County recaps past month
The Board of Phillips County Commissioners recapped the last month at a press briefing Wednesday, Aug. 31.
The commissioners said discussions on wind tower and zoning regulations continued. The hope is to finalize changes by Oct. 19.
The county has agreed to haul demolition debris from the Haxtun Swimming Pool building, which was scheduled to be torn down in late August. The road and bridge department planned to have trucks and drivers available to haul the material to the county landfill. This will be an in-kind support for a grant the town of Haxtun has with the Department of Local Affairs.
The county purchased a 2002 Gradall XL4100 wheel excavator. This piece of equipment will be used in the road and bridge department to clean out ditches on county gravel roads.
The commissioners are considering participation in the Rural Jump-Start Program. This program is through the Colorado Office of Economic Development and is designed to promote new businesses in the area by providing tax relief and grant participation.
The commissioners were asked about selling some used metal fence panels. In the past, the county has sold items by competitive bid.
Commissioner Garold Roberts reported on the funding of the communication center to the city of Holyoke.
The board held a work session with Gerald Whipple, Matt Meusborn, and road and bridge manager Mike Salyards. The board agreed to move forward with a plan for county employees getting a commercial driver’s license to be trained by Meusborn and tested by Whipple.
Daryl Kuehn was hired as a full-time employee. He will be working out of the Holyoke District 2 shop and will replace Tobin Moore, who resigned in August.
Patrick Dick was hired as a full-time employee. He will be working out of the Amherst District 1 shop and will replace Bob Overstreet, who resigned in July.
The commissioners approved a subdivision exemption for Ivan and Julie Wiebke to sell 5.21 acres in the SE 1/4 of section 13-7-45 to Gade and McKenna Groshans. This parcel is 1 mile west and 1/2 mile south of Holyoke on County Road 37 and is to be used as a residence.
The board discussed the auto accident with the county Meet and Eat vehicle that occurred in Haxtun while delivering meals. Damage was minimal to the county car and will be repaired by the maintenance department. No tickets were issued.
The county received a letter asking about a property tax exemption from an individual in Haxtun. The matter has been turned over to attorney Tamara Kelley.
The board approved the landfill to be closed on the day of the county fair parade. The day will be made up on Columbus Day.