RBC | Rio Blanco County Commissioners met Tuesday in Meeker for a regular meeting. They approved a grant application for the clerk and recorder’s office to increase pay for election judges from $10 to $13 an hour, awarded the annual striping project, and approved adoption of a revised budget schedule.
“It will be a tough schedule to meet,” said County Administrator Vicky Edwards. “But we think it will work.”
The board approved a title change from administrators to directors and subsequent modification of the county organizational chart, approved a special event liquor license for the Lions Club to serve alcohol during the livestock sale at the county fair, and approved a public health retention bonus pay policy.
Commissioners approved a letter to Heather Sauls regarding 1041 powers with respect to the Wolf Creek Reservoir project. According to the state, “1041 powers allow local governments to identify, designate, and regulate areas and activities of state interest through a local permitting process. The general intention of these powers is to allow for local governments to maintain their control over particular development projects even where the development project has statewide impacts.”
The board approved a letter of opposition to a proposal that would make Dolores Canyon a national monument.
“This is a huge land grab by the federal government. It’s something we need to oppose,” said Commissioner Doug Overton.
Commissioners ratified a letter to Tri-State encouraging the company to locate its proposed natural gas-fired transmission plant in Rio Blanco County. Overton explained that Tri-State is seeking a location for the plant, and said, “We’re going to do everything we can to get that in Rio Blanco County.”
Recent legislation passed by the state that prohibits possession of firearms in government buildings had a loophole for local governments. Commissioners passed a resolution permitting lawful possession of firearms in county buildings in Rio Blanco County. Firearms still cannot be carried in the Justice Center or within 100 ft. of the courthouse during elections.
In the update from the Road and Bridge department, chip seal on County Rd. 7 is getting underway, delays are expected on the Buford/New Castle road on the Garfield County side, and hauling activity on Wilson Creek is expected to pick up.
Commissioners and staff spent a good portion of time discussing bounce houses on county property. Beyond damage to the grass, there are liability concerns.
The grant for the increase up to $3/hour in Election Judge’s wages is coming from the Colorado Secretary of State’s office.