Nichols Appointed Interim Assessor; Planning for Free “Dump” Day; Prep for America’s 250th Celebration

Council city officials attended the April 6 commissioner meeting, including Mayor Gabe Wilson and City Clerk Ashley Scott, to propose organizing two annual cleanup events in the spring and fall to improve local conditions, particularly along the city corridor. The effort will rely on volunteers, including church and youth groups, to assist residents who may need help maintaining their properties. Plans include monitored dump sites, coordinated waste separation, and limited free or reduced-cost disposal—especially for items like tires—to encourage participation and reduce illegal dumping. Officials emphasized a supportive approach, noting the goal is “compliance, not violations.” Proposed dates include mid-May and mid-September, in an effort to enhance community cleanliness.

Clerk Sherry Ward quickly expressed concern over a reported state reduction of approximately $600,000 in funding allocated to Adams County, with indications the cut may come from general fund sources tied to highway and infrastructure support. Commissioners noted the significant impact this reduction could have on the county’s budget, particularly as similar cuts have occurred in recent years. While the exact distribution of the reductions across funds remains unclear, Ward anticipates broader effects on services supported by general fund dollars.

Commissioners, along with Waste Management Official Steve Shelton, reviewed plans to replace the current solid waste ordinance with a simplified version adapted from Canyon County, aiming for clearer language and more practical enforcement. Key elements included addressing unsecured loads, with proposed fees for violations and a grace period to educate the public before enforcement begins. Alternatives to fines, such as offering affordable load covers, were also considered to encourage compliance. Additionally, county officials emphasized the importance of strengthening regulations to address properties accumulating excessive trash while balancing enforcement challenges. The overall intention is a clearer, more effective ordinance that promotes compliance and community cleanliness.

Road and Bridge Official Adam Balderson discussed plans to modernize driveway permitting by potentially creating an online and interactive system in coordination with the building department. The goal is to prevent common issues such as improper driveway construction and a lack of culverts, resulting in road damage like mud and potholes. Balderson noted that many current problems stem from noncompliance or general lack of awareness, and improved permitting could help address these concerns.

Additional discussion focused on rising infrastructure costs, including expensive culverts and road treatments, as well as experimentation with new materials for dust control and road stabilization. While promising, these methods come with financial risks if they do not perform as expected. Balderson also touched on operational challenges, including the theft of equipment and fuel out of a parked vehicle over the winter.

Commissioners reviewed and approved a contract with a commissary service provider to modernize the jail’s current system. A conflict of interest was disclosed by Commissioner Daren Ward, who clarified his professional connection to the company and offered to abstain from decision-making. The new commissary system will replace an outdated manual process with a more efficient, technology-based approach, allowing inmates to order approved items through tablets and enabling families to deposit funds online. This change is expected to streamline operations and improve compliance with item restrictions.

Additionally, Sheriff Ryan Zollman covered the emergency drill policy for the courthouse with elected officials, then provided inmate numbers totaling 26, consisting of 21 state inmates and 5 county inmates.

With the current county Assessor, Stacy Swift, retiring, the commissioners, upon the recommendation of the Adams County Republican Central Committee, appointed Kala Nichols as interim assessor. Nichols is currently running as a candidate for assessor in the local election to take place on May 19.

In celebration of America’s 250th year, Treasurer Tonjua Spelman requested funds to decorate the county building accordingly. Commissioners granted Spelman a $500.00 budget, and Sheriff Zollman proposed a special public event endorsed by his department to commemorate the occasion.

Brundage developers provided an update on ongoing phased development, talking about progress and upcoming submissions for additional residential and multi-family units. Construction timelines are being carefully managed to balance market demand while maintaining a mix of housing options.

A major focus of the discussion was wastewater management, including plans for an advanced treatment facility and interim solutions to support active building. Developers requested support for lifting sanitary restrictions to allow construction to proceed during the limited building season. Commissioners expressed general support and acknowledged the importance of flexibility and timely coordination with regulatory agencies.