Washington County Courthouse, Akron, Colorado
The Washington County Commissioners’ Committee met on Tuesday, April 4th. Reverend Rich Moon of Akron Foursquare Church delivered a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Her chair, Lea Ann Laybourn, called for a meeting at 8:00 am.
At Old Business, Commissioner Giselle Jefferson said she knew she received a $400,000 grant for the county service building, but wanted to know where the remaining $2.3 million came from. Commissioner Kent Vance replied that he has $400,000 worth of funding from other funds and plans to discuss it with investors in Kansas City. However, county administrator Misty Peterson said it hasn’t started yet. She said she put in $600,000 from two different funds, but in total she put $2 million into the budget if they didn’t refinance it.
Commissioner Vance added that the ambulance budget receives about $900,000 a year from taxes. Loan officers said the county is in such good shape that they don’t think they’ll have a problem raising that much money. Taxes to the Health Care Fund will probably pay for it most of the time.
The Consent Agenda was approved as amended.
The county clerk and registrar presented the Washington County Golf Club liquor license. The application was approved and the Chair was authorized to sign.
Peterson wrote to Joe Wagner to appoint him to the Planning and Zoning Committee, Carla Smith thanked her for her interest in serving, and Elizabeth Thomason thanked her for her service and resignation. It was approved to have the Chair sign all letters.
Peterson had two building permits from Andrew Scott of Otis. BP 23-11 he was going to build a house on 160 acres, BP 23-12 was the same he was going to build a 40’x60′ warehouse on 160 acres. Both building permits have been approved.
Peterson provided an update on the audit conducted by the housing authority. Both audits were made against Pioneer Haven and were submitted by the 31st. The only audit she works on is the DHS Cost Allocation Report.
In another report, Bunce said Senate Bill 213 on land use and rights was being expedited, and the CCI called an emergency meeting on Wednesday, April 5. control and pull it into State. Attorneys for the town of Akron are lobbying the town council to oppose it and are wondering if the county should do the same. It said it may ratify further objections.
IT Director Sean Kennedy gave a brief report on economic development. He and Commissioner Vance met with several major funders via Zoom and made many contacts. I hope they learn a lot and get enough money to do a lot in the county. One of their top priorities is better housing for their employees. Because this is a big question and I’m looking for better alternatives.
Westerners are ready and ready. Meetings with them have gone very well and the information has spread throughout, not just the fair board. Sponsorship is consolidated between the county and the fair. Kennedy said they had a lot of people who sponsored them, but some still haven’t. He starts working to have more contact with them.
At a Pro 15 meeting attended by Kennedy and Commissioner Raybourne, the Board had previously approved advertising for the bag. Kennedy sent all Commissioners two possible logo options. He stressed that everything can be investigated and decided by the board.
Commissioners Vance and Kennedy spoke about the potential for a Lone Star community center. He made several contacts to help with fundraising and offer ideas for good loans and grants. Commissioner Vance added that as part of matching grants, Lone Star he provided roads and bridges in District 2 to do earthwork for the community center.
Another option being considered by Economic Development is to build a new District 1 shop on land near the golf course. Kennedy discussed the idea of a new trade fair complex on the property near the golf course. It means that there is
Commissioner Jefferson said he spoke with Darlene Carpio, the former director of economic development for Yuma County. With her years of experience in economic development, when she asked one thing we should focus on, she replied that we are supporting and supporting local businesses to prosper and grow. Maximize your return on investment by helping local businesses grow and strengthen. You can use the assets you have and build assets. Commissioner Jefferson said her preference is focused on staying behind and supporting what’s already here.
Without further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:37 am.
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