Town of Hotchkiss

The board convened for an executive session to discuss personnel matters specifically related to the recruitment and evaluation of applicants for the Town Administrator position. Following the closed session, the board took action in the open meeting to select four specific finalists for the Town Administrator role.

The board convened in an executive session to discuss personnel matters regarding the recruitment and evaluation of applicants for the Town Administrator position. Following the session, the board took action to select six specific applicants to advance as semi-finalist candidates for the role.

The meeting focused on various town administration and operational matters. Key agenda items included the scheduling of a legal review for the Axon contract, approval of new Standpipe rates, and the adoption of Resolution 2026-05, which established authorized legal signers for the town. The board also reviewed updates regarding payroll system changes and conducted an executive session for legal advice. Several items, including the audit approval and the new town attorney contract, were deferred to a future meeting.

The board discussed multiple administrative and operational items, including the status of the search for a new town administrator. Proclamations were issued for Mental Health Awareness Month, and renewals for liquor licenses were approved. Significant attention was given to water management, resulting in the approval of a resolution regarding drought emergency declarations and plans for future work sessions on water rates and bulk station usage. Additionally, the board approved the installation of a new streetlight and reviewed recommendations for new legal counsel, ultimately directing the current attorney to prepare a professional services agreement with the selected firm.

The board meeting covered several critical items, including the presentation and adoption of a wage compensation study, which established market-based salary increases and improved vacation and insurance benefits for employees. The board discussed the adoption of the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Code, approved a liquor license renewal, and reviewed a request regarding water rights and additional meters. Additionally, the board received updates on drought restriction research, approved the job description for the Town Administrator search, and tabled a planning commission appointment. An executive session was held to receive legal advice regarding an independent investigation.