Prowers County Board of Commissioners meeting of February 24, 2026

The Prowers County Board of Commissioners held a regular morning work session and afternoon meeting on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.  Present at the meeting were all three commissioners, County Administrator Don Wilson, County Attorney Rose Pugliese, and County Clerk Jana Coen.  Speaking to commissioners during the morning session was Karen Bryant, CEO of Prowers Medical Center.  She invited the commissioners to attend the Key Stakeholder Interview on March 5, during which feedback and insights will be shared to assist with the hospital developing a new Strategic Plan.  Unfortunately, the commissioners had a prior engagement that day so are looking at alternate dates to meet and share their ideas.  Ms. Bryant went on to announce the recent COPPER verification for pediatric care in the Emergency Department (see separate article in The Prowers Journal detailing this).  She also recently attended a conference where the state’s approach to funding rural hospitals was discussed.

The afternoon meeting’s consent agenda was modified, as Commissioner Cook motioned to have two checks removed from payment (77697 and 77696) which was seconded and approved by all commissioners.  No audience members were present requesting an audience with the board.  A 2025 budget discussion concerning Prowers County Coroner Tommy Dunagan was on the agenda regarding the nearly $10,000 his office was over budget for the year.  He was invited to attend, but was not present at the meeting so the discussion will be rescheduled for the March 10 meeting during the morning’s work session, at 8:30 am. Accordingly, the first action item on the agenda, a consideration to approve an out-of-state travel expense of $2,071.00 for the Coroner’s office was tabled until the next meeting as well.

Action Items 2, 3, 4, and 5 were tabled until the next meeting as well.  These concerned the release of fields owned by GP Irrigated Farms, LLC and S-D Investments, LLC.  A public hearing was scheduled for 1:00 pm on March 24, 2026 regarding an amendment of the Prowers County Land Use Regulations by adding RV Park regulations.  Approved was a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate the Prowers County Hotline County Connection Center with answering and processing of Child Welfare and Adult Protection Services related Hotline calls effective January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026 with Clear Creek, Garfield, and Montrose counties.  Also approved was a Fairgrounds Facility Rental Agreement and Waiver of Fees for the Tri-State 9-11 Foundation event scheduled for September 9-13, 2026.  Approved was the Carlton Tower Maintenance Agreement with ThinAir Communications in the amount of $39,897.51. A 2026 5311 CDOT Grant subaward agreement totaling $235,949.00 with a county match total of $187,069.00 for Prowers Area Transit was approved.  Ratified was a verbal poll approving Prowers County Sheriff’s office out of state conference travel, at no cost to Prowers County.

The meeting was then adjourned for the board to go into Executive Session with the attorney for legal advice on several matters.  The next regular morning work session and afternoon session of the Board of County Commissioners will be Tuesday, March 10, 2026 beginning at 8:30 am.

By: Barbara Crimond