RECTOR RESIGNATION
Rio Blanco County Commissioner Jeff Rector’s second term will end early following a resignation announcement Tuesday. “I sent a letter to the Republican Party last night and today’s my last day, I’m resigning my Commission as of today,” he said, thanking “constituents and staff” of Rio Blanco County for the opportunity to serve. Members of the county’s Republican Party have 10 days to appoint a replacement to fill the vacancy.
LAND USE PLAN
Updates to the county land use plan will cost around $11.8K according to RBC Conservancy District Director Callie Hendrickson. Natural Resources/Emergency Manager Eddie Smercina updated the board on the cost Tuesday, noting that the conservation district is requesting $3K additional to help fund the finalization of the plan. The county originally allocated $2K for the project but is set to approve the additional request next week for a total contribution of $5K. The conservation district is covering the rest of the land use plan update.
FAIR BOARD
Commissioners will appoint Christina Stephens to the fair board next week following an interview during a Tuesday work session. Commissioner Ty Gates noted other members of the fair board were excited for the board to get someone with computer/office management experience. Stephens said she is joining the board because she’s seen what it does for kids in the community.
GIS/PLANNING
RBC Planner Leif Joy shared first quarter updates for the GIS/Planning department. Among other improvements to the GIS, he noted changes to the way certain documents are indexed, making it “easier to pull that data electronically.” Joy also said land survey plats are now available online, and spoke about recent drone projects to map out upcoming paving projects for road and bridge. Upcoming projects include final plat amendments for Ridge Estates and Sleepy Cat, a minor subdivision still waiting on a plat, and a PUD agreement still in process for Elk Creek Ranch. Joy said it is for development in the floodplain of the river.
REGULAR MEETING
The board approved a sublease amendment with Union Telephone Company, who plans to add an additional tower at the Marvine Tower Site that could improve service for some mobile users. They approved a three year contract with MGT of American Consulting LLC. for indirect/administrative cost allocation planning, totaling $16.5K. Budget and Finance Director Janae Stanworth explained that the plan helps the county to identify what an indirect cost is, including some legal counsel, payroll processing and IT support work, all of which, she said, are indirect costs for the Department of Human Services shared with Moffat County. She said the plan costs about $5K per year but will allow the county to get about $60K back.
The board also approved a liquor license for upcoming Meekerpalooza events on June 10, 17, 24 and July 15 and 22.
By LUCAS TURNER | [email protected]om
