At the September 24, 2024, Gilpin County Commissioners meeting, all commissioners – Susan Berumen (Chair), Marie Mornis, and Sandy Hollingsworth – were present, along with key officials, including Deputy Clerk Kimberly Kaufman, County Manager Ray Rears, and newly appointed County Attorney Jack Reutzel.
Reutzel, who replaces Bradford Benning, brings 34 years of experience working with government agencies. Fairfield & Woods, P.C., the firm chosen to provide legal services, was selected for its broad resources and expertise.
Jennifer Cook from CSU Extension presented the first reading of the County’s Noxious Weed Plan, granting the County the authority to remove noxious weeds from private property and issue fines between $500 and $1,000 for repeat offenses.
Mornis opposed the fines, voting against at the first reading, stating that the fines were “too severe.” She asked for more time to consider adjusting the fine/fee structure.
The Board clarified that enforcement would be driven by complaints and would prioritize education and collaboration with landowners before any fines are imposed.
Edits will be reviewed during the second reading on October 22 at 9:30 p.m.
Coroner Zane Laubhan introduced a formalized policy for handling cash found on deceased individuals.
The policy requires that any cash exceeding $300 be deposited with the County Treasurer, with receipts issued to the Coroner and funds to be returned to the next of kin. In rare cases, such as cash contaminated with drugs or bodily fluid, the Federal Reserve will handle disposal. The Board approved the resolution unanimously.
Treasurer Mary Lorenz presented the Treasurer’s Report for August 2024, noting that tax collections are slightly lower than in 2023.
Commissioner Hollingsworth confirmed that the County had approximately $39 million in cash on hand at the end of August. This continues an upward trend, with last year’s balance at $36 million, 2022’s at $30.5 million, and just $24.5 million in 2021.
The commissioners approved an 8.5% increase in medical plan rates through CEBT for 2025.
Other resolutions passed included support for NoCo Places’ Conservation & Recreation Vision, the repeal of a temporary stay on processing 1041 applications, and the addition of Jennifer Cook as the County’s representative to the Upper Clear Creek Watershed Association.
A budget work session was scheduled for October 2, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and another for October 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Courthouse. A third session will take place on October 29, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Community Center to review the draft budget.
Rears provided an update on the South Beaver Creek Road Improvement Project, noting that two public outreach sessions will be held – one before the end of 2024 and another in the first quarter of 2025.
Additionally, Rears announced a work session scheduled for October 1, covering topics such as the Human Service Emergency Assistance Grant Policy, Treasurer’s Office update, and ADA report, along with discussions on zoning code updates and Conex shipping containers.
The Board then recessed into executive session. After returning about 45 minutes later, Hollingsworth moved to authorize the County Manager to purchase real property up to $1.25 million, subject to County Attorney approval. All were in favor. The meeting adjourned immediately afterward.
The next regular meeting of the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for October 8, 2024, at 9 a.m. and will be held in person at the Historic Courthouse, 203 Eureka Street, Central City and online via Zoom.
