Administration – Garfield County

Garfield County closures for Labor Day

Old and worn work gloves on large American flag.

All Garfield County offices of elected officials and county administrative departments are closed on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, for Labor Day. Staff functions that serve the community in emergency or 24-hour capacities remain in operation, as needed, and administrative offices of such departments are closed. The Rifle Garfield County Airport is open for general aviation, weather permitting, although the airport’s administrative offices are closed. Anyone needing assistance at this time can call 970-230-1685. The Garfield County Landfill near Rifle is closed on Monday, Sept. 2.

A man on a computer and calculator working out his business budget strategy.

Garfield County has begun its budgeting process for 2025 and is focused on a balanced operating budget with no increase in headcount while looking at efficiencies and savings to offset cost increases. The Garfield County Finance Department presented its revenue projections and strategic plan to the Board of County Commissioners, highlighting anticipated figures for 2024 and ’25. The county is projecting a significant revenue decrease in oil and gas property taxes in 2025 when compared to 2024, and a moderate decline in residential property taxes over the same period. The county’s 2024 amended budget anticipates revenues at $131.4 million, and

All Garfield County offices of elected officials and county administrative departments are closed on Thursday, July 4, 2024, for Independence Day. Staff functions that serve the community in emergency or 24-hour capacities remain in operation, as needed, and administrative offices of such departments are closed. The Rifle Garfield County Airport is open for general aviation, weather permitting, although the airport’s administrative offices are closed. Anyone needing assistance at this time can call 970-230-1685. The Garfield County Landfill near Rifle is closed on Thursday, July 4.

Fiber optics network cable for ultra fast internet.

Garfield County has nearly completed the first two parts of a three-phase initiative to bring more reliable, robust, and affordable internet service to the citizens of Garfield County. The county’s efforts to advance strong internet service to households and businesses aligns with the Board of County Commissioners’ policy directives and project goals for 2024 and is a key component of the county’s economic department portfolio. Diane Kruse, chief executive officer for consultant NEO Connect, told the board that the broadband initiative is on pace to meet several broadband goals. These include providing service for roughly 4,000 homes in Garfield County

Mount Rushmore, on a clear summer morning.

All Garfield County offices of elected officials and county administrative departments are closed on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, for Presidents’ Day. Staff functions that serve the community in emergency or 24-hour capacities remain in operation, as needed, and administrative offices of such departments are closed. The Rifle Garfield County Airport is open for general aviation, weather permitting, although the airport’s administrative offices are closed. Anyone needing assistance at this time can call 970-230-1685. The Garfield County Landfill near Rifle is open on Monday, Feb. 19.

Granny and little child having fun near tree indoors.

All Garfield County offices of elected officials and county administrative departments are closed on Friday and Monday, Dec. 22 and 25, 2023, and again on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, for the holidays. Staff functions that serve the community in emergency or 24-hour capacities remain in operation, as needed, and administrative offices of such departments are closed. The Rifle Garfield County Airport is open for general aviation, weather permitting, although the airport’s administrative offices are closed. Anyone needing assistance at this time can call 970-230-1685. The Garfield County Landfill near Rifle is open on Friday, Dec. 22, and closed on Saturday,

Garfield County has adopted its 2024 proposed budget, which includes a projected $131.4 million in expenditures and $128.2 million in revenues, and an estimated $86.8 million year-end fund balance. The county also approved a temporary mill levy credit, effectively reducing mills for 2024 from 13.655 to 13.155. The 2024 adopted budget features a $4.1 million decrease in revenues and a $5.5 million decrease in expenditures from the county’s proposed budget. It includes a balanced operating budget, with $7.1 million more in revenues over expenditures, and shows a supplemental increase in revenues of $5.5 million over the 2023 adopted budget. Proposed

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners in a recent meeting.

Garfield County is pursuing a temporary mill levy credit in 2023 that effectively reduces its mills from 13.655 to 13.155 to help provide some relief for homeowners who are facing increased property taxes in the wake of surging home values. The proposed credit would only be in effect for one year, and does not change the mill levy, but rather uses the credit to reduce the amount of property tax the county collects. The Board of County Commissioners will vote on the temporary mill levy credit and the county’s 2024 budget at the next regular meeting on Dec. 11. “The

A family gathers for a Thanksgiving meal.

All Garfield County offices of elected officials and county administrative departments are closed on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 23-24, 2023, for Thanksgiving. Staff functions that serve the community in emergency or 24-hour capacities remain in operation, as needed, and administrative offices of such departments are closed. The Rifle Garfield County Airport is open for general aviation, weather permitting, although the airport’s administrative offices are closed. Anyone needing assistance at this time can call 970-230-1685. The Garfield County Landfill near Rifle is closed on both Thursday and Friday, Nov. 23-24.

Happy reunion of a soldier with his family. A young boy salutes with an American flag on his shoulder.

All Garfield County offices of elected officials and county administrative departments are closed on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, for Veterans Day (Nov. 11). Staff functions that serve the community in emergency or 24-hour capacities remain in operation, as needed, and administrative offices of such departments are closed. The Rifle Garfield County Airport is open for general aviation, weather permitting, although the airport’s administrative offices are closed. Anyone needing assistance at this time can call 970-230-1685. The Garfield County Landfill near Rifle is open on Friday, Nov. 10.

Industrial sector construction site with workers at sunset in evening time.

All Garfield County offices of elected officials and county administrative departments are closed on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, for Labor Day. Staff functions that serve the community in emergency or 24-hour capacities remain in operation, as needed, and administrative offices of such departments are closed. The Rifle Garfield County Airport is open for general aviation, weather permitting, although the airport’s administrative offices are closed. Anyone needing assistance at this time can call 970-230-1685. The Garfield County Landfill near Rifle is closed on Monday, Sept. 4.

The Garfield County Commissioners pose with Elections Clerk Brenda Quinty at the 2022 employee service awards celebration in Glenwood Springs.

Garfield County offices and departments may be closed or lightly staffed for a couple of hours on Monday, Jan 23 for the annual employee service awards. Hours of the event are from 9 – 11 a.m. in Glenwood Springs and 1 to 3 p.m. in Rifle. The awards honor the dedication and length of service of county staff members, who work hard to serve Garfield County residents each year. Emergency, safety, and essential functions remain open. Regular county business is conducted prior to and following these events.

A mother and father look worried as they assess bills and financial papers. Their child sits at a table with them.

Garfield County is offering human services mini-grants of up to $5,000 for qualifying 501c3 nonprofits. The amount of funding varies from year to year, and recipients are required to complete an annual grant report and give updates before the Board of County Commissioners. Grant applications are available online. The county has mailed applications to previously awarded entities. Applications are due Friday, February 10, 2023 by 5 p.m. For more information, please call Vola Mercer 970-945-5004. Mini-grant information and applications

Garfield County's elected officials pose with Ninth Judicial District Judge John Neiley. Shown are Garfield County Assessor Jim Yellico, Clerk and Recorder Jackie Harmon, Treasurer Carrie Couey, Surveyor Scott Aibner, District 1 Commissioner Tom Jankovsky, Sheriff Lou Vallario, Judge Neiley, District Attorney Jeff Cheney, and Coroner Rob Glassmire.

Garfield County’s elected officials have taken their oaths of office and are settling into their new terms after being voted in by the people in the Nov. 8, 2022, General Election. Ninth Judicial District Judge John F. Neiley officiated the Jan. 10 ceremony, which drew a standing-room only crowd that included family, friends, co-workers, well-wishers, municipal leaders, and more. Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky, Sheriff Lou Vallario, Assessor Jim Yellico, Coroner Robert Glassmire, Surveyor Scott Aibner, and Clerk and Recorder Jackie Harmon took their oaths at the Garfield County Administration Building in the commissioners’ meeting room. Incumbent Treasurer and Public

The front entrance of the Garfield County Administration Building in Glenwood Springs.

Swearing-in ceremonies for recently elected officials will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 10, starting at 10 a.m. Ninth Judicial District Judge John F. Neiley is officiating the ceremony, which is open to the public. Incumbents Commissioner Tom Jankovsky, Sheriff Lou Vallario, Assessor Jim Yellico, Coroner Robert Glassmire, and Surveyor Scott Aibner, as well as newly elected Clerk and Recorder Jackie Harmon are being sworn in at the Garfield County Administration Building, 108 Eighth Street, Glenwood Springs, in the commissioners’ regular meeting room. Incumbent Treasurer and Public Trustee Carrie Couey is being sworn in statutorily before the end of 2022 in

New Garfield County Deputy Manager Bentley Henderson.

Garfield County has named Bentley Henderson its new deputy county manager following an exhaustive search to fill the role. The Meeker native brings a wealth of experience to Garfield County, a place he has long considered home. Henderson received his bachelor’s degree at Fort Lewis College in Durango and earned his master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado Denver. He formerly served as assistant city manager in Aspen, public works director in Basalt, and numerous roles for the Town of Carbondale over 15 years, including assistant town manager and chief building official. More recently, Henderson served as

Two granddaughters visit with their grandma for Thanksgiving in front of a table lined with food.

All Garfield County offices of elected officials and county administrative departments are closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 24-25, for Thanksgiving. Staff functions that serve the community in emergency or 24-hour capacities remain in operation, as needed, and administrative offices of such departments are closed. The Rifle Garfield County Airport is open for general aviation, weather permitting, although the airport’s administrative offices are closed. Anyone needing assistance at this time can call 970-230-1685. The Garfield County Landfill near Rifle is closed on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 24-25. The Ninth Judicial District Courts are also closed on these days for Thanksgiving.

Garfield County has assigned its 2022 private activity bond (PAB) cap (more than $3.4 million) to the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) to use toward affordable housing initiatives. The transfer allows CHFA to issue the bonds for single and multi-family projects in Garfield County, including first-time homebuyer loan programs. The county has worked with CHFA for years to allocate its bonds into the first-time homebuyer loan program. Since 2020, there have been 60 loans issued under this program for low- to moderate-income homebuyers in Garfield County. Kathryn Grosscup, CHFA housing tax credit manager, told the Board of County Commissioners

Garfield County has secured a more than $1.7 million grant from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to help complete phase II of its middle mile broadband project. The DOLA grant is being matched by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds awarded to the county to help realize the project, which expands broadband service to underserved locations throughout Garfield County. The first phase of the project, which is underway and expected to be completed this year, includes construction of lateral fiber from middle mile infrastructure along the Interstate 70 corridor that connects with carrier neutral locations in Glenwood Springs and

Fred Jarman has been named the new Garfield County manager. He takes the helm on Sept. 16, 2022.

Garfield County has named Fred Jarman as its new county manager, replacing Kevin Batchelder who is retiring on Sept. 16. The hire was made by the Board of County Commissioners following an internal search for candidates and subsequent interviews. Currently deputy county manager, Jarman has been with Garfield County for 20 years, having served as deputy county manager since April 1, 2016. Prior to that role, he held the reins as Garfield County community development director for 10 years. By way of background, Jarman holds a master’s degree in community and regional planning from the University of Oregon, and a

All Garfield County offices of elected officials and county administrative departments are closed Monday, Sept. 5, for Labor Day. Staff functions that serve the community in emergency or 24-hour capacities remain in operation, as needed, and administrative offices of such departments are closed. The Rifle Garfield County Airport is open for general aviation, weather permitting, although the airport’s administrative offices are closed. Anyone needing assistance at this time can call 970-230-1685. The Garfield County Landfill near Rifle is closed Monday, Sept. 5, but remains open over the weekend on Sept. 3 and 4.

Dad and his son with autism sitting in kitchen at home. A man with short hair and bristle hugs his son and kisses him on the cheek.

Since 1980, a portion of county sales tax revenues has been dedicated to human services needs to eligible applicants in the Human Services Commission (HSC) grant process. Applicants include nonprofit corporations under section 501(c) (3) of the I.R.S. code – in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State – that operate and provide human services within Garfield County. Similar government agencies are also eligible. These funds cannot be granted to for-profit corporations or to individuals.

On October 13, 2016, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance 2016-01 which established a set of regulations that governed the use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs), as well as adopted a map that specifies what county roads in unincorporated Garfield County are open and closed to OHV use. In a regular Board of County Commissioners work session on December 7, 2021, the Town of Silt requested that the board amend the map to open a specified section of County Road 214 from Smith Doll Coal Mine Road westerly to the Town of Silt boundary connecting to N. 7th Street, County Road

Garfield County Manager Kevin Batchelder stands in from of the Garfield County Administration building in Glenwood Springs.

Garfield County Manager Kevin Batchelder is retiring from his role, effective Sept. 16, 2022. Hired as county manager in 2015, Batchelder said it has been a privilege serving the people of Garfield County for the past eight years. “My service as county manager has been incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally, and I would like to thank you for the opportunity, as well as the support you have given me throughout my tenure,” he wrote in his retirement notice to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). “The county is in a strong position financially, with a talented and dedicated management

American flag for Memorial Day, 4th of July or Labor Day.

All Garfield County offices of elected officials and county administrative departments are closed Monday, May 30, for Memorial Day. Staff functions that serve the community in emergency or 24-hour capacities remain in operation, as needed, and administrative offices of such departments are closed. The Rifle Garfield County Airport is open for general aviation, weather permitting, although the airport’s administrative offices are closed. Anyone needing assistance at this time can call 970-230-1685. The Garfield County Landfill near Rifle is closed Monday, May 30.

The Garfield County Humanitarian Awards returns to the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs on April 4, 2022. The in-person event begins at 5 p.m. and tickets are now available.

Garfield County has extended a closure of Red Canyon Road (County Road 115) for an additional 90 days due to dangerous conditions on the primitive, steep stretch between Highway 82 and the Spring Valley area. “We had a weather event where it started to rain and then it froze, after which we had snow fall on top of it,” said Garfield County Road and Bridge Director Wyatt Keesbery to the Board of County Commissioners. “This made it very, very icy. The condition of that road even in the summertime is not good.” CR 115 features a steep grade, narrow roadway,

Green Nylon jacketed 576 fiber optic ribbon cable end used for broadband networks.

Garfield County has agreed to a contract with Vero Fiber Networks, LLC, to build middle-mile and carrier-neutral locations to bolster broadband service in the region. The Board of County Commissioners approved a $200,000 budget supplement to cover the remaining costs of the project, which is not to exceed $1,140,180. More than $970,000 of a previously awarded Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) grant is also being utilized toward the project’s costs. That DOLA matching grant has been reallocated toward the middle-mile efforts from a prior proposal to implement wireless infrastructure, which was determined to be cost-prohibitive. The $200,000 supplement is coming

Rear view of family with two small children holding hands in winter nature, walking in the snow.

All Garfield County offices of elected officials and county administrative departments are closed Thursday and Friday, Dec. 23 and 24, and again on Monday, Jan. 3, for the winter holidays. Staff functions that serve the community in emergency or 24-hour capacities remain in operation, as needed, and administrative offices of such departments are closed. The Rifle Garfield County Airport is open for general aviation, weather permitting, although the airport’s administrative offices are closed. Anyone needing assistance at this time can call 970-230-1685. The Garfield County Landfill near Rifle is closed Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 23-25, and reopens on Monday, Dec.

Oxycodone tablets and pills on glass table with reflections.

The State of Colorado has negotiated a settlement in a class action lawsuit filed against major pharmaceutical companies on behalf of regions affected by the country’s opioid epidemic. Roughly $400 million in funds are to be distributed to the state, affected counties and local governments. The settlement was negotiated by the Colorado Attorney General’s office, which worked with Colorado Counties Inc. (CCI), the Colorado Municipal League, and city and county attorneys. The legal claims are against opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson, and opioid distributors AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson for those companies’ roles in the opioid crisis. Similar action is

Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado (AGNC) has completed its public engagement phase in the update of its regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). A 30-day public comment period is now open through Aug. 31.

During a year filled with uncertainty, Garfield County was able to achieve a high percentage of important capital projects benefitting the entire community. Nearly 80 percent of the county’s 97 capital projects were completed in 2020, and six percent were near completion by year’s end. Just one percent of projects did not start, and 14 percent were in the beginning stages. Capital project goals included an expansion of the apron at the Garfield County Rifle Airport; realignment of the popular Red Hill Recreation Area near Carbondale; numerous improvements at the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, replacement of the Garfield County Courthouse

All Garfield County offices of elected officials and county administrative departments are closed Monday, Feb. 15, for Presidents Day. Staff functions that serve the community in emergency or 24-hour capacities remain in operation as needed, but administrative offices of such departments are closed. The Rifle Garfield County Airport is open for general aviation, weather permitting, although the airport’s administrative offices are closed. Anyone needing assistance at this time can call 970-230-1685. The Garfield County Landfill west of Rifle is open for business on Monday, Feb. 15. Information on county holiday closures, meetings and services is available online.

All Garfield County offices of elected officials and county administrative departments are closed Thursday and Friday, Dec. 24-25, 2020 and Friday, Jan. 1, 2021 for the holidays. Staff functions that serve the community in emergency or 24-hour capacities remain in operation as needed, but administrative offices of such departments are closed. The Garfield County Landfill near Rifle is also closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan.1. The Rifle Garfield County Airport is open for general aviation, although the airport’s administrative offices are closed. Anyone needing assistance at the airport can call 970-230-1685. Information on county holiday closures, meetings, and services is available

All Garfield County offices of elected officials and county administrative departments will be closed Friday, July 3, for Independence Day. Staff functions that serve the community in emergency or 24-hour capacities will remain in operation as needed, but administrative offices of such departments will be closed. The Garfield County Landfill west of Rifle is open for business on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4.

Garfield County Human Services Commission grants are now available to qualifying nonprofit 501(c) (3) agencies. The applications are due to the Garfield County Manager’s Office, 108 8th Street, Suite 101, Glenwood Springs, by 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 3.

Garfield County has approved a $50,000 matching grant toward an economic stimulus program designed to encourage visitors to shop Glenwood Springs businesses. The city of Glenwood Springs has also granted $50,000 toward the promotional campaign, which is already underway. The Glenwood Gold stimulus plan offers $100 in “Glenwood Gold” to the first 1,000 visitors in town that book at least a two-night weekend stay in Glenwood Springs between July 1 and Sept. 30. The campaign encourages visitors to spend some time and money in Glenwood Springs. The $100 can be spent like cash at any of the local participating businesses,

UPDATE – May 4, 2020 During Colorado’s “Safer at Home” phase of the COVID-19 response, the Garfield County Clerk and Recorder’s, Treasurer’s and Assessor’s offices in the Garfield County Courthouse in Glenwood Springs are still closed to walk-in traffic. Services through these offices are still being provided online and over the phone, as they have been since the initial closure on March 17. All elected officials and staff of these offices are monitoring the situation locally and are making preparations to reopening to in-person services when the time comes. The Garfield County Clerk and Recorder’s Office is available to meet

All Garfield County offices of elected officials and county administrative departments are closed Monday, Feb. 17, for Presidents Day. Staff functions that serve the community in emergency or 24-hour capacities remain in operation as needed, but administrative offices of such departments are closed. The Rifle Garfield County Airport is open for general aviation, weather permitting, although the airport’s administrative offices are closed. Anyone needing assistance at this time can call 970-230-1685. The Garfield County Landfill west of Rifle is open for business on Monday, Feb. 17. Information on county holiday closures, meetings and services is available online. – 30 –

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County has signed a letter of intent to participate in the Peak Health Alliance, which could help cut the cost of health care insurance for county residents. The county is working with Peak Health to analyze the state’s all-payer claims database (APCD) to lower the cost of insurance locally. In November, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a $50,000 grant to partner with Peak Health. The county has since hosted outreach meetings in Glenwood Springs and Rifle to provide a forum for information. The nonprofit negotiates with health care providers and insurance carriers to

Garfield County has approved a $278,360 grant to the Town of Parachute to help bring a new transit bus service connecting Parachute/Battlement Mesa and Rifle. This service, which is to be operated by Parachute, connects commuters with shopping, health care, Colorado Mountain College (CMC) and the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) bus system heading west toward the Roaring Fork Valley. The route is projected to begin early this summer. Under the proposal, round-trip service will operate five days a week, Monday through Friday. Bus stop locations have not yet been finalized, but the Willow Park Apartments and the site

Garfield County is now accepting applications for Human service mini-grants.

Peak Health Alliance, a nonprofit that negotiates lower healthcare insurance premiums, is holding meetings in Glenwood Springs and Rifle on Jan. 16, as part of a regional effort to explore better rate options for citizens and businesses.

Garfield County third-quarter discretionary grant awards

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County has announced the recipients of a combined $22,500 in third-quarter discretionary grants. Quarterly discretionary grants for local nonprofits or governmental organizations are capped at $5,000, with $120,000 allocated for 2019. Third-quarter awardees receiving $5,000 apiece include the Western Slope Veterans Coalition for operating expenses; Mount Sopris Historical Society for media displays to improve the customer’s experience at its Thompson House museum in Carbondale; and Colorado Mission of Mercy to purchase dental supplies for its mobile clinic that supplies cleanings, fillings, root canals and more. Receiving $2,500 each are the National Trials Sheepdog Trials for

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County has authorized the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) to utilize $3.15 million in private activity bond (PABs) capacity to help first-time homebuyers, qualified veterans, and other qualifying homebuyers purchase a single-family home. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assigns each state an annual bonding authority, or capacity on PABs, which is allocated to municipalities and counties on a per-capita basis. Investors may then purchase the bonds, which are used to help finance various housing developments; mortgage loans; and mortgage credits for first-time homebuyers. Karen Harkin, community relationship manager for CHFA, told the Board of

Garfield County agrees to Red Hill IGA with Carbondale

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County and the town of Carbondale have agreed on an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) to annex property at Red Hill, develop parking and hiking and multi-use trails, and realign County Road 107. Under the IGA, the county is providing $428,000 toward the CR 107 realignment, which will be completed by Garfield County Road and Bridge. Carbondale purchased the property at the base of Red Hill, at the confluence of Highway 82 and County Road 133, for use as open space, trail connections, and parking lots. A portion of Colorado Department of transportation (CDOT) property at the

Garfield County affirms support for Second Amendment preservation

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – The Board of County Commissioners unanimously supported a resolution declaring Garfield County as a Second Amendment Preservation County. The move is in response to “red flag” legislation that was recently passed by the Colorado House of Representatives. That bill, known as HB 19-1177, is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis. The commissioners and Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario vowed to defend the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. “There are clear grounds on this document to set up an injunction or a lawsuit against this statute that the governor may sign,” Vallario

Garfield County awards first-quarter discretionary grants

GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – Garfield County has awarded $23,000 in grants from its discretionary grant fund to local nonprofits. Organizations made presentations before the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) last week in requesting grant funds. Discretionary grant awards are capped at $5,000, and nonprofit organizations can apply for these funds quarterly. This year, $120,000 is allocated toward such requests through the county’s nonprofit discretionary fund. The first-quarter grant awards were presented to West Elk Trails for maintenance of Nordic ski and snowshoe trails near New Castle ($2,500); the Citizen Washington Focus trip, which is bringing eight local students to the

Garfield County hires new veterans service officer

GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – Garfield County has named Lisa Reed-Scott its new veterans service officer, which helps local veterans connect with needed services and benefits. The U.S. Marine Corps veteran has signed on to serve in the role through 2020. The Michigan native worked at the Colorado Veterans Community Living Center in Rifle for 11 years, and understands the roadblocks veterans face when seeking assistance. “I understand how difficult it can be to get paperwork processed correctly, and to be able to get in contact with the right people,” Reed-Scott said. “It’s important to me to help other veterans and

School Resource Officer for Grand Valley High School

GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – Sheriff Lou Vallario announced this morning the establishment of a SRO (School Resource Officer) for the Grand Valley High School. This was made possible through a collaborative effort of School District 16, the Town of Parachute and the Sheriff’s Office. Each entity has agreed to fund 1/3 of the annual salary and benefits for the officer. The Sheriff’s Office will pick up the additional costs for the Deputy such as vehicle, radio, weapons, uniforms, etc. The School District has $10,000.00 available for specific SRO training. The SRO provides a connection for law enforcement with our youth

County providing easement for Glenwood trash collection facilities

GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – Garfield County has granted easements to the city of Glenwood Springs for placement of trash facilities on county-owned property in the downtown area. The easements allow trash, recycling, and grease collection to be moved out of their existing locations in two downtown alleys, making them more pedestrian-friendly. Under the agreement, commercial trash, recycling, and grease-collection will be consolidated in two locations. One will be located in the parking lot at 716 Colorado Avenue. The other will be placed at the Cushman King lot downtown, off the alley spanning between the Grand Avenue Bridge and Cooper Avenue.

County provides input on BLM greater sage-grouse draft management plan amendments

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO –Garfield County has submitted a letter to Gov. John Hickenlooper, as well as filed formal comments to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), providing local input on the Northwest Colorado Greater Sage-Grouse Draft Resource Management Plan amendments. In assessing the draft plan, the county has concerns over “critical errors” in some scientific reports being relied upon, as well as inappropriate “no surface occupancy” (NSO) restrictions under consideration. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) wants to ensure that land-management decisions affecting Garfield County’s economy, agricultural heritage, and the viability of communities, include accurate scientific reports, and input from

Garfield County second quarter discretionary grants announced

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County has announced $45,500 in grant awards for the second quarter of 2018. Out of the Discretionary Fund, the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners awarded $23,000 overall, including $5,000 to support the Rifle Rendezvous festival; $5,000 for the Glenwood Springs Summer of Music concert series; $5,000 for the New Ute Theatre Society for programming and marketing of community entertainment; $4,000 for Mount Sopris Historical Society toward the Coal Basin Monument, honoring locals who died in mining accidents in Coal Basin; $3,000 for the Glenwood Springs Youth Hockey Association to fund scholarships for youth to

Garfield County supports YouthZone matching grant

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County is backing a YouthZone capital campaign to help the nonprofit youth diversion and advocacy program cover the cost of purchasing the former Glenwood Springs Library building, which it acquired in March. The Board of County Commissioners has approved a grant for $250,000, which must be matched by YouthZone. YouthZone, which has been in operation for 41 years, works with more than 1,000 youth annually in and around Garfield County. Its goal is to move into the new building, at 413 9th Street, by August. “This is an important human services organization that helps youth

DFPC leases new office at Rifle Garfield County Airport

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – A single engine air tanker (SEAT) base crew will call a new office at the Rifle Garfield County Airport home for the next 10 years, after the Division of Fire Prevention & Control (DFPC) and Garfield County agreed to a lease this week. The DFPC has operated the SEAT base out of a mobile trailer at the airport that doesn’t adequately meet its needs. The county offered use of the old house on the airport property that previously housed the county airport administration in the 1980s and ’90s. “The trailer doesn’t stay very cool, and they’re

Improvements coming to Snowmass Drive

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County and the town of Carbondale have entered into an intergovernmental agreement (IGA), in which the former will pay for a sidewalk and trail along a stretch of Snowmass Drive, and the latter then will assume all future maintenance of the entire road. Snowmass Drive, some of which is currently a county road, will be annexed into the town of Carbondale following the joint project. In the exchange, Carbondale has also agreed to take over winter maintenance of White Hill Road, as well as a portion of Sopris Drive year-around. “They are going to take

GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – Garfield County is supporting vital trail connections between the Grand Valley Middle School and a new community park in Battlement Mesa. The project will link four existing sidewalk and trail segments to the school, creating a safe, complete connection. Garfield County is contributing $200,000 from its 2018 Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) toward the project. The connections will create a mile-long loop trail, and a new crosswalk and accompanying sidewalk will also connect the middle school with the Grand Valley Recreation Center. Steve Rippy, Battlement Mesa Metro District manager, said a Federal Mineral Lease District (FMLD) grant

County supports housing needs assessment

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County is supporting a regional housing needs assessment with a $10,000 grant toward the study, which covers both the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys. The assessment, which is being coordinated by the Garfield County Housing Authority (GCHA), is focused on examining the extent of housing needs in the region. The assessment is being conducted by Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. (EPS) and RRC Associates, two Front Range consulting firms, and will take roughly eight months, according to Bill Lamont, a local resident and former city planner in Boulder. EPS and RRC were chosen following

Garfield County supporting economic development

GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – Two local small business engines received support from the Garfield County Commissioners, with a combined $35,000 investment toward regional economic development and job creation. The Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC), was granted $10,000 toward its efforts in Garfield County. The SBCD links information and resources from federal, state, and local governments with the private sector and local education system. The organization provides consulting and training services to local small businesses and entrepreneurs, and provides feasibility analyses, business plan development, and access to capital. In 2017, the group’s two active regional consultants helped create 12 jobs and

GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – The Garfield County Landfill has received the 2018 state of Colorado Grand Conceptor Award for an innovative treatment facility that decontaminates soil that has been exposed to petroleum products. The award was recently announced at the American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado (ACEC) engineering excellence awards banquet in Denver. The county’s biological treatment facility for petroleum-contaminated soils (PCS) utilizes biopiles that promote aerobic biodegration of hydrocarbons in the soil. The system also destroys volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through filters before they can escape into the air. The facility went online in June 2016, and receives

Garfield County approves 2018 budget

GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – Garfield County has approved a fiscally conservative, balanced projected budget for 2018. The budget includes $83 million for operations and $14.1 million in capital projects. The $104.8 million projected budget also includes $8.6 million in discretionary expenditures, and projects the county’s 2018 year-end fund balances at roughly $102.7 million – a drawdown of $16.3 million from 2017. Revenues in 2017 were down $2.6 million from projections, mainly due to lower property tax collections. County offices and departments presented lean budgets to the Board of County Commissioners this fall, helping to achieve the balanced budget. The overall

Garfield County supports LoVa Trail grant request

trails GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County approved up to a $30,000 allocation to the town of New Castle from its Conservation Trust Fund toward the engineering of a proposed trail segment from South Canyon to Canyon Creek. Those funds are slated for 2018, and are dependent on the award of two state planning grants. New Castle is preparing two planning grant applications toward the design of a segment of the Lower Valley (LoVa) Trail along Interstate 70. If awarded, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) would grant up to $75,000 and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife State Recreational Trails Program would

Garfield County awards discretionary grants

GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – Garfield County announced its third-quarter discretionary grant awards on Monday. All told, $33,750 was awarded to local nonprofits and governmental organizations out of the $41,150 requested from applicants. From the discretionary fund, Garfield County 4-H received $5,000 to participate in the state’s National Shooting Sports Competition, and the Garfield County 4-H Council was awarded $2,250 to attend the National 4-H Western Round-Up and to compete in a national parliamentary procedure contest. The Rifle Area Chamber of Commerce received $5,000 toward its annual Hometown Holiday event; the Glenwood Springs Downtown market was awarded $3,500 for holiday events

Commissioners announce discretionary grant awards

GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – The Garfield County commissioners announced discretionary grant award winners for the second quarter at their regular meeting on Monday, May 8. All told, 11 nonprofit organizations made presentations and requests before the board on May 1. The City of Glenwood Springs received a $5,000 sponsorship toward the annual Summer of Music program; the Rifle Rendezvous Festival received a $5,000 sponsorship; and the Symphony in the Valley was awarded a $5,000 sponsorship for its concert series. The White River National Forest Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District was also awarded $5,000 toward maintenance of the wildly popular Hanging Lake

New Rifle Administration Building to house centralized county staff

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County staff is gearing up for moving into a brand new Rifle Administration Building during the month of May. The building, located just west of, and sharing a parking lot with, the Garfield County Health and Human Services Building, is set to open for the public by mid-May, and will present professional work space for nearly a dozen departments and offices. The address of the new building is 195 West 14th Street, Building D, Rifle, CO, 81650. The building’s construction began in August of 2015, and its swift ten month completion comes in at the

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County has appointed Frederic Jarman, Garfield County’s current Community Development Director, to the position of Deputy County Manager, effective on the first of April. Jarman has a 14-year career with the county in land use and planning and a 16-year career in planning, has led a number of public policy initiatives at the federal level for the county, has extensive related education, experience with Americorps as a resource assistant for its Rural Environments Program, United Nations Children’s Fund and served in the United States Peace Corps. Jarman has spent his entire career in public service,

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Kevin Batchelder was unanimously appointed as the new Garfield County Manager in the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting Monday, December 21, 2015. Batchelder has served as the Acting County Manager since July 1, 2015, and previously served as the Deputy County Manager since April of 2014. “Congratulations,” said Commissioner Tom Jankovsky to Batchelder during the BOCC meeting. “You did an excellent job in your interview and your presentation to the community, and I look forward to working with you for many years to come.” Batchelder led the county during the interim stage with a strong

County identifies finalists in Garfield County Manager search

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County has selected three candidates to interview for the open Garfield County Manager position, and will host a reception for the candidates to meet the community on Friday, November 20. The finalists are: Kevin Batchelder, acting county manager and deputy county manager, Garfield County Joseph Kerby, county manager, La Plata County, Colorado Tim Boyde, director of administrative services/chief clerk, Centre County, Pennsylvania Kevin Batchelder has more than 26 years of local government administration experience, and was hired as the Garfield County Deputy County Manager in April, 2014. He previously served as the town manager for

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – This morning, the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners voted to accept a mutual separation agreement with Garfield County Manager Andrew “Drew” Gorgey, effective at 5 p.m. today. Deputy County Manager Kevin Batchelder was then appointed as Acting County Manager by the board of county commissioners in a unanimous vote, effective at the close of business Wednesday, July 1. Batchelder and the board of commissioners are developing a letter of agreement providing Batchelder with all the authority vested in the county manager’s position until the next county manager is identified. Batchelder has been the Deputy County

GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – In a special meeting tomorrow morning, the Garfield County Board of Commissioners and Garfield County Manager Andrew Gorgey are expected to agree to a mutual separation, ending their four-year employment relationship. Gorgey was hired in June 2011 as the Garfield County Attorney, then served dually as county attorney and as acting county manager from January through May, 2012. Gorgey became county manager on June 1, 2012. He has been president of the Association of Colorado County Administrators since 2013. The official record regarding his employment, which the commissioners are expected to approve tomorrow, includes the notations

Community completes historic emergency training

GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – Emergency response agencies and emergency managers from seven western Colorado counties joined area elected officials and multi-agency staff for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) training in classes and simulated exercises June 16-19 in Rifle. FEMA experts, some of whom responded to 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Sandy, and other national disasters, trained nearly 65 area emergency responders and staff from support agencies in coordinating emergency response efforts in Rifle. FEMA selected Garfield County for the L947 – Integrated Emergency Management Course through a competitive process nationwide. After receiving intensive training at the National Emergency Training Center (NETC)

Governor to hold ribbon cutting for Center of Excellence

GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – Governor John Hickenlooper will visit Garfield County Wednesday to conduct a ribbon-cutting for the new Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting. He will also sign bills into law on a tour of numerous locations for bill signings across Colorado. The governor will speak at an event at the Rifle Garfield County Airport beginning at 9:30 a.m., after his arrival Wednesday morning. The airport is located at 0375 County Road 352, Building 2060, in Rifle. Hickenlooper had announced a decision March 18 to locate the Center of Excellence

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – A new deputy county manager will begin serving Garfield County April 25. Kevin Batchelder, who has 24 years of experience in public administration including 18 years as chief administrator for municipalities both metropolitan and rural, has accepted the position and will relocate to Glenwood Springs from Silverthorne, CO. Batchelder worked as the town manager for Silverthorne for the past 14 years. Before that he worked as city administrator, interim city administrator and administrative assistant for about 11 years for the City of Mendota Heights, MN, in the St. Paul metropolitan area. He has also worked as

Gorgey to lead statewide county administrators group

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County Manager Andrew Gorgey was elected chairman of the board of directors of the Association of Colorado County Administrators (ACCA) on December 3, 2013, at the winter meeting of Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI), in Colorado Springs. He will serve a two-year term. “I am excited to build on the good work of those who have come before me,” said Gorgey. “I want to improve education and professional development opportunities at our bi-annual conferences and to help support the districts in their meetings.” Affiliated with CCI, ACCA is the nonprofit professional association for county managers and

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – A groundbreaking land swap with decades of history behind it will net two of the largest employers in Glenwood Springs the property needed by each for future public use. Monday, August 5, 2013, the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners approved a contract to transfer the county-owned land under Valley View Hospital to the Valley View Hospital Association, and, in exchange, the hospital association will convey the building and land it owns at 110 8th Street, Glenwood Springs, and present $1.1 million in funds to the county. The county will immediately use those proceeds to purchase

City voters to consider release of downtown Glenwood Springs parking lots by mail ballot

Glenwood Springs, CO – Voters in the April 2 Glenwood Springs municipal election will consider a ballot question to allow the Glenwood Springs City Council to release the city-held portion of two municipal lots. They are currently used for downtown parking at the corner of 7th Street and Colorado Avenue, and adjoin parking lots owned by Garfield County. Voters in Glenwood Springs need to give approval in order for the city to sell or convey its interests, at the regular municipal election, April 2, 2013, conducted by mail ballot. The ballot question is as follows: CITY OF GLENWOOD SPRINGS BALLOT

Commissioners approve funding for air emissions study surrounding natural gas drilling and completion operations

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has signed a formal agreement with Colorado State University (CSU) to provide substantial funding for an academic study to collect data on air emissions surrounding well pad activities in Garfield County. The BOCC committed $1 million towards the $1.77 million study from its Oil and Gas Mitigation Fund. The balance of study funding will come from gifts to CSU, including from oil and gas companies. The air emissions study will be conducted over a three-year period beginning in the fall of 2012, and concluding in the fall of

Glenwood Springs, CO – The Garfield County Board of County Commission (BOCC) named Andrew Gorgey as county manager today. The board also named Carey Gagnon as acting county attorney. Both appointments are effective June 1. Gorgey had been serving in a dual role for five months, both as the acting county manager and county attorney. “Having been asked to do both jobs for several months, it’s natural to consider doing one job or the other permanently,” said Gorgey. “I have invested a tremendous amount of energy bringing the county administration into conformity with the commissioner’s policies and goals.” Not only

Search resumes for Garfield County Manager

Garfield County Commissioners voted today to resume the search for a county manager. The commissioners’ vote directed county staff to work with the county’s contracted search firm to finalize the schedule for relisting the position, and set up interviews for qualified applicants who will fit within the county’s goals and objectives. On April 2, the commissioners decided unanimously not to extend an offer to any of the five finalists they and the other Garfield County elected officials had interviewed. “We have waited a sufficient amount of time for the applicant pool to settle,” said Acting County Manager Andrew Gorgey. “Most

Search resumes for Garfield County Manager

Glenwood Springs, CO – Garfield County Commissioners voted today to resume the search for a county manager. The commissioners’ vote directed county staff to work with the county’s contracted search firm to finalize the schedule for relisting the position, and set up interviews for qualified applicants who will fit within the county’s goals and objectives. On April 2, the commissioners decided unanimously not to extend an offer to any of the five finalists they and the other Garfield County elected officials had interviewed. “We have waited a sufficient amount of time for the applicant pool to settle,” said Acting County

Jobs are immediately available on conservation corps work teams Training for crew leader positions begins May 14

Garfield County is supporting summer conservation corps trail work for young adults, after the commissioners approved doubling the number of conservation corps teams this year. The county approved purchase of services agreements with two regional organizations to provide summer employment opportunities for fourteen young people. The commissioners unanimously allocated $160,000 for agreements to improve trails and campgrounds on forest service lands, and weed management and habitat restoration on county lands. Mandatory leadership training for RMYC crew leaders begins Monday, May 14, at the organization’s headquarters in Steamboat Springs, CO. These summer opportunities are currently available through the Western Colorado Conservation

Garfield County entered into a single $2.525 million contract Monday to purchase three adjoining properties in downtown Glenwood Springs for possible use as office space and a public parking structure. The properties are located across from the side entrance of the Garfield County Courthouse, ranging from the northeast corner of 8th and Colorado, towards 7th Street. The addresses are 201 8th Street, 720 Colorado Avenue, and 716 Colorado Avenue in Glenwood Springs. Closing on the sale is tentatively scheduled for June 1, 2012. The current owners of the properties are attorneys Stephen J. Worrell and Anthony J. Durrett. The county

Garfield County Commissioners put county manager search on hold

Garfield County Commissioners voted unanimously to keep looking for a new county manager and to pass on the five finalists interviewed last week. The board decided to take a break for several months before re-enlisting its executive search firm. In the meantime, the commissioners requested Acting County Manager Andrew Gorgey continue operating county administration and present an operations plan for the county for the next six months. The plan will give consideration to operation of the County Attorney’s Office as well. Gorgey is the Garfield County Attorney. “We had five candidates, all qualified in one way or another, and all

Garfield County Commissioners put county manager search on hold

Commissioners name finalists in Garfield County Manager search

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners announced the names of five finalists for the County Manager position at a special meeting of the board this morning: Richard Bellis, Deputy County Manager, County Planning Director, Taos County, NM Lynda Boswell, International Local Government Consultant, QED LLC, and Mercy Corps International, Leavenworth, KS Thomas Stewart, Former County Manager, Lincoln County, NM Ronald Teck, Intergovernmental Operations Officer, El Paso County, CO, former Colorado State Senator and Mesa County Assessor James Wilson, Interim Director of Finance, City of Altus, OK The County will conduct a series of interviews on March 29 and 30.

Commissioners name finalists in Garfield County Manager search

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO – The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners announced the names of five finalists for the county manager position at a special meeting of the board this morning: Richard Bellis, Deputy County Manager, County Planning Director, Taos County, NM Lynda Boswell, International Local Government Consultant, QED LLC, and Mercy Corps International, Leavenworth, KS Thomas Stewart, Former County Manager, Lincoln County, NM Ronald Teck, Intergovernmental Operations Officer, El Paso County, CO, former Colorado State Senator and Mesa County Assessor James Wilson, Interim Director of Finance, City of Altus, OK The county will conduct a series of interviews on

Garfield County continues reorganization in advance of county manager selection

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO – Garfield County took its next steps in reorganization of county government today through reduction of its work force, specifically the elimination of two upper-level management positions, the Assistant County Manager and the Director of Administrative Services. No further position elimination is planned in any county department, and existing staff will absorb the essential functions from the positions eliminated. Affected employees have been offered severance packages. “The other commissioners and I are completely committed to the Citizens of Garfield County,” said John Martin, Chair of the Board of County Commissioners, “and that includes making difficult choices.” “We

Garfield County continues reorganization in advance of County Manager selection

Positions eliminated, others restructured. GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO – Garfield County took its next steps in reorganization of county government today through reduction of its work force, specifically the elimination of two upper-level management positions, the assistant county manager and the director of administrative services. No further position elimination is planned in any county department, and existing staff will absorb the essential functions from the positions eliminated. Affected employees have been offered severance packages. “The other commissioners and I are completely committed to the citizens of Garfield County,” said John Martin, chair of the Board of County Commissioners, “and that includes

Garfield County sets economic development priorities

Garfield County hosts a follow-up meeting to Governor John Hickenlooper’s Bottom-Up Economic Development Plan meeting held in Craig, Colorado in March. This follow-up meeting will be used to develop top priorities for Garfield County in regards to economic development. The meeting will be held at the Glenwood Springs Community Center on Tuesday, April 5, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Garfield County organizational chart

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In mid-January, selected members of the leadership team met for three days with the new Board of County Commissioners that includes Tom Jankovsky, who replaced Tresi Houpt on the board. We covered a vast array of topics, but central to all the discussions was a need for change in our overall focus. At this point, I think it is important for us to go back a dozen years and review the evolution of our current focus. When I first arrived at the county 12 years ago, the commissioners made it clear that they wanted the county to become an organization

A recent risk assessment has identified the risks that Garfield County faces from wildfires, floods, landslides, and other hazard events. The county is developing a Hazard Mitigation Plan: a strategic plan that outlines the specific steps that the County will take to reduce that risk. We want to make sure that this plan reflects the on-the-ground experiences of Garfield County residents and employers, and protects the assets that matter most to you. Please take 10 minutes to complete the survey. Results of the survey will inform the development of the plan, and help to target County risk-reduction investments. Thank you

Two newly elected officials joined five incumbent Garfield County officers in taking the oath of office January 11, 2011 before a packed crowd in the Garfield County Administration Building. Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky and Assessor Jim Yellico are starting new terms of office after winning their seats in the 2010 General Election. Also taking oath were the current Surveyor Scott Aibner, Coroner Trey Holt, Clerk and Recorder Jean Alberico and Sheriff Lou Vallario. Garfield County Treasurer Georgia Chamberlain took her oath of office at the close of 2010. During the swearing in ceremony, 9th Judicial District Court Judge Daniel