County distributes COVID-19 funds for local business relief

Phillips County commissioners approved the allocation of COVID-19 relief funds totaling $171,645 to be distributed as grants to business owners in Phillips County who experienced revenue losses due to COVID-19 shutdowns in 2020.

Of the funds, $123,529.83 was from the county’s allocated amount, $41,156.13 was from the city of Holyoke’s allocated amount, which Holyoke City Council voted to put toward local business grants at its July 6 meeting, and $6,959.04 was from the town of Haxtun’s allocated amount.

Also included was $2,986 for a ballot drop box and pedestal for the town of Haxtun and $7,000 for two local church food pantries.

Commissioners also reported other activities in the month of August at their Aug. 31 meeting.

Communications center equipment purchased

At their Aug. 19 meeting, commissioners approved the request from Phillips County Communications Center director Kenny Gaskill to use funds from the American Recovery Plan to buy equipment and software for the comm center.

Purchases total $70,815 and include:

— NICE recording system from Voice Products for $26,301.

— Two consolettes from Motorola/Absolute Solutions for $16,087.

— Text-to-911 from Intrado for $13,625 for a three-year subscription.

— Five Kenwood portable radios from Absolute Solutions for $10,302.

— Radio console upgrade from Motorola for $4,500.

Fair sponsorship received

Commissioners met with Phillips County Economic Development executive director Trisha Herman, who discussed the $10,000 sponsorship granted for the Phillips County Fair.

Commissioners accepted the sponsorship, which was received from the El Pomar 2021 Colorado Assistance Fund to Support Cultural Programming. The purpose of the funding is to support cultural community events, festivals and venues that seek to build connection and reignite economic vitality — particularly in rural parts of Colorado.

Railroad crossing conditions reviewed

Last month commissioners reviewed conditions of county railroad crossings and the steps that need to be taken to repair them.

The intention is to look at all the crossings, and the county is awaiting a plan of action from the Nebraska, Kansas & Colorado Railway.

Gun range maintenance agreement reached

Commissioners approved Gary Engels as a contractor to take over maintenance of the Phillips County gun range at a monthly rate of $100 and a budget not to exceed $1,000 per year for maintenance expenses. All costs will be paid out of the Conservation Trust Fund.

Free library drop box project approved

The board met with Holyoke High School FCCLA adviser Karen Ortner regarding the installation of a book drop box outside the Phillips County Extension office.

Commissioners approved the request with the stipulation that FCCLA students maintain the box as needed. Ortner was asked to contact maintenance supervisor Dan Waln and fairgrounds complex supervisor Lonny Vernon for placement and installation assistance.

Changes made to retirement fund eligibility requirements

Commissioners made changes to the eligibility requirements for county employees to participate in the county retirement fund.

To participate, a person must now be a year-round employee who works at least 24 hours per week.

Prior requirements allowed participation for nine-month seasonal employees who work at least 20 hours per week.

Other business

In other business last month, commissioners:

­— Held a telephone conference with Ronny Farmer of rfarmer LLC for the 2020 audit review, in which no issues or concerns were noted.

— Approved the 2021 audit engagement agreement with rfarmer LLC for a cost not to exceed $18,540.

­— Accepted a roadway occupancy agreement with PC Telcom for underground construction of a 600-foot fiber-optic line that will be buried 48 inches deep southwest of Holyoke running south on County Road 33 crossing County Road 20. It will not be a conduit.

— Approved a roadway occupancy agreement with Pat Meakins for underground construction of a 6-inch drain line and 1.5-inch water line that will be buried 48 inches deep located north of Haxtun 200 feet east of County Road 3 across County Road 42.

— Approved a subdivision exemption for Lauren James Heermann and Jo Ellen Heermann Revocable Trust for the sale of approximately 4.05 acres located east of Haxtun to John Heermann.

— Purchased a 6140 Rhino ditch mower from G&M Implement in Sterling for $22,500 for the road and bridge department.

— Approved a request from Phillips County Sheriff Thom Elliott to trade in the 2015 Ford Interceptor patrol vehicle for $4,000 to use toward the purchase of a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe patrol car for $47,851.21 using the U.S. Department of Agriculture grant that had been previously approved.