Commissioners declare disaster

The Phillips County Commissioners have declared a local emergency disaster due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Colorado and around the world. The resolution to declare an emergency disaster was approved by all three Commissioners and took effect March 20.

Throughout the month of March, the local commissioners met during their three regularly scheduled meetings in addition to two emergency meetings, held on March 16 and March 17, to discuss situations regarding COVID-19 at a local level.

As news of Phillips County positive COVID-19 cases spreads, more and more businesses and entities are taking measures to help stop the spread of the virus, including Phillips County. According to a press release from Phillips County Administrator Pam Jenson, the County will follow all Federal and State guidelines regarding the pandemic. She noted that all county employees and household members who experience symptoms of COVID-19 have been directed to contact the immediate supervisor and stay home.

Additionally, the Phillips County Event Center, Emergency Operations Center offices and the Phillips County Courthouse doors are currently locked and public access is not allowed until further notice. The Colorado State University and Courthouse Offices will still be staffed for business as usual and available to the public by telephone and/or email. The Courthouse and Human Services buildings have lock boxes that can be used to drop off paperwork, bills, forms, etc.

Last month, Phillips County Commissioners met with a number of department heads, including those who are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic specifically including Trisha Herman, Phillips County Economic Development Director, and Bob Heldenbrand, County Emergency Manager; both provided updates in their respective departments.

Herman told the Commissioners that she has taken on the lead role as far as long-term support recovery. Heldenbrand activated the Phillips County Office of Emergency Management’s Emergency Operations Center at noon on March 11.

Joe Belum, with BST Racing, also met with the Commissioners. The group discussed upcoming races at the Phillips County Fair Grounds, specifically those slated for May 29. At this time, no decisions to cancel or postpone the races were made, however, the County will continue to follow State and Federal guidelines when the time comes.

In unrelated topics, the trio of local commissioners also met with Kerri Doleshall, Weed and Pest Supervisor, to discuss the 2020 herbicide bids. A $12,000 grant from the Department of Agricultural is expected to cover some of the $20,986 cost for NORSTAR chemical spray components and four Samsung Galaxy tablets for the department. The tablets are expected to be purchased from Printers, Paper and More in the amount of $1,599. The remaining funds for the chemical cost will be covered by the County.

At the recommendation of respective department heads, the Commissioners approved salary step increases for Jorge Salas, with the County Sheriff’s Department, and Dan Walk, Maintenance Supervisor, both effective in March.

In other business, the Commissioners:

• Approved the purchase of a DR Pro XL tree stump grinder for $2,300;

• Approved to waive the Event Center rental fee for the Northeast Plains District FCCLA Conference, which was held on March 9;

• Approved the purchase of polyphone polyester acoustic panels to be installed in the Bank of Colorado Pavilion conference room at the fairgrounds. The panels were purchased from Scholl Oil and Transportation for $2,075;

• Approved advertisement in the Explore Magazine through The Holyoke Enterprise for $175, which includes a half-page ad that features major county events such as Dandelion Daze, Phillips County Fair, Haxtun Corn Festival and Old-Fashioned Saturday Night.

• Approved replacing pole lighting at the fairgrounds grandstand/race track area. This project, which is underway, totals $10,000 and was funded through grants from the County Recreational District.