CENTRAL CITY — The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners discussed transportation, emergency preparedness, and slash yard operations during its April 21 work session, with several items expected to return for formal action at the next regular meeting on April 28, 2026.

Transit expansion moves forward

Commissioners heard a request from Boulder County for $20,000 to support an expansion of the Mountain Rides service into Gilpin County.

The funding would serve as a local match for Clean Transit Enterprise funds and help extend the route to the Gilpin County Community Center. Officials said the grant could bring in about $100,000 annually for the service, with the potential to restore a third day of operation.

Currently, the service runs two days a week, on Mondays and Thursdays, with a third day previously offered but cut. The proposed third day of service would restore that additional weekday, likely midweek, depending on scheduling and funding.

Ridership has remained steady over the past two years, averaging about 11 to 13 riders per day, even after service was reduced.

Cost remains a factor. Boulder County staff said the service costs about $55 per boarding, which they noted is typical for rural transit systems because long distances and low population limit ridership.

Commissioner Susan Berumen asked whether the $20,000 request would change over time. Staff said the amount could be spread over multiple years, depending on how the grant funding is awarded.

Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth raised concerns about the schedule, noting that the current 12:05 p.m. stop at the Community Center overlaps with senior lunch on Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 1 p.m.

Alex Hyde-Wright, the Boulder County Regional Multimodal Planning Division Manager, said there is some flexibility, but “not infinite flexibility,” since adjusting one stop would shift the entire route due to the single-vehicle system.

The board discussed making any funding contingent on receiving the state grant and considered a smaller contribution of around $12,000 to restore a third day of service for the second half of 2026.

Commissioners generally agreed that, despite the cost, the service fills a gap in a county with limited transportation options. Staff was directed to bring back a resolution at a future meeting.

Animal response split into two roles

Undersheriff Greg Demo updated the board on changes to the Gilpin County Animal Response Team.

The program has been divided into two functions. GCART will now handle day-to-day animal control needs, while the nonprofit No Animal Left Behind will focus on large-scale or catastrophic incidents.

Demo said the Sheriff’s Office continues to respond to routine calls, though frequency varies depending on weather and other factors. He noted a recent eviction where deputies encountered four dogs and two cats.

The County has basic equipment for small animals and limited resources for livestock, including a trailer that is being brought back into service.

Demo said budget discussions for 2027 will likely include funding requests for both operations.

COOP plan aims for clarity and flexibility

Emergency Management Director Steven Mingura presented progress on the County’s Continuity of Operations Plan.

He said the previous version was difficult to follow and not tailored to this county. The updated plan is being developed based on federal guidance and examples from other jurisdictions, with input from department heads.

“The COOP is going to be a living document,” Mingura said.

The plan is intended to ensure essential services continue during emergencies, with the ability to activate within 12 hours and sustain operations for up to 30 days.

Mingura said the County is still in the review phase, with department heads working on annexes specific to their operations. He said the goal is to have a completed plan by the end of summer.

Commissioners discussed the need for training and real-world testing. Mingura said tabletop exercises and evacuation drills are being considered, though a full-scale exercise will take more time to organize.

County Manager Ray Rears stressed that the plan will only be effective if staff understand it ahead of time.

Slash yard sees surge in use

Public Works Director John Combs said the county’s slash yard, which opened early on April 1 due to storm debris, has seen a noticeable jump in activity.

“Our numbers have significantly increased,” Combs said.

He said the busiest period tends to be the middle of the day, even though many residents prefer to start work early.

“The trend is people that are dealing with slash and debris like that, they want to get it going early before the heat of the day,” Combs said.

A community survey showed support for the current 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. hours, though some residents would like later closing times.

Combs raised safety concerns about keeping the yard open later than the adjacent transfer station, which closes earlier.

The board referred to the current schedule as a pilot program and agreed to keep collecting feedback before making changes.

Beetle risk and processing costs

Staff said no beetle-infested “hot logs” have been received so far this season. If they are, the County would need to process them within 20 days, which can be costly.

Right-of-Way Specialist Andrew Decker said renting a chipper costs about $850 per day, while purchasing one would cost just under $1 million.

Transporting wood chips costs about $9 per cubic yard, including fuel and vehicle wear.

To reduce risk, the County plans a moratorium on hot logs from July 15 to September 15, during peak beetle activity.

Officials also reminded residents to keep slash free of dirt and rocks, which can damage equipment.

The Board of County Commissioners meets at 9 a.m. at the Old Courthouse, 203 Eureka Street in Central City, for the next regular meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.