GILPIN COUNTY — Gilpin County's first official flag will have to wait. Commissioners hit pause on the decision Tuesday morning, June 9, 2026, after deciding the leading design was not quite ready to fly.

The County received 12 submissions in its flag design contest, in celebration of Colorado's upcoming 150th anniversary and the nation's 250th birthday. 

Public voting on social media narrowed the field to four finalists, with the "Discover Gilpin County" design earning 179 of the 229 votes cast.

Still, not everyone was sold on the front-runner. Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth said the design "does not excite me," describing it as a little too typical and a little too busy with the lettering. She asked to see the eight designs that didn't make the final cut before making a decision.

After reviewing all 12 entries, commissioners found themselves drawn to a different concept featuring a moose, a lantern, and mining tools. The board discussed sending the idea back to the artistic community for additional variations, including incorporating more recognizable Gilpin County scenery, such as James Peak, instead of the generic mountains depicted.

Community Engagement Officer Melanie Bleyler said the County had hoped to unveil a flag by the Gilpin County Fair, but commissioners decided they would rather take more time and get it right than rush a design into production.

Floyd Hill/I-70 construction update

The board also received an update on the massive Floyd Hill Project, which continues to reshape the I-70 mountain corridor.

Project Manager Matt Hogan said the heavy blasting that has frustrated commuters for the last several years is nearly finished, with the final production blasts expected this week. 

Drivers should begin seeing fewer traffic holds as crews transition from moving mountains to building roads and bridges.

Construction of the Hidden Valley and Central City Parkway roundabout is expected to “ramp” up later this month. By the end of June, traffic through the area will be reduced from four lanes to two while crews build the northeast portion of the roundabout and a new bridge over Clear Creek.

The overall project remains on schedule, with westbound I-70 expected to move into its new alignment by the end of 2027, eastbound traffic following in 2028, and final completion projected for 2029.

Commissioners also approved a proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month in Gilpin County and inviting residents to celebrate the diverse backgrounds and contributions of their neighbors.

The rest of the meeting consisted largely of routine county business. All resolutions on the agenda passed unanimously.

Among the approvals were:

• An agreement with Clear Creek County to continue sharing child support personnel expenses.

• An extension of the County's Child Care Assistance Program agreement.

• Grant funding for Gilpin Victim Services.

• Continuation of Secure Rural Schools funding allocations.

• Updates to motor vehicle fee policies.

• A boundary line elimination for a K & K Ranch property.

• Revisions to the Gilpin Advertising Panel bylaws.

A proposed agreement with Jefferson Center for Mental Health for walk-in and telehealth crisis services was removed from the agenda because of errors in the resolution.

County reports

County Manager Ray Rears reported that the long-awaited Community Annex is nearing its finish. A final walkthrough with the contractor is expected next week, and County staff could begin moving into the building by the end of June as part of a soft opening.

If all goes according to plan, the public will get a chance to see the new facility during a ribbon-cutting and open house expected in early July. Rears noted that the project remains on schedule and at or under budget.

Rears also alerted residents to an upcoming closure of Highway 72 at the railroad crossing from 5 p.m. June 11 through 5 p.m. June 12. Traffic will be detoured through the Gap Road and Twin Pines area, creating additional traffic through the state park during the closure.

During commissioner reports, Hollingsworth noted that the Clear Creek/Gilpin shooting range briefly opened before being shut down again after visitors left behind trash and spent shell casings. "It's a pack-it-in, pack-it-out philosophy," she said, noting that the range has available receptacles.

She said they were able to implement a $10 use fee, but that use is limited due to current parking constraints. An official opening has not been announced.

Commissioners also highlighted recent community meetings and events. Hollingsworth spoke about attending the seasonal opening of Mount Blue Sky, while Commissioner Jeff Aiken said he has been exploring the possibility of starting a Saturday farmers market in Gilpin County.

Berumen reflected on a presentation by Colorado's state economist at a recent conference. She said the economist painted a mixed picture of the state's economy, with higher-income households generally doing well while many working families continue to feel squeezed by inflation and rising living costs. 

Berumen said there was also discussion about the possibility of reduced federal funding in the years ahead, which could leave states and local governments carrying more responsibility for services and programs that residents rely on.

The board adjourned at approximately 11 a.m.

Next work session: June 16, 2026, at 9 a.m. in the Historic Courthouse, 203 Eureka Street, Central City. Scheduled topics include the 2027 budget process, a water conservation update for Pete Gones Memorial Park, a second discussion on the County compensation study, and a proposed commercial kitchen use agreement for vendors.