Bruce Bass

The meeting involved several key administrative and budgetary actions. The Board ratified the Chairman's signature on a Notice of Termination for an agreement with CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP. A major discussion centered on the adoption of Resolution 2025 BCC 51, which adopted the 2026 Budget for Morgan County, summarizing estimated expenditures and revenues for various funds, including significant allocations to the Jail Capital Improvement Fund and operational costs. Subsequently, Resolution 2025 BCC 52 was approved, which set the general property tax mill levies for the 2026 Budget Year. The Board also adopted Resolution 2025 BCC 53, appropriating sums of money to various funds, which included funding for the completion of the Hog and Sheep Barn at the Fairgrounds and appropriations for new radios and facility improvements. Furthermore, Resolution 2025 BCC 54 was approved, which finalized the rezoning of specific properties to Agricultural Production (A) following recommendations from the Planning Commission. Finally, Resolution 2025 BCC 55 was approved, which provided a supplemental budget adoption for the Ambulance Fund by transferring $100,000 from the General Fund to cover unforeseen overtime expenses.

The meeting involved reviewing the application process for the agenda and approving the agenda itself. The primary New Business item was a request by KS Land, LLC to amend its special use permit for the Four X Ranch Gravel Pit, seeking to expand the permitted aggregate mining area from approximately 33 acres to 77 acres. The commission reviewed compliance with various criteria, including conformance with the Comprehensive Plan goals for agriculture and economic development, site standards, and impact mitigation. Referral responses noted the presence of a plugged and abandoned oil and gas well near the expansion area, though outside the proposed boundary. Following detailed discussion regarding gravel depth, reclamation requirements, and the oil well's location, the Commission ultimately approved the application for the amended special use permit.

The meeting included a session where the Board convened as the Morgan County Board of Social/Human Services, focusing on financial actions. Key actions included the approval of October 2025 warrants totaling $551,383.79, which included operating costs and payroll, with a noted increase primarily due to quarterly contract payments from programs like Colorado Works. The Board also approved the Certification of Provider and Vendor Benefit Authorizations for October 2025, totaling $840,868.34, with summaries showing changes in childcare and food stamp expenditures compared to the previous month and year. The main Board of County Commissioners session addressed several public hearings and administrative items. Discussions covered the delay of the 2026 budget adoption and 2025 property tax levy resolutions, continuing these items to a special meeting scheduled for December 22. An agreement/policy concerning response areas and mutual aid for the Ambulance Department involving Washington County was discussed, with a waiver approved for the law firm representing both counties. The Board approved the First Amendment to the Lease and Easement Agreement for the Solar Energy System with Fort Morgan Solar, LLC, extending the project deadline to June 1, 2026, but no later than November 1, 2026. Ordinance No. 2, Series 2025, allowing the operation of Off-Highway Vehicles on unincorporated county roads for licensed drivers aged 21 and older, was approved on its second reading. Resolution 2025 BCC 48, conditionally approving the Polar Block Minor Subdivision, was adopted. The Morgan County Emergency Operations Plan (Resolution 2025 BCC 50) was approved as an update to align with state standards. A Public Hearing continued the review of an amended Special Use Permit for KS Land, LLC to expand the Four X Ranch Gravel Pit, postponing a final decision until January 6th to address haul route and road maintenance agreements for County Road 21. Another public hearing resulted in the approval of a rezoning application by Randall and Rhonda Jess to change multiple parcels from various residential zones to Agricultural Production (A) zoning. Finally, the Board conditionally approved the 1041 application from Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. for the Big Sandy to Badger Creek 230-kv Transmission Project, subject to numerous conditions related to land rights, permits, structure height, and road use agreements.

The meeting addressed several significant items, including the ratification of numerous actions from previous dates, such as meeting minutes, warrant signatures, contracts, and fee waiver requests. Key general business involved the approval of the bid tabulation and award for the Snyder Grader Shed RFP, with the award granted to Keefe Construction for $326,266.00, contingent upon receiving a warranty. Change orders were approved for the Infrastructure Replacement Project to include necessary plumbing controls and for the Hog and Sheep Barn to account for an unexpected gas line, costing $14,738. Additionally, the Board approved a deadline waiver agreement for a 1041 Permit Application concerning the construction of a major public utility facility by Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc., adjusting hearing dates. Department reports included updates on state unfunded mandates, vacancies on the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment, and the mailing date for upcoming ballots.

The meeting included a review of departmental reports where the County Clerk and Recorder provided an update on the Home Rule election petitions, noting the number of candidates per district. The General Business section involved the introduction and first reading of Ordinance No. 1, Series 2026, which adopts the 2024 Model Traffic Code, updating regulations regarding enforcement on private property, careless driving while backing, and compression brake restrictions, including a new fine structure for spilling on the roadway. A public hearing concerning an Amended Special Use request to expand the Four X Ranch Gravel Pit was continued to February 3rd, 2026.