FC 912 News Bytes: Montezuma BOCC notes and more from Nov. 12, 2024

By Dexter Gill

November 13, 2024

The meeting this day started as usual with about five (5) Land Use Code issues, which fortunately were not controversial so sped along.   In “public address time”, a question and concern was raised regarding Sales Tax being raised to support the Cortez Fire District, but the County residents did not get to vote on it even though the County residents pay the tax  through the City businesses.  It was Later explained  that it was a “Fire District” measure, so only  residents in the Fire District could vote on it.  Legal complexity in todays laws.

It was announced that the County Attorney ,  Ian McClaren, has been appointed to fill the seat of Montezuma County Judge in the 22nd Judicial Dist., which recently became vacant by Judge Lawrence being appointed to Mesa County.  Atty. McClaren has served the County very well for the past 10 years, it is reassuring that he will still be here in the County, but hope we will not see him in “official capacity”.  Here come de judge, here comes de judge!!  The BOCC to be holding interviews this very afternoon to fill the County Atty. position  and continue the litigation on Ironwood mill, Unemployment, Dollar Store, etc.

In other actions, Senior Services requested permission to apply for $55k Grant, which has no “match” requirement, so approved.   The Roads Dept. requested approval to purchase a used 4X4 Snow Plow truck for $38.9k , from their budget funds., which was approved, This makes all the County snow plow trucks now Four wheel drive which will save costs not having to pay tow costs.   The Heritage Museum was seeking a letter of support for their seeing a grant, which will also not have any match money from the County, so approved.     Animal Control needs the  regular annual  “Inter Government Agreement” (IGA) , approved for $27,500 .  Question were of concern on how many animals  are involved and what cost per animal is involved.  So , next week that info will be available.

The County Clerk reported that the Election “process” is still active as they are in the “Clearing” which involves over 500 Signature Verifications that they are waiting for responses from  If YOU have received a care requesting verification, PLEASE contact the Clerks office, note there is a deadline, the end of the month, otherwise the votes won’t count, and the election certification is on hold.   On a side note many do not realize how complex this election has been, with so many “Ballot issues” that were specific to certain voters, not all!  The State House Legislative dist. split the County in ½ on a jagged line, voters across the street gets a different ballot that you.  Then who gets what ballot for the Fire District but also different on the State house , then which School Dist. goes on what ballot, etc. etc. How many DIFFERENT Ballots had to be sent out.  I say HATS OFF TO OUR CLERK/ELECTION OFFICE!!!   Currently The verified Ballots returned in Montezuma County is at 76.65%,which means 4,656 voters did not vote.

A “Supplemental” Budget request has been presented for the Sheriff’s office for the Current year , as the office is $306,000 over budget.  The Jail portion is ok, just the Sheriff’s office. Is in the Red.  The staff presenting the request stated they know where the problem  is and changes are being made to correct the past for better working relationship. The  concern expressed by BOCC is  need to keep personnel and service the public safety, but where do we find the extra money?  Decision was to examine all dept. budgets and funds, resolve the issue next week. For those interested, you can go on the County web site and view/listen to the recording of the meeting for the full story.

Remember the next “Coffee with the County” is November 25th 10:00 A.M. in the Commission Room.  Your chance to discuss informally questions and concerns.  “Government by the people” requires the people to be informed and participate!   The year ahead is going to need the People of Montezuma County to come together in unity!

On the National scene, the Congress will have the GOP in leadership role in Both the House and Senate. The Trump team is announcing Cabinet heads, about 8 or 9 mentioned  such as Border Czar, Tom Homath ; Ambassador to UN, Elise Stefanik; Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee; EPA Administrator, Lee Zeldin ( NY congressman) who says he will restore energy, auto industry etc. while protecting water and air.;  Homeland Security, Kristi Noem (SD Gov.); Secretary of State, Marco Rubio; and New, Dept. of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Elon Musk in conjunction with Vivek Ramaswamy.

This year will be in the history books, will WE be making history, or repeating history?