GILPIN COUNTY — Gilpin County commissioners approved a new full-time position for the County’s slash site Tuesday morning after hearing just how much work has piled up from beetle kill, blowdowns, and wildfire mitigation across the county.

The Board also heard a quarterly report from the Sheriff’s Office and approved plans related to road paving, human services, and tax liens. 

At the May 12, 2026, meeting, commissioners unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included departmental quarterly reports, the Clerk and Recorder’s monthly report, a lease agreement with the Central City Opera House Association for parking lot use, and April 28 meeting minutes. 

Two new County employees were introduced during the meeting. Brennan Lautrup was hired as the County’s new lube, tire, and brake technician for Public Works, while Alisha Parkhurst was introduced as the new Clerk to the Board. 

Lautrup told commissioners he originally wanted to become a surgeon but still hoped to build a career helping people.

“My whole thing is if I can help people, it makes me feel better about the world,” he said. 

Recognizing AAPI Heritage Month

Commissioners also approved a proclamation recognizing May 2026 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The proclamation acknowledged the role AAPI communities played in building railroads, supporting mining industries, serving in the military, and contributing to businesses and civil rights efforts across the country. 

Special Projects Manager Jeri Brewer said May marks two important milestones in Asian American history: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States in 1843, and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869, built largely with the labor of Chinese workers. 

Sheriff’s report shows staffing gains

Undersheriff Greg Demo and Public Information Officer Tera Demo presented the Sheriff’s Office's first-quarter report. Dispatch data showed that 911 call volume dropped by 10% compared to the same period in 2025, while total computer-aided dispatch (CAD) calls jumped by 67%. 

Demo said the increase was tied largely to improved staffing levels and more proactive patrol work.

“In January of 2025, our patrol operating full-time employee deputies was at eight,” Demo said. “Currently, in January of 2026, our patrol operation is at 12 full-time deputies.” 

The report showed 6,299 proactive deputy actions during the first quarter. Those included traffic stops, casino checks, patrols through subdivisions, welfare checks, and investigations of suspicious activity. 

Commissioners also spent time discussing animal calls and the challenges deputies face in handling loose or abandoned dogs. Demo said deputies transported four dogs to Charlie’s Place during the first quarter after the owners could not be located. 

The jail booked 225 people during the quarter, though only 13 were Gilpin County residents. 

Commissioner Susan Berumen said the increase in staffing is already making a noticeable difference.

“One thing that stands out to me that’s really important is that being fully staffed, having those additional four deputies, really makes a substantial difference in terms of service,” Berumen said. 

Human services plan approved

Commissioners unanimously approved the County’s Human Services Core Plan, which must be submitted to the Colorado Department of Human Services. The plan outlines services aimed at helping children remain safely in their homes, reducing out-of-home placements, and supporting reunification when removal becomes necessary. 

The plan includes services such as family therapy, mental health treatment, substance abuse support, and family engagement meetings designed to help families work through difficult situations together. 

Slash site seeing major increase in use

One of the meeting’s biggest discussions centered around Resolution 26-048, which created a new full-time equipment operator position for the County slash site. 

Public Works Director John Combs said slash site activity has surged because of ongoing pine beetle damage, wind events, and more residents working to mitigate their properties.

During the same stretch last year, the County accepted 354 slash loads. This year, that number climbed to 903. 

“We’ve increased the number of loads going down probably eightfold already, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to end anytime soon,” Combs said. 

The new employee will help operate the County’s rotochopper, haul wood chips, manage slash piles, and assist Public Works crews during slower months. The position is expected to cost roughly between $97,500 and $119,000 annually, depending on experience and benefits. 

Berumen said the slash site has become an important tool for encouraging wildfire mitigation.

“I think having the free slash pile is a great tool to encourage people to do mitigation,” she said. The resolution passed unanimously. 

Crawford Gulch paving moves forward

Commissioners also approved paving improvements for Crawford Gulch Road near Golden Gate Canyon State Park. 

Combs said the road was last paved about 25 years ago and is beginning to seriously break down in some areas.

“We’re going to be back to a dirt road if we postpone this paving much more,” Combs said. 

The County reviewed proposals from both Jefferson County and Asphalt Paving Company before ultimately supporting the lower APC bid. 

Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth noted the project is not taking precedence over the ongoing South Beaver Road discussions.

“This project is not leap-frogging the South Beaver project,” she said. 

Combs added the paving project has been discussed internally since 2019. 

Other business

Commissioners approved an amendment to Resolution BLA 25-1 to correct legal descriptions and formatting errors tied to a previously approved boundary line adjustment. 

The Board also approved Resolution 26-050 authorizing the County to begin the Treasurer’s Deed process on a Central City property with more than $156,000 in unpaid taxes, fees, and interest dating back to 2008. 

County Attorney Todd Messenger updated commissioners on work involving short-term rental amendments, hazardous properties ordinances, code enforcement issues, and revisions to the land use code. 

County Manager Ray Rears updated commissioners on several ongoing County projects and upcoming work sessions. He said construction is underway at the Community Annex, records scanning projects are continuing, and staff recently hired a new Clerk to the Board. 

Upcoming work sessions are expected to cover topics including Rudolph Ranch, road updates, compensation studies, recycling programs, code enforcement policies, and a joint meeting with Clear Creek County commissioners.

The next regular meeting of the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 9 a.m. at the Historic Courthouse, 203 Eureka Street in Central City, with online access available at tinyurl.com/GilpinCommissioners.