CENTRAL CITY — Central City Alderman Zane Plsek commented during the March 24 Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners meeting, saying he had read the entire 206‑page packet for the meeting. He was particularly interested in the Sheriff’s Annual Report and wished to highlight a statistic related to the Justice Center. 

According to Plsek, the jail population is made up largely of non‑residents, which places a significant daily burden on the Sheriff's Office. He encouraged the public to read the report and commended the department for its hard work.

After approving the Consent Agenda consisting of routine monthly reports, several expenditure and contract‑related resolutions, fee schedule updates, and the approval of minutes, the commissioners heard the Sheriff’s Office Annual Report.

Sheriff's Office Annual Report

Sheriff Kevin Armstrong said the total calls for service increased by 35% from 2024 to 2025. In addition, 911 calls increased 12 percent. 

Significant increases were also seen in victim services, reflecting the “real people receiving support,” Armstrong said. These trauma victims are often counted in multiple crime categories, like domestic violence and assault, demonstrating the complex nature of victim assistance. 

Domestic violence bookings increased 223%, while other crimes like DUI and DWAI also saw significant increases. Gilpin resident bookings remained relatively stable, with a 2.9% increase.

During the discussion, and in relation to Plsek's comment, Armstrong pointed out the state does not fully compensate for the cost of an inmate. They provide $79 per inmate per day, but costs for an individual could exceed $200 per day for medical needs, especially those experiencing drug withdrawal. 

Commissioner Jeff Aiken asked about the protocol for destroying records. The nature of the record dictates how long it must be preserved, Armstrong explained, with some requiring lifelong retention.

Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth asked about the cost of replacing body-worn cameras, noting the state may help, having provided about $80,000 in the past. 

Armstrong replied that, depending on the brand, the cost could be anywhere from $300,000 to $500,000. Hollingsworth noted that the issue is a frequent topic of discussion at the statewide commissioner meetings and that funding the equipment is a major concern. 

Chair Susan Berumen thanked Armstrong and Undersheriff Greg Demo for their work in presenting the report. “We appreciate having all of this information,” she said.

Animal response agreement

County Manager Ray Rears provided Resolution 26-032, A Resolution Approving a Memorandum of Understanding Between Gilpin County and Chosen Gilpin County Volunteer Animal Response Teams (GCART).

The Sheriff’s Office completed its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the 501(c)(3) No Animal Left Behind Search and Rescue organization for joint critical incident animal response and shelter operations. The proposed MOU establishes roles, responsibilities, and expectations between Gilpin County and participating volunteer groups.

No Animal Left Behind was noted as a reliable and respectable animal rescue, and with the cooperation of GCART, the County plans to keep costs at a minimum. The MOU was specifically for critical incident response.  

The sheriffs explained that residents are less likely to leave their homes during an emergency if they cannot take their pets, and this MOU helps provide those services, reducing risk for animals and people.

“In addition, we are requesting the funds held in suspense for GCART to be added to the 2026 Sheriff’s Office budget where the Sheriff would have the discretion to use to support operations," the meeting packet read. "The total amount currently held for this purpose is $4,555.38.”

The board adopted the resolution delegating the county manager to represent the County. 

Public hearing

A 10 a.m. public hearing considered special event liquor permit requests for multiple 2026 Gilpin County events at 250 Norton Drive, submitted by Clerk Sahari McCormick and Special Events Coordinator Krystal Meyer.

Requests were approved for the following events: 

• Spring Wined Up – May 9

• Artisan Markets – June 13, July 11, and August 8

• Gilpin County Fair – July 17–19

• Fairgrounds Frenzy – September 12

• Turkey Trot – November 28

Other business

The board also approved an application to transfer ownership of Coyote Liquors to SoJo Goods, LLC. Jose and Tania Garcia-Paine have purchased the business of Coyote Liquors and would like to transfer the existing liquor license into their name.

Berumen was pleased the new software for the finance department is working out and has prompted what Hollingsworth called “a more efficient way to operate.” 

The Finance Department requested Board approval to merge the Payroll Administrator and Accounts Payable Specialist positions into a single NE7 role, driven by improved technology and streamlined workflows. 

The proposal also created a new NE6 Finance/HR Clerk position to provide shared clerical support, increasing efficiency, strengthening collaboration between departments, and generating annual cost savings.

Without much discussion, the commissioners voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 26-030, Approving a Reorganization of the Finance Department.

County Manager’s Report

During the County Manager’s Report, Rears shared “exciting news” about the County's financial position relative to the budget, with more revenue than expected and fewer expenses than estimated. 

Rears said revenue exceeded projections by $106,554, and expenses came in $2.35 million under budget, resulting in a net positive impact of $2.46 million.

“The budget is only as successful as a staff that understands the budget,” said Berumen. 

Other updates

The County’s Slash Yard will open April 1. New hours will run Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with Sunday hours unchanged. The early opening responds to widespread downed trees across the county.

Construction of the Community Annex remains on schedule, with an anticipated June opening.

Staff changes include Kimberly Kaufman transitioning from Clerk to the Board into a paralegal role at the end of the month.

Hollingsworth commended Community Engagement Officer Melanie Bleyler, who supports the County on several fronts.

The next Regular BoCC meeting is scheduled for April 14 at the Historic Courthouse at 203 Eureka Street in Central City.