High Country Staff Report
Prayer, Pledge, and Employee Recognition
The meeting opened with prayer and the pledge of allegiance. Commissioners then recognized Public Health employee Sinead for five years of service, followed later by Dr. Ben Bankole, also honored for five years. Bankole received extended praise for elevating the county’s public health program, engaging at state and federal levels, and setting a high standard of professionalism. He credited his staff, saying “one tree can never make a forest.”
Agenda and Consent Items
Commissioners Deacon, Glover, and Ratzlaff were present. The agenda was amended to move the item on rescinding a rail freight support letter into general business. Consent items — accounts payable and a voided check — were approved.
Human Resources Report
HR Director Denise Benavides reported:
- Open enrollment success: 22 employees moved to the high‑deductible health plan.
- Job postings: multiple openings across departments, including four in the Sheriff’s Office, plus positions in Road & Bridge, Land Use, Public Health, DSS, Treasurer, Assessor, and Weed District.
- Onboarding/offboarding: several new hires expected before month’s end.
- Career fair participation: staff promoted county employment opportunities to students.
- Employee appreciation: Commissioners approved $25 Safeway gift cards for all 144 employees, to be distributed in Christmas cards at the December 11 luncheon.
Land Use Report
Director Dixie Diltz presented October activity:
- 30 short‑term rental renewals and 2 new applications.
- Proposed a streamlined fee process: collecting the $43 recording fee upfront for plats requiring Clerk & Recorder filing. Commissioners approved the change, praising it as “one of the best ideas we’ve come up with in a long time.”
Sheriff’s Report
Sheriff Anne Robinson updated the board:
- Vehicle delays: 2025 patrol trucks ordered last August are still awaiting upfitting, now scheduled for late November. The department may explore smaller shops to speed delivery, but must ensure Axon camera systems are properly installed.
- Transport van: quotes reduced from nearly $200,000 to about $120,000, with Ford favored for all‑wheel drive.
- Accident repairs: concerns raised about insurance companies relying on photo estimates rather than in‑person inspections, which can lead to costly supplemental invoices.
- Jail operations: new workout equipment installed; one housing pod temporarily closed due to tampered wiring. Current inmate population is 31, manageable within existing capacity.
Conclusion
The November 19 meeting blended recognition and gratitude with practical problem‑solving. Commissioners honored long‑serving staff, approved holiday gift cards, streamlined land use fees, and heard candid updates from the Sheriff on vehicles and jail operations. The tone was collegial, with emphasis on efficiency, appreciation, and fiscal responsibility.
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