Custer County Commissioners approved eight employee policy resolutions at their February 11 meeting, formalizing workplace standards that had been practiced informally across county departments. The board also approved $1,066.50 in matching funds for the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative and $14,900.75 for assessor software upgrades. Commissioners accepted resignations and new appointments for the Tourism Board and Board of Zoning Adjustments. The meeting was held at All Aboard Westcliffe, 112 Rosita Ave.
Policy Resolutions
The board unanimously approved Resolutions 26-07 through 26-14, covering Standards of Conduct, Teleworking, Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, Workers Compensation, Travel, Vehicle and Equipment Usage, and Paid Time Off (PTO) updates. Commissioners indicated these policies document procedures already in use. The county also adopted a Civil Rights Plan for Department of Human Services programs and updated the Protected Health Information Policy for DHS.
The Standards of Conduct policy establishes employee behavior expectations and disciplinary procedures. The teleworking policy sets formal guidelines for remote work arrangements, including work metrics, security requirements, workspace standards, and work hours. The Travel Policy establishes reimbursement rates and procedures for county employee travel. Commissioners noted one county employee currently works remotely under the teleworking guidelines.
Financial Actions
Commissioners approved accounts payable and departmental expenses. The board approved $14,900.75 for new assessor software and $1,066.50 in matching funds for the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative. Commissioners postponed discussion of a Redlands Accounting services proposal to the next meeting.
During accounts payable review, commissioners discussed outstanding credit card receipts from the sheriff’s office. Commissioners noted some receipts from December remain outstanding.
E911 Coordination
Commissioner Paul Vogelsong reported meeting with Fremont County E911 Authority officials to discuss consolidating emergency call services. Custer County collects approximately $100,000 annually from the $2.12 monthly fee on phone bills for 911 services.
The county has been paying Fremont County about $60,000 annually to route 911 calls from citizens to dispatch centers, though actual costs approach $100,000. Consolidation would give Custer County two seats on the combined board and more negotiating power with telecommunications companies when addressing service issues like broken phone lines.
Vogelsong said easier access to grants and better leverage with providers like Lumen are additional benefits. Another E911 board meeting is scheduled to continue consolidation discussions.
Legislative Monitoring
Commissioners discussed multiple state bills affecting rural counties. Colorado Counties Inc. is supporting legislation that would allow counties with state parks to apply for grant funding from excess Colorado Wild Pass revenues. The bill would redirect revenue above the first $36 million collected annually into a grant program for counties to improve local services near state parks.
Commissioners are monitoring legislation regarding rodenticide use restrictions that would require ranchers to prove they used natural pest control methods before accessing chemical rodenticides. The bill would limit use of certain rodenticide products except during public health emergencies.
Commissioners also tracked legislation that would extend the voluntary child relinquishment period from 72 hours to 30 days, allowing parents more time to relinquish children to firefighters, hospitals, or emergency centers. Another bill under review would strengthen penalties for commercial sexual activity with children by requiring judges to impose maximum allowed sentences.
Technology and Weed Management
Vogelsong reported attending a weed management conference in Pueblo and meeting with a potential contractor to take over county weed spraying operations. The candidate will tour county equipment next week. Commissioners also discussed ongoing technology conversion from Google to Microsoft systems across county departments.
Board Appointments
The board accepted a resignation from the Tourism Board and reviewed letters of interest for Tourism Board and Board of Zoning Adjustments appointments. Specific appointees will be confirmed at a future meeting.
The board approved minutes from January 21 and January 28 meetings.
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