Bank of Colorado secures pavilion naming rights
Since its first unveiling during the Phillips County Fair in July, the pavilion at the fairgrounds has been the subject of a massive fundraising push by city and county leaders.
Now, the Bank of Colorado Pavilion is $86,000 closer to completion, thanks to a gift from Bank of Colorado, which has given the bank naming rights through 2038.
Phillips County Board of Commissioners announced at its Oct. 31 meeting that the interest rate on the County’s lease-purchase agreement with the bank was lowered from 3.47 to 3.19 percent as part of the naming agreement.
Bank of Colorado’s Holyoke branch president Brian Gales met with the board Oct. 19 to sign the agreement. At last Wednesday’s board meeting, he expressed his organization’s hopes that the pavilion would drive business to Holyoke, in addition to providing a home for the fair and other local events.
“There are a lot of ways as a business that we can give back to the community,” he said. “Hopefully, it will bring people into the community who might not otherwise come here.”
Salary set for Hofmeister
Incoming commissioner Terry Hofmeister will be receiving the standard part-time commissioner’s salary of $36,269.40, following prior discussion by the board.
The figure was announced at the board’s Oct. 31 meeting. It was figured as 60 percent of the full-time salary for Hofmeister’s position in a Class V county, as defined by the state legislature.
Elections and re-elections are the only times during which the salary of an elected official can be changed. The new salary will go into effect Jan. 8.
Board talks noxious weeds
Methods of controlling weeds on and near county rights of way were discussed at a meeting between the board and other locals.
Attendees included Harry and Ross Brinkema, Weed and Pest Manager Kerri Doleshall, Road and Bridge Manager Mike Salyards and Assistant Manager Kevin Scott.
Ross Brinkema raised concerns about noxious weeds growing in the county rights of way next to his fields. The group discussed the possibility of requiring landowners to control weeds on rights of way adjacent to their land, as well as the benefits of different ditch types.
Other business
In other October business, commissioners:
— Appointed Ben Kafka to the fair board and Jeff Firme to fill the fire representative position on the 911 Authority board.
— Hired Leroy Morrison to replace Troy Brown as a landfill worker at the request of manager Bill Andrews. Morrison started work Oct. 15.
— Held three budget work sessions during the month.
— Reappointed Ashley Pippitt to the Regional Emergency Medical and Trauma Advisory Council and David Dirks to the 911 Authority board at-large position.
— Agreed to cover the cost of another year of MASA (emergency transport) for all employees at $99 per person.
— Approved a letter of support for the Haxtun Health and Fitness Initiative.
— Heard reports from Veterans Officer Steve Firme, Emergency Manager Bob Heldenbrand, County Treasurer Linda Statz, Mobile Food Pantry and Event Center Rentals.