On May 14, 2025 at 8 a.m., the Yuma County Board of Commissioners met in regular session. Commissioner Scott Weaver, Commissioner Mike Leerar, Chairman Adam Gates, and Administrator Brandi Ritchey were present throughout the day.
The Commissioners reviewed and signed accounts payable and discussed various meetings attended throughout the prior month.
Road and Bridge Supervisor Tom Andersen and Blade Foreman Justin Lorimer joined the meeting to provide department updates. Andersen stated that the budgeted lease trucks have started hauling material to project roads. Lorimer presented the Commissioners with a Road Report and an update on the progress with rebuilding roads using lease trucks. There have been reports of rocks obstructing roads while the blade crews are working. The group discussed the process of dealing with the rocks. The group reviewed the current budget and discussed various account lines. Andersen stated that the Idalia House is almost done with renovations. The maintenance crew has been cleaning up the yard and will start painting the house this week.
The Board of County Commissioners convened as the Board of Social Services at 9:30 a.m. Human Services Director Kara Hoover, Child Welfare & Adult Protection Supervisor Hollie Hillman, Income Maintenance Supervisor Dalene Rogers, IV-D Administrator Ana Moran, Foster Care/Child Welfare Caseworker IV Amanda Kerbs and Office Manager Lori Summers were present. Detailed minutes of the Board of Social Services are maintained separately by the Department of Human Services. The Board of County Commissioners reconvened at 10:30 a.m.
At 11 a.m., the Commissioners were joined by Judge McGuire, who provided updates regarding the 13th Judicial District, which consists of Yuma, Kit Carson, Logan, Morgan, Sedgwick, and Washington Counties. Judge McGuire reported that court security is doing well in Yuma County and expressed the need for a new Justice Center in Morgan County. Additionally, the 13th Judicial District is in search of a new District Court Judge and plans to add an extra sixth District Court Judge.
At 1 p.m., the Commissioners received an update from Yuma County Emergency Manager Jake Rockwell. Key topics covered included fire safety, weather conditions, and public health information. The group discussed the potential implementation of a burn ban and the stipulations that would be incorporated into that ordinance. Rockwell presented the Personal Identifiable Information policy which was approved by unanimous vote.
At 1:30 p.m., the Commissioners were joined by Yuma County Treasurer Chrystal Hammond for her monthly update. Hammond provided insights on various topics, including investments, tax collection, tax liens, the public trustee report, and office information. Hammond had a successful meeting with a representative from TVI that had some general suggestions for future investments. Hammond reported that Yuma County is currently 78.7 percent collected for 2024 property taxes. Treasurer’s Deed auctions for real property will be held on June 12.
At 2 p.m. the Commissioners met with Yuma County Department Heads. Each Department Head gave various department updates. Present were Emergency Manager Jake Rockwell, Landfill Manager David Lee, Human Services Director Kara Hoover, Road and Bridge Supervisor Tom Andersen, Treasurer Chrystal Hammond, Fairground Manager Carmen Murray, Assessor Cindy Taylor, Finance Officer Sarah Carwin and County Administrator Brandi Ritchey.
At 2:30 p.m., the commissioners met with Fairgrounds Manager Carmen Murray. The group discussed rodeo ticket prices for the fair. The rodeo ticket prices will remain $17 for grandstand and $20 for infield. Carmen presented a salary authorization for a part-time hire for help during the fair which was approved. The group discussed the ongoing HVAC issue at the Yuma County Fairgrounds. The Commissioners would like Murray to send the engineering report to the contractor to see what repairs can be done to make the HVAC unit operational.
Administrator Brandi Ritchey reviewed calls, correspondence, and presented the following for discussion and action:
The Commissioners reviewed and approved the minutes from the previous BOCC meetings. Ritchey updated the commissioners on the CAPP claim from last year’s hailstorm and gave an update on a work comp claim. Ritchey received the final adjusters report for the hail damage and told the contractors that they could begin ordering materials.
The Commissioners reviewed several departmental reports, which included an update on the administration of the Eastern Transportation Planning Region and discussions about the activities undertaken by the 911 Authority Board. The group discussed the feasibility of proceeding with a survey study conducted by Magellan Strategies to see the potential for introducing a ballot measure concerning a county lodging tax. Ritchey gave the commissioners an update on the upcoming ADA compliance deadline and said that she will be applying for a SIPA Grant to help cover the cost for website update. Ritchey provided an update on the correspondence received since the last meeting. She presented a request from Curbside Dynamics, LLC, to sell fireworks, the request was approved by unanimous vote. The group discussed the two letters of interest for the Planning Commission Board.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m. The next regular meetings of the Board of County Commissioners will be on May 29, 2025.