On February 14, 2023, the Yuma County Commission held its regular meeting. Chairman Scott Weaver, Commissioner Mike Leerar and Commissioner Adam Gates were present.

Roads and Bridges Supervisor Tom Andersen and Blade Foreman Justin Lorimer met with the Commissioner to discuss updates on the sector. The commissioner has heard public requests to change the maintenance divisions of primitive roads for the construction of new housing. The Commissioner has discussed the request and has been advised pending further investigation. Andersen provided a current equipment inventory list for reference, and the group discussed efforts to develop a new road prioritization program to manage traffic patterns and snow removal. The group discussed a variety of operational protocols, including pre-employment physical examinations and new master service agreements for key operational software recently sold to new vendors. Andersen reviewed current department availability and explained seasonal variations in staffing needs.
The Department of Social Services has heard an operational update. In attendance to provide updates were Director Kara Huber, Eligibility Supervisor Darlene Rogers, Child Welfare and Adult Protection Supervisor Holly Hillman, and Administrative Assistant Lori Summers.
Dave Blach, Travis Rogers, and JoLynn Midcap, representing the Ag Innovation Center, met with the Commissioners to discuss their work so far and their plans for 2023. The group discussed future grant opportunities that are currently under consideration. The Commissioner reaffirmed its support for projects focused on long-term sustainability and financing mechanisms, given the importance of operating costs. Commissioners shared their views on the importance of such projects being self-sustaining and shared the view that programmatic improvements should not overburden the already difficult county operating budgets on an ongoing basis. reiterated the requirement to include sufficient funding.
The Commissioner met with Darlene Carpio of Congressman Ken Buck’s Office to hear Congress’ updates and discuss local priorities. The group discussed federal efforts to control spending and the impending national debt ceiling. The Commissioner highlighted local agricultural challenges related to water and expressed concern about the local impact of renewable energy tax credits offered by the state and federal governments. The Commissioner expressed concern that the burden of renewable energy production is being placed on local communities while tax incentives for such production are being waived by higher authorities.
County Clerk and Recorder Bev Wenger met with the commission to add previously reviewed grant applications to fund various election security equipment.
County Administrator Andrea Calhoun presented a variety of operational updates. During the discussion, there was approval of a resolution to formally declare Livestock Appreciation Day 2023. The Commissioner also approved the 2022 Cost Allocation Report, Additional National Opioid Settlement Participation Agreements, and Agreements on Operational Needs, including assurances for CDL Testing Units. Calhoon provided updates on regional opioid councils, 911 authorities’ financial oversight, and regional transportation plans. Calhoon also discussed an update on the transition to a VOIP phone system, requested training for department staff, and was instructed in negotiating the hiring of a Fairgrounds Events Manager.