RBC | The Rio Blanco County Board of County Commissioners met last week in Meeker with all three commissioners present. Attorney Stuart Foster attended virtually on behalf of county attorney Rose Pugliese. There were no public comments.
Following approval of the agenda, minutes and consent agenda, commissioners moved into business, approving a liquor license for the Meeker Golf Course.
Under Item 3B, the board ratified an agreement with SGM Inc. for Emergency Watershed Protection engineering services tied to fire and flood impacts at the landfill and County Road 33. Commissioner Callie Scritchfield said the Natural Resources Conservation Service will cover up to 100% of engineering costs and 75% of construction, provided projects are completed by mid-July ahead of monsoon season. The program runs through October.
Under Item 3C, commissioners approved a grant agreement with the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Scritchfield said DHSEM will cover half of the remaining uncovered costs, leaving the county responsible for 12.5% if no other funding is secured.
Commissioners also approved the treasurer’s semiannual report.
Under Item 3F, the BOCC reappointed Michael Cobb to the Meeker Regional Library Board. Commissioner Jennifer O’Hearon emphasized that the county appoints members but does not oversee the board.
“In my opinion, the board is moving in the right direction and doing its due diligence,” O’Hearon said, noting there were strong applicants.
Commissioner Doug Overton, who reviewed interview recordings after missing some due to medical issues, said he believes the library is serving the community well. While some residents expressed concerns, he said he received just as many calls supporting the board’s direction.
Scritchfield thanked all applicants and encouraged more residents to apply for other boards with vacancies. She noted the library board has added an attorney and accountant and adopted comprehensive bylaws in the past year.
“If they follow those bylaws, I think they’re on the right road,” she said.
The board also considered adding an online tax search feature for the treasurer’s office. Treasurer Rhonna Waldref said the tool would allow taxpayers and businesses to access real-time, accurate tax information online, though it would not include online payment capability.
She said the assessor’s site provides only estimates and does not reflect special assessments, liens, interest or partial payments. An accurate search function would improve payment timelines, particularly for oil and gas companies.
The feature would cost $15,000 to implement, with a $2,000 annual fee. Adding online payments later would increase total costs to $20,000. Commissioners approved the $15,000 expense.
Under Item 3G, the board approved sending a letter to the Town of Meeker regarding library board appointments. Overton said the goal is to coordinate future appointments so one member is appointed each year. O’Hearon clarified the letter is directed to the town, not the library board, reiterating that commissioners do not control the board.
Scritchfield added the letter also states the county does not intend to enter into a proposed intergovernmental agreement with the library, noting state statute and existing bylaws already address those matters.
Later in the meeting, commissioners discussed the purchase of a new water truck for Road and Bridge and reviewed legislative updates. The meeting adjourned with the next regular meeting set for March 10 at 9 a.m. at the courthouse in Meeker. There will be no meeting Feb. 24.
UPDATED: Edited to correct a reversal of numbers on item 3B to reflect Natural Resources covering 100% of engineering and 75% of construction, 75% of engineering and 100% of construction.