PRESS RELEASE
March 27, 2020
Garfield County Commissioners appoint new Garfield County Treasurer
Former Treasurer Karla Bagley stepped down for opportunity out of state
Garfield County resident Carrie Couey was appointed by Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) this morning as Garfield County Treasurer and Public Trustee at 10 a.m. The appointment was made in a Special Meeting scheduled by the BOCC for that purpose.She was sworn in by 9th Judicial District Judge Denise Lynch at the Garfield County Commission chambers. Ten people were in attendance in the meeting chambers, while the meeting itself was open to the public through streaming video online.
This appointment was made after a several week process, in which any member of the community was invited to seek the position by providing letters of interest to the BOCC. Pursuant to the Colorado Constitution and state statute, when the office of county treasurer becomes vacant, the board of county commissioners shall appoint a suitable person to perform the duties of the treasurer. In the Special Meeting, Chairman John Martin indicated that there were eight highly qualified applicants, three of whom were chosen for second interviews. Couey was then chosen to serve.
“I’ve always had an interest in public service and how government works,” she said. “I really love that I now have the opportunity to serve the citizens of Garfield County, which is a great place to live. I love the people here.”
Former Treasurer Karla Bagley tendered her resignation to be effective as of March 20, 2020, thereby creating this opportunity. County leadership extended gratitude for Bagley’s leadership during the one and a half terms (six years) she served as both treasurer and public trustee. By this appointment, Couey will also serve as both treasurer and public trustee for Garfield County. Like her predecessors and other county elected officials, her powers and compensation are set by state law.
Couey now serves through December of 2022, which is the length of Bagley’s current term in office.