Prowers County Commissioner Meeting Tuesday, August 13, 2024

UPDATE:  Please note that while the information below is correct, this week’s printed version of The Prowers Journal incorrectly states that the participation agreement with the county and SE and Central recycling was approved – in fact, it was tabled until the next meeting.   Also tabled until the next meeting is the Fairgrounds waiver of fees form issue and its inclusion with the rental agreement.  Our apologies for the incorrect information printed.

Adoption of the agenda was approved, as was the paying of bills presented, the meeting minutes of July 23, 2024 and the special meeting minutes of July 30, 2024.

Brenda Brown, County Human Resources Manager/Payroll Clerk, spoke to the Commissioners regarding the recent Health Fair, which was held at Prowers Medical Center.  She stated that in 2023, 69 employees participated but that in 2024, 84 attended.  Also, the costs in 2023 were $2,950 which reduced to $2,075 in 2024 in spite of more participants.  PMC was able to provide additional tests that High Plains was unable to in the past.

Previously tabled items included approval of accepting the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment OSP Mini Grant in the amount of $2,500 and authorizing Prowers County BOCC Chair Ron Cook to execute the grant documents.

Also, from tabled items, is adopting a Resolution to approve and authorize a ballot issue for the election to be held on the first Tuesday of  November, 2024, for the purpose of proposing an increase to the existing countywide sales and use tax to address critical and immediate needs for public safety in Prowers County and other public safety organizations located in Prowers County, as more particularly described in this Resolution.

New Action Items included approving rental agreements between the Prowers County Commissioners and the Prowers County Public Health and Environment (PCPHE) and NFP Agency in the amount of $11,903.88 annually, at a rate of $6.81 per square foot.  Another rental agreement between the Commissioners and PCPHE and SECO CMA in the amount of $22,180.17 annually, or $6.81 per square foot was approved.  A third rental agreement between the Commissioners and PCPHE and Kiowa County Public Health for the period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 in the amount of $1,532.25 annually, or $6.81 per square foot was also approved.

Approved was a change to Liquor License No. 03-18450 for Robert J. Haney, Jr, dba IGOTTAGOLF, to add a new Manager, Ron Wollert, license location at 28157 US Highway 287, Lamar, CO.

Approved was a Memorandum of Agreement for Prowers and Baca Counties between Children First Department of Pueblo Community College and the Roots and Wings Early Childhood Council, effective July 1, 2024 and authorizing Roots and Wings Early Childhood Council Coordinator/Dept. of Human Services employee Courtney Holt-Rogers to execute the Agreement.   Tabled until the next meeting was an amendment of the Fairgrounds Waiver of Fees form and to include the form as part of the Fairgrounds Facility Rental Agreement Application.

The Prowers Journal was designated as the official newspaper for Prowers County, effective August 2, 2024.  As such, they will publish the Delinquent Tax List of Prowers County as well as all legal notices.

Approved was a proclamation declaring August 2024 as Child Support Awareness Month.  Meagan Hillman, Prowers County Public Health Director, was appointed to the Southeast Colorado Opioid Response Settlement Region 19 Board.

The Commissioners authorized Rose Pugliese, Designated Election Official, to retain Community Language Cooperative to translate the sales and use tax increase ballot question for the November 5, 2024 election into Spanish, as required by Colorado law, at an amount not to exceed $100.00.

Also tabled until the next meeting was a Participation Agreement between Prowers County and Southeast and East Central Recycling Association to provide recycling services to Prowers County residents at a cost of $0.30 per capita per month beginning January 1, 2025 and authorizing BOCC Chair Ron Cook to execute the agreement.

By Barbara Crimond