GILPIN COUNTY – The Gilpin County Commissioners (BoCC) adopted the 2025 fiscal year budget in a split 2-1 vote during their December 10, 2024, meeting. Commissioners Susan Berumen (District 2, Chair) and Sandy Hollingsworth (District 3) voted in favor, while Commissioner Marie Mornis (District 1) opposed.

The $44,329,362 budget includes a projected revenue of $35,437,657, resulting in a $9 million shortfall. 

Mornis raised concerns about specific allocations, including $1.8 million for the Community Annex, the $1 million Parks and Recreation Fund, and staff positions under the County Manager’s office, where only one is required by statute. She mentioned that she did not think the Community Engagement Officer was a necessary position. “The commissioners should have accepted the $1 million IGA offer from Black Hawk,” Mornis added.

Berumen spoke of fiscal prudence, noting that Gilpin County is one of only three counties in Colorado without debt. 

Hollingsworth commended the budget’s focus on balancing immediate needs and long-term planning. She said the budget reflects the importance of capital improvements and public safety, pointing out that the County retains over $20 million in reserves. 

"This budget reflects our commitment to addressing community priorities while maintaining fiscal responsibility," she said. Hollingsworth also noted that while this year’s expenditures are significant, future spending will be scaled back to ensure sustainability.

The commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 24-171, setting a property tax mill levy of 9.757 mills for the 2025 budget year, no change to the previous year’s levy.

Additionally, the BoCC passed Resolution 24-158, approving $5,000 in supplemental appropriations to the 2024 budget, and Resolution 24-162, which adjusts the accrual reset date for employee vacation balances to December 31 to align with the County’s new payroll system. Both resolutions passed without dissent.

Resolution 24-169, allowing all paid County employees free access to the Gilpin County Community Center starting January 1, 2025, was also unanimously approved. Hollingsworth expressed enthusiasm, citing her long-standing support for employee wellness programs.

Starting January 1, 2025, the Community Center’s hours will change as follows:

Monday: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Thursday: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.

There was general satisfaction, with an assurance that residents will be pleased to hear of this vast improvement in hours.

Resolution 24-170: Approved a one-time payout for Dispatch employees who were unable to use accrued vacation due to staffing shortages. Mornis voiced strong support, and the resolution passed unanimously.

Resolution 24-166: Amended job descriptions for Senior Program staff to include essential soft skills, fostering better engagement with senior residents. A member of the public commended this development, noting its potential to improve interactions between the County and its senior citizens.

Resolution 24-165: Renewed a subcontractor service agreement with Volunteers of America (VOA) for senior nutrition and transportation programs. Hollingsworth continued to advocate for expanding senior programming.

Resolution 24-163: Established a Regional Resilience Team in collaboration with Clear Creek County. The team will focus on economic development, including broadband and housing initiatives.

Resolution 24-159: Approved a professional services agreement with JR Engineering for road restoration on South Beaver Creek Road. This project aims to address floodplain challenges, wetlands preservation, and traffic safety.

County Manager Ray Rears provided several updates:

A new childcare facility, Mountain Kids, will soon occupy the former Eagles’ Nest site adjacent to the Gilpin Schools campus.

The County acquired Rudolph Ranch Homestead to secure water rights, with closing scheduled for December 17, 2024.

The County Manager’s office will host an informational booth at the Gilpin Winter Arts Festival.

During the public comment period, a resident expressed hope that the recent addition of soft skills to Senior Program job descriptions will lead to improved care. The resident added that their elderly mother had experienced emotional insensitivity in the past while participating in the program. While acknowledging some recent improvements, they emphasized the need for further enhancements, particularly in fostering more educational and engaging activities to enrich the seniors' daily experiences.

Earlier, the BoCC unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, which included the Clerk and Recorder’s November 2024 End of Month Report, the appointment of a member to the County Noxious Weed Advisory Board, Resolution 24-175 approving the 2024 Gilpin County Meeting Calendar, Resolution 24-174 amending the Master Policy and Procedure Manual for agenda policies, and the approval of meeting minutes from October 8 and October 22, 2024. These items were passed without discussion or objection.

The next regular meeting of the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for December 17, 2024, at 9 a.m., held in person at the Historic Courthouse and accessible online via Zoom.