Kinnie elected chairman
After newly elected Phillips County Commissioners Harlan Stern and Don Lock were sworn in at the courthouse Jan. 10, the board of commissioners reorganized and elected Commissioner Joe Kinnie the new chairman for 2017.
The board gave a recap of January events at their Jan. 31 meeting.
At the county courthouse and sheriff’s office/communications center, Sheriff Rob Urbach continues to work on a new security system. Upgrades to an additional door were added to the original plan after approval from the commissioners. Total cost of the project is $13,000.
Another project at the courthouse centers around roof repairs. Commissioners approved a History Colorado contract, noting the grant amount is $17,350.
Last month, the board approved an application to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Impact Assistance Grant program that was prepared by Phillips County Assessor Doug Kamery. The money would offset taxes that are not paid on state land.
One more grant application — the 2017 State Noxious Weed and Pest Grant Program — was approved for submittal. Among other things, the $8,540 grant would pay for additional part-time help if approved for the weed and pest department.
After meeting with CSU Extension 4-H associate Kindra Plumb, the board approved a memorandum of understanding regarding the purchase of a 12-passenger van to be used primarily for the 4-H program. The van will be purchased from fundraising efforts by Plumb and 4-H’ers.
Other business
In other business in the month of January, commissioners:
—approved a 2017 contract for county emergency management services with Bob Heldenbrand at a monthly payment of $1,733.33.
—approved the hiring of sheriff’s deputy Ryan Williams.
—reviewed and agreed to publish the supplemental budget for public hearing Jan. 31.
—approved a road occupancy agreement for Tallgrass Pony Express Pipeline, LLC for the repair of an existing 22-inch oil pipeline that crosses County Road 23 from Section 25 to Section 26, T6N, R46W.