MINDY LEARY

CENTRAL CITY – The Gilpin County Board of Commissioners met July 8 to address a packed agenda, approving a major gaming grant request, restructuring key staff positions, and laying out the groundwork for long-term planning.

Gaming impact funds

Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 25-089, submitting a $2.8 million request to the state’s Limited Gaming Impact Fund. The grant helps cover costs associated with emergency response, public safety, and judicial services related to gambling activities in Black Hawk and Central City.

Top funding requests included:

Gilpin Ambulance Authority – $1,097,656

Detentions Center – $665,814

District Attorney’s Office – $834,750

Sheriff’s Patrol and Dispatch – $146,009

Victim Services – $60,000

Jefferson Center for Mental Health – $15,890

The state requires counties to publicly rank their priorities, which the board completed during the meeting. Rankings were determined as follows:

1. Victim Services 

2. Sheriff’s Patrol and Dispatch

3. Detentions Center

4. Jefferson Center for Mental Health

5. Gilpin Ambulance Authority

6. District Attorney’s Office

Staff noted that gaming-related jail stays cost the county $77.16 per day.

Restructuring leadership positions

The County Manager explained that vacancies provide opportunities to analyze efficiency. Lots of discussion ensued regarding the restructuring. 

The board adopted Resolution 25-088, creating a new Finance Director/Assistant County Manager role to improve financial oversight and strategic leadership. The job will be posted soon.

The current Grant Writer is filling in as Interim Finance Director, and the grant writing position will be exclusively retained, but under the Finance Department. Grant management will now fall under the current Financial Analyst’s duties.

The Strategic Projects Manager position will be visited at a later date.

These changes are funded through current vacancy savings.

Compensation strategy

The board also reviewed outcomes from the 2023 compensation strategy and agreed to pursue a hybrid approach for a new study. Human Resources will lead the effort, working with an outside consultant while departments begin updating job descriptions. Commissioners plan to hold one or two work sessions later this year to discuss the County’s overall compensation philosophy.

New hires at sheriff’s office

Human Resources Director Chanda Johnson introduced two new employees: a Detention Specialist and a Court Security Guard, both of whom are now working with the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office.

Retirement match and vesting updated

Resolution 25-087 established two voluntary retirement match plans, one for POST-certified staff and one for general employees, and a new four-year vesting schedule for new hires.

Liquor licenses approved

The board approved a special event liquor permit for the Peak to Peak People’s Festival on September 20 and renewed licenses for Pickle Liquors, Underground Liquor, and Coyote Liquors.

Communications lease formalized

Commissioners passed Resolution 25-086 to finalize a lease with the U.S. Forest Service for the Dakota Hill Communications Tower, ensuring continued compliance and cost recovery through tenant leases.

GROC contract updated

The board amended its agreement with the Gateway to the Rockies Opioid Council (Resolution 25-085), naming Dr. Chelsea Shor as the county’s representative, updating the scope of services, and enforcing quarterly reporting from grant recipients.

County Manager’s report

County Manager Ray Rears shared several updates:

• Budget season is underway; department requests are due July 17, with a draft budget expected September 23.

• Community Development hiring continues; 16 candidates applied. 

• The East Portal Cabins project, Rollinsville survey, and annex construction plans are in progress.

• A presentation from CDOT is tentatively scheduled for August 19.

• Records scanning is expanding to include Treasurer files.

Commissioner updates

Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth announced a $185,452 grant for Parks and Recreation to support youth programs and buy a van.

Commissioner Susan Berumen reported on early childhood initiatives, upcoming legislation on septic replacements for low-income homeowners, and a $5,000 donation from Caesars Entertainment for senior services.  She also promoted a community potluck for families with young children on July 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the Community Center.

Commissioner Jeff Aiken shared updates on meeting with the Sheriff’s Office on gaming impacts and visiting the Food Pantry.

The meeting ended with an executive session for legal consultation.

The next Regular BoCC meeting is scheduled for July 22, 2025, and will be held at the Historic Courthouse located at 203 Eureka Street in Central City.