High Fire Danger

"Gilpin County currently is in a stage three or designated three extreme drought condition at this particular time."”

Sheriff Kevin Amstrong

CENTRAL CITY — Filling a long-vacant sanitation board seat topped a busy agenda Tuesday as the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners worked through more than a dozen resolutions.

The July 14, 2026, meeting covered wildfire preparedness, human services, elections, and County finances.

One of the final items of the day was appointing Dennis Denson to the Black Hawk-Central City Sanitation District board after the district was unable to fill the vacancy within the 60-day period required by state law.

Four Black Hawk/Central City residents applied for the position: Denson (who was recently appointed to the Central City Downtown Development Authority as well), Black Hawk Alderman Jim Johnson, Central City Councilmember Marcia Enloe, and Belvidere Foundation President Peter Droege.

Child and Adult Protection Program Manager Marie Cosby introduced William Bauer, the new Child Welfare Intern.

Photo by Mindy Leary

Commissioner Jeff Aiken nominated Enloe. Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth nominated Denson, pointing to his construction background. The board unanimously selected Denson, who will serve until the next sanitation district election in May 2027.

The appointment does more than fill an empty seat. The sanitation district oversees wastewater collection and treatment for both Black Hawk and Central City. 

With only four directors, tie votes become possible, and it's easier for the board to lose a quorum. A fifth member gives the district a full board and helps keep routine business moving.

County begins discussing de-Brucing

During his report, County Manager Ray Rears said staff has started discussing whether Gilpin County should eventually ask voters to approve a TABOR "de-Brucing" measure.

The term is unfamiliar to many voters. Under the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights, or TABOR, governments generally must refund tax revenue collected above state spending limits unless voters approve keeping it.

A de-Brucing ballot measure would ask voters whether the County could keep and spend that excess revenue instead of issuing refunds.

Supporters say the extra revenue could help pay for roads, public safety, wildfire mitigation, and other County services without raising tax rates. 

Opponents argue it reduces or eliminates taxpayer refunds and allows governments to spend more money with less pressure to limit spending.

No proposal is on the table yet, but commissioners said the discussion is part of longer-term budget planning. If the County decides to move forward, the question will ultimately be decided by voters.

New faces at the county

Commissioners welcomed several new County employees during Tuesday's meeting. Sheriff Kevin Armstrong introduced David Willoughby, who joins the Sheriff's Office as a records specialist.

Public Works Director John Combs introduced three additions to his department: Alex Pence, a road and bridge worker; Brian Murphy, a mechanic; and Stephen Craig, the new equipment operator at the County's slash and mulch site.

Chief Deputy Clerk and Recorder Joe Self introduced Jennifer Shank, a deputy clerk and recording specialist, and Teala Whiting, a deputy clerk and motor vehicle technician.

Child and Adult Protection Program Manager Marie Cosby also introduced William Bauer, a Master of Social Work student who is serving as a child welfare intern.

Fire restrictions remain

Commissioners formally ratified Stage 2 fire restrictions that took effect June 29.

Sheriff Kevin Armstrong said the restrictions are based on drought conditions, fuel moisture, weather, and the availability of firefighting resources across Colorado.

Gilpin County remains in a Stage 3 extreme drought, and Armstrong urged residents to be prepared to evacuate quickly if a wildfire starts, noting that many mountain neighborhoods have only one road in and out.

He also reminded residents that propane grills with shutoff valves are still allowed under Stage 2 restrictions, while charcoal grills, pellet smokers, and wood-burning grills are prohibited.

Forest work moves forward

The board approved applying for a Colorado Fire Shed Fund grant to expand forest mitigation around the Gilpin County Fairgrounds, Community Center, and nearby County-owned property.

If funded, the 14.2-acre project would remove conifers from aspen stands, build burn piles, and eventually conduct prescribed pile burns when conditions are safe. The County committed up to $15,000 in matching funds if the grant is awarded.

Officials said the project would reduce wildfire risk while giving residents opportunities to learn more about forest management through public workshops.

Human services updates

Commissioners approved an agreement with Larimer County to administer Gilpin County's Child Care Assistance Program.

Human Services Director Janey Barker said Gilpin County receives only a few applications each year, making it difficult for staff to stay current on the program's complex requirements. Larimer County already provides the same service for several other small counties, while Gilpin County will continue paying local childcare providers.

The board voted yes on an agreement with Jefferson Center for Mental Health that formalizes a virtual co-responder program for the sheriff's office. 

Through the program, deputies can connect people experiencing a mental health crisis with licensed clinicians by telehealth during calls for service. Officials said the approach is more practical for Gilpin County than employing a full-time co-responder because of the county's relatively low call volume.

The board also approved the County's annual Colorado Works (TANF) contract, along with authorizing a one-year Jefferson Center kiosk pilot program for virtual mental health appointments at the Human Services building.

The group accepted funding for the upcoming community vaccine clinics. They also approved an audit extension, just as a precaution. Finance Director Lorna Plamondon said the County is on schedule to complete its audit before the July 31 deadline.

Commissioners designated the Historic Courthouse in Central City as the Voting Service and Polling Center for the November 3, 2026, general election.

The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners will hold its next regular meeting Tuesday, July 28, at the Historic Courthouse in Central City.