including a group organizing the Unified Wolf Coalition. He publicly thanked the local CPW officers for their commitment and dedication to the community in providing hunter safety courses for local youth. “Your commitment doesn’t go unnoticed and we appreciate it.”
Commissioner Scritchfield also attended Club 20, CCI, and visited with Pioneers Hospital, the water commissioner, and is learning all the pieces of putting the fair together, taking facilities tours of county properties, met with Congressman Hurd, cricket meetings, and the Conservation District meeting, had many conversations about wolves, and is planning to attend the National Association of Counties meeting in Washington, attended the Colorado River District call, and research on potential emergency management firms.
Commissioner O’Hearon met with some constituents, Sen. Bennet’s staff member, attended the Conservation Districts’ meeting and acknowledged the award and tributes presented to Scritchfield for her work, attended Associated Government of Northwest Colorado meetings, and some additional boards, met with the Office of Just Transition, CCI (Colorado Counties Inc.), state BLM director to talk about the MOU with the BLM for oil and gas.
