Commissioners hear residents' concerns regarding recently adopted wind farm regulations

The Phillips County Commissioners kicked off the new year with the annual swearing in ceremony at the courthouse followed by re-organization of the board but before doing so, the trio of county leaders wrapped up work in 2022. Throughout the month of December, the Commissioners approved the 2023 budget, made a number of county board appointments and adopted a policy for secure transportation in coordination with House Bill 21-1085.

December’s meetings also brought a number of County residents in for comment on wind energy regulations approved by the Commissioners in late 2022. Amy Bamford, Heather Kurtzer, Jared Kurtzer, Kyle McConnell, Chad Bamford, Luke Schlachter and Shannon Schlachter all made appearances before the Commissioners to discuss the newly approved regulations. Many have suggested changes to the regulations specifically for setbacks in respect to city and town limits and airports while others discussed topics like glare, dust and nose impacts. Concerns from citizens also include cost reimbursement for decommissioning and public health and safety.

In an early December meeting, the Phillips County Commissioners approved a resolution to adopt the 2023 budget along with other supporting documents including a resolution to appropriate sums of money as well as a resolution to set mill levies.

According to the approved resolution the general fund operates with a total of $6,319,8918. Additional fund totals included in this year’s budget include: Road and Bridge, $3,049,952; Human Services, $945,416; Capital Expenditure, $1,416,910; Conservation Trust, $49,144; Ambulance, $32,083; Unemployment, $30,977; E991, $330,567; Economic Development, $136,935; and American Recovery Plan Act, $411,561.

The County’s 2023 mill levy totals 28.28; broken down amounts to 22.45 for the General Fund, 3.73 for Road and Bridge, 1.60 Human Services and .50 for Capital Expenditure.

In late December, the Commissioners approved resolution 2022-12-19-01, adopting a policy for secure transportation services. State House Bill 21-1085 created a regulatory and service system to provide public or private secure transportation services to individuals experiencing a behavior health crisis. Each Colorado County had to implement a program including issuing licenses and vehicle permits for such transports, processing complaints and enforcement of rules associated with the program. All of such was required by Jan. 1 of this year.

Before the start of the new year, the Phillips County Commissioners also voted to raise their salaries. The Commissioners voted to increase salaries from 60 percent of the amount allowed by the State to 70 percent effective Jan. 10 for District 1 and Jan. 14 for District 2 and District 3.

In other business the Commissioners:

• Accepted a recommendation of the planning commission to approve a subdivision request submitted by Gayln L. Einspahr to sell 4.71 acres in the SWSE quarter of Section 3-T7N-R44W to David and Julia Tyznik;

• Approved the renewal of farm ground lease at the Phillips County Landfill with Duane Harms for 2023. The lease is for 57 acres at $35 per acre for an annual lease amount of $1,995;

• Approved a request from Sheriff Thom Elliott to offer tuition reimbursement to Robert T. Corrado for POST academy training at a cost of approximately $7,000. Approval was also given to offer Corrado a $1,500 stipend per month during the time he is attending Otero Junior College seeking basic POST certification;

• Approved a request from Communications Center Director Kenny Gaskill to appoint Sara Kumm as Communication Center Director effective Feb. 1. A motion was also approved to appoint Paolo Mallari as Communication Center Assistant Director effective Feb. 1;

• Approved the purchase of a mini split air condition from Lyle’s Heating and Air cost not to exceed $4,000;

• Made the following board appointments: McKenzie Fleharty to a two year term on the Communications Board; Briana Worley to a three year term on the Phillips County Fair Board; Lynn Seger to a five year term on the Phillips County Recreation District Board; Linda Jeldon to a one year term to the DHS Citizen’s Review Panel; Daniel Waln to serve out an unexpired term on the Planning Commission; Robert Strecker to serve out an unexpired term on the Phillips County Fair Board; Chance Kramer to a three year term on the Phillips County Fair Board; Tom Anderson to a three year term on the Phillips County Fair Board; Stacy Rueter to a two year term on the Communications Board; Jerry Wagoner to a three year term on the Weed and Pest Board; Vern Rafert to a three year term on the Weed and Pest Board; and David Dirks to a four year term on the E911 Board.