CENTRAL CITY – The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) met for a regular meeting at the Historic Courthouse on May 13, 2025. The most notable action was the Board’s unanimous approval of Resolution 25-056, opposing the introduction of iGaming (online gambling) in Colorado. 

With similar resolutions already passed by Black Hawk, Central City, Cripple Creek, and Teller County, the Board joined other gaming jurisdictions in voicing concerns about potential harm to local economies and community well-being.

The BoCC issued a proclamation recognizing May 2025 as Mental Health Month, stressing the importance of awareness and support amid proposed cuts to behavioral health funding.

Budget fixes

Budget matters took up a significant portion of the meeting. The commissioiners approved Resolution 25-059 to amend the 2024 Human Services budget after $100,000 in eligible Food Assistance Program expenses from July had not been recorded. These costs are fully reimbursable by the State of Colorado and will not impact the fund balance. All commissioners supported the update. 

A second measure, Resolution 25-060, involved mid-year adjustments to the 2025 County budget to address funding needs that weren’t originally included. This also passed unanimously.

In other finance-related news, several infrastructure contracts were approved. These included:

·       Resolution 25-061: $317,210 agreement with Barnard Services, Inc. for the Dory Lake Pump Station.

·       Resolution 25-062: $580,480 agreement with Colorado Electric and Power Systems, Inc. to replace the Justice Center’s backup generator.

·       Resolution 25-063: $2.3 million contract with JCOR Mechanical, Inc. for hot water line and fitting replacements at the Justice Center and Community Center.

Legislative update

During the legislative update, the commissioners and Policy Matters, LLC reviewed a long list of bills. Several have passed, such as House Bills 1271 and 1293, and Senate Bill 1. One key bill passed, expanding local fire districts' authority for mitigation, while SB 77 was vetoed and failed to clear a veto override by just two votes. 

The commissioners also discussed taking a more active role in drafting future legislation, including a potential wastewater bill.

Approvals

The meeting also included a liquor license hearing for the July 4 Barn Dance at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds. After confirming that all requirements were met, the Board approved the application.

Other approvals included:

·       Resolution 25-057: Renewing the agreement with the state for the Colorado Works program.

·       Resolution 25-058: Supporting the 2025 CORE Services Plan to keep families together through early intervention and case management.

·       Resolution BLA 25-01: A boundary line adjustment between two parcels off Highways 46 and 119 to create more appropriate setbacks for an existing house and garage.

Other business

During public comment, Central City Alderman Zane Plsek urged the board to oppose iGaming. 

Resident Joyce Westbrook spoke about dangerous bonfires at a nearby short-term rental (STR), noting that the property owner advertises them online. Commissioners said that STR licenses can be revoked for repeated fire violations.

Sheriff’s report

Sheriff Kevin Armstrong introduced new hires, including Kailey Crawford (Patrol), Shayna Campbell and Sunny Garofalo (Dispatch), and Carolee Whiting (Records). 

Armstrong also presented the 2025 Operating Plan, which was adopted. He said the department responds to any wildland fire with maximum available resources. 

Commissioners clarified that STRs must follow fire rules; repeated violations can result in license loss.

The Sheriff’s Office also shared its first-quarter report. About 40 staff members upload about 1,300 body camera videos monthly, and the office maintains around 32,000 archived recordings. 

Most jail bookings continue to be linked to the gaming industry, with relatively few local residents incarcerated.

Two proclamations were adopted recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month and Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Gilpin County.

In planning matters, the commissioners continued a public hearing (VPL 25-01) about vacating a section of Tolland Road near Rollinsville. The area sought to vacate may become relevant to the Mountain Railway, and the commissioners continued the hearing indefinitely.

Future meetings and events

County Manager Ray Rears noted upcoming work sessions:

• May 20: Joint meeting with Clear Creek County commissioners at 1 p.m.

• June 5: County roads and funding discussion

Upcoming events include:

• May 15 at 6 p.m.: Clear Creek Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) meeting at the Community Center

• May 19 at 6 p.m.: South Beaver Road community meeting, also at the Community Center

• June 18 at 6:30 p.m.: Meet Gilpin’s new Emergency Manager at the Community Center

The board recessed into executive session around 11:30 a.m. and reconvened at 1 p.m. to continue legislative discussions. 

They are watching for the governor’s decisions on several remaining bills, particularly SB 5. A revenue forecast expected in June will shape the County’s next budget, especially with rising costs tied to new tax credit programs. 

The board approved letters of support for climate policy, wildfire mitigation, forest restoration, and Head Start funding.

The next Regular BoCC meeting is scheduled for April 22, 2025, and will be held at the Historic Courthouse at 203 Eureka Street in Central City.