County opts out

At their June 30 meeting, Phillips County commissioners voted to opt out of the opioid settlement fund distribution, which will redirect the county’s local share of funds to the 10-county region in which it is located.

The board explained its decision at a July 29 press briefing.

By working with the other counties in the region, everyone will be able to pool the funds into one big pot, said Commissioner Terry Hofmeister, who is also on the opioid settlement board for the northeast Colorado region.

While “opting out” may seem like the county didn’t want the $25,876.68 that it was offered over 18 years, it really means that the money will be put to better use.

Over 18 years, the region will be getting $3,585,641, and Hofmeister said they’re hoping other counties and municipalities will also opt out so that those funds can be used for one brick and mortar facility in the region that can be used for opioid education, treatment and rehabilitation. The state’s closest one to Holyoke right now is Greeley.

June 30

According to the June 30 meeting minutes, the commissioners also:

— Discussed funding for the communications center.

— Approved the subdivision exemption request submitted by DTCT, LLC to sell 9.92 acres to Beau Starkebaum.

— Approved the hiring of Aleah Buccelli as a caseworker II for the Department of Human Services.

— Agreed that the communications center can advertise for an additional dispatcher.

— Noted that second tranche of American Recovery Plan Act funds in the amount of $414,213 was deposited June 30.

— Approved the proposal submitted by event center reservationist Carrie Anderson to change the rental agreement to include the kitchen for rentals of the Biesemeier Room and Heginbotham Hall.

— Approved the audit engagement agreement for fiscal year 2022 for an amount not to exceed $19,000 as proposed by Ronnie Farmer of rfarmer LLC.

— Approved contracting with Scholl Oil and Transportation Co. for prepaid propane for the upcoming heating season: September 2022-May 2023. The contract is for 3,870 gallons at a maximum price of $1.99 per gallon for a total contract amount of $7,701.30.

— Approved the proposal from Platinum Technology to install a compliance standards and reporting manager system for $695 per month and a $3,500 setup fee.

July 11

Among other items at the July 11 meeting, the commissioners:

— Approved the purchase of a 2023 John Deere 670G motor grader from 4 Rivers Equipment in Greeley for $296,225.75 with no extended warranty.

— Approved the hiring of Kory Peterson as a deputy sheriff.

— Approved a $3,000 signing bonus with a two-year employment commitment for new road and bridge workers.The motion carried 2-1, with Tom Timm and Garold Roberts voting “yes” and Hofmeister voting “no.”

July 19

At their July 19 meeting, the commissioners:

— Noted that new employees in the road and bridge department will receive a payment of $750 after they’re hired and every six months until the full amount of $3,000 is met for a signing bonus. In the event the employee does not stay for the full two years, payment back to the county will be prorated. The board also confirmed that the county will pay for new road and bridge employees to get their commercial driver’s license.

— Approved a $3,000 signing bonus with a two-year employment commitment for new communications center employees. The payout schedule and conditions for this bonus will be the same as for road and bridge employees.

— Met with Holyoke Police Chief Doug Bergstrom and Sheriff Thom Elliott regarding security and safety in the restrooms at the Phillips County Event Center.

— Authorized road and bridge manager Mike Salyards to offer $40,000 to Prestige Equipment for a 2002 Gradall XL4100.

— Approved the subdivision exemption request submitted by Jason Koberstein to subdivide 21 acres. No sale is involved.

— Discussed House Bill 21-1085 regarding secure transportation licensure.

— Approved the use of American Recovery Plan Act funds to purchase additional mapping enhancements from IMEG Corp. for $960.

— Approved the purchase of a 2023 Caterpillar 140LVR motor grader from Wagner Equipment in Denver for $313,385.85.

— Approved purchase of a 2023 Load King Bottom Dump 2060-40-2 trailer from Crossroads Trailer in Hudson for $46,500.

— Tabled approving the scheduling of a date for discussion about Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance program with county employees until further information is received.

— Noted they received a good audit report from Farmer, who presented the county’s 2021 audit via Zoom.