Chief Deputy Clerk and Recorder Joe Self, left, presents the Gilpin County Shout Out Award to Valeria Menhusen of the Motor Vehicles office during the March 10 County Commissioners meeting at the Historic Courthouse in Central City. Menhusen was recognized for leading the office through a major statewide motor vehicle system upgrade.

Photo by Mindy Leary

CENTRAL CITY — The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners approved several resolutions Tuesday morning, including food assistance funding, support for a local childcare program, and the creation of a new Public Works position.

The board met March 10 at the Historic Courthouse with Commissioners Jeff Aiken, Susan Berumen, and Sandy Hollingsworth present.

Childcare center receives funding support

Commissioners approved Resolution 26-023, allowing Gilpin Mountain Kids Early Learning Center to receive $100,000 in County funding despite not yet meeting all eligibility requirements under Gilpin's policy for outside organizations.

Because the nonprofit has operated for only a few months, the board granted exemptions for the two-year operating requirement and audit history. The funding will be distributed in four quarterly payments of $25,000.

Executive Director Amy Carr said the center opened December 3 and is already serving families in the county. “Right now, we have 20 children enrolled,” she said. 

Carr said most of the children are infants and toddlers, with many attending part time due to flexible work schedules common in mountain communities. Initial expenses included flooring, paint, and water heater that required repairs to ensure reliable hot water in the building after the building was acquired in “as-is” condition. Commissioner Susan Berumen said the facility now feels almost new inside.

The center also plans to enroll preschool-age children during summer months and school breaks, when other programs are closed.

Food assistance funding approved

Commissioners opened a public hearing to consider a supplemental appropriation to the 2025 budget for Human Services. The resolution allows $300,000 in additional funding tied to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Finance Director Lorna Plamondon said the funding arrives through federal and state reporting and does not impact the County’s budget.

“I’m requesting appropriations for $300,000," Plamondon told the board. "It is a revenue and expense neutral."

Hollingsworth explained the funds are part of SNAP benefits.

“Some people read ‘food assistance’ and they think this is money that the County is spending,” Hollingsworth said. “This is a supplement for SNAP benefits… money that comes in and goes out to people that are eligible.” 

The board unanimously approved the resolution.

County employee recognized

During the meeting, the commissioners presented a Shout Out Award to Valeria Menhusen of the Motor Vehicles office. Chief Deputy Clerk and Recorder Joe Self said Menhusen helped lead the department through a major statewide system upgrade.

“This was the biggest update since 2018,” Self said. “She’s definitely taken the lead on it.” 

New Public Works position created

The board also approved creating a full-time lube, brake, and tire technician position in the Public Works fleet division. Public Works Director John Combs said the County fleet has grown to more than 100 vehicles serving multiple departments.

The new position will handle routine maintenance such as oil changes and tire work, allowing mechanics to focus on complex repairs. The job is funded through the County’s lodging tax approved by voters in November.

Other actions

• Capitalization threshold raised: The BoCC approved increasing the county’s capitalization threshold from $5,000 to $10,000. Plamondon said the change aligns the county with updated federal and state standards and will simplify tracking of capital assets.

• Employee handbook updated: The board adopted an updated Gilpin County Employee Handbook. The annual review included legislative updates and staff recommendations.

• Boundary line correction approved: Commissioners also approved an amended boundary line elimination for property in the Skydale subdivision. Community Development staff said the amendment corrects clerical issues and adds missing exhibits showing the final parcel configuration.

County reports

County Attorney Todd Messenger told commissioners his office continues to work on updates to the County’s land use code and will present an overview to the Planning Commission.

County Manager Ray Rears said construction of the Community Annex remains on schedule and within budget.

Rears also noted the County is pursuing several grant opportunities and encouraged residents to “stay tuned” as those applications move forward.

During commissioner reports, officials discussed wildfire mitigation efforts, regional meetings, and community events. The board also expressed interest in touring the Mighty Argo Mine later this spring.

The meeting concluded with a recess into executive session to receive legal advice regarding a quiet title action and to discuss a personnel matter related to the county manager’s employment contract.

The next regular meeting of the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for 9 a.m. March 24 at the Historic Courthouse in Central City.