[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6389331,"mediaKeyId","2113425-75394cf26347a4076ca8b1ae95bb354f","parentId",2113425,"title","Pueblo County employees urge larger pay increases as commissioners cite flat budget and approve 2.8% COLA","audioSeconds",186,"startMs",690000,"endMs",876000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2113425-75394cf26347a4076ca8b1ae95bb354f&start=690&end=876","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2113425-75394cf26347a4076ca8b1ae95bb354f/thumbnail_690000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6389331/Pueblo-County/Colorado/Pueblo-County-employees-urge-larger-pay-increases-as-commissioners-cite-flat-budget-and-approve-28-COLA","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6389331-e8876dbace70813d343d67453a231ae8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174855&Signature=kV1qRwPxXeUrzIQZ54h1h1bxROql2lGkMdqrIAdEnW7BagBACEb9eXYl8FqJ~VRhotRypv4gM1PqbTcuUYf5Vjt4-reSwFIeD9fnUUXaNbgzLt5EEoOr4FwebT5VX2Gjp8dMxfgMZt2wY4~gjhu-RdJPBjTAKn7sSnD2sZeQ9dQW2qrcSrYo-Hbih3bapDSRcdtNRXwxWrmkgZ5SbRtUs62h52hFGIBsyVJa6M8gcmN7DDufXCDBVy3-0gKQNH-nKL27vqC0eB5GkVLPzYiF8fPUfWyLsXkIncXnpkxzBrObAuQf3CmzoXXLiIO6eYz131xU3GPk8UrvqpYpw6L24Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pueblo County, CO","date","2025-01-07T00:00:00Z","article","A large group of public comments read into the record at the Jan. 7 Pueblo County Board of County Commissioners meeting urged the board to increase employee compensation beyond a 2.8% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) approved in the county budget.

The county read 15 written public comments during the meeting (staff said 30 comments were on file, five anonymous and 25 non‑anonymous). The comments, many from employees in the County Clerk and Recorder’s Office and motor vehicle staff, described widespread reliance on second jobs, difficulty affording housing and basic expenses, and disappointment that the COLA yields only a small increase above inflation as described by the commenters.

Commenters named in the record include Alvis Martinez, Robert Brown, Cynthia Martinez, Brenda Maldonado, Bridal Omular, Charles Sierra, Taylor Gurley, Alicia Teekill, Devin Berman, Ewan McCrory, Kayla Sanchez, Michael Boychston, Deanna Kendall and Jane Boyd. One commenter pointed to specific rundown properties in the city and requested county action on blight; others focused on wages, morale and retention.

Multiple commenters questioned the timing of the pay adjustment; staff said the COLA will take effect in April when payroll transitions to Workday, and several commenters urged back pay or a sooner implementation. Commenters also noted inflation figures and argued a larger increase was required to match local costs.

Commissioners responded to the comments during the meeting. Commissioners thanked county employees for their service and said they were sympathetic to the concerns raised. Several commissioners noted that the county’s budget is effectively flat this year and that the board set aside funds to provide the 2.8% COLA while attempting to avoid cutting essential services. Commissioners described past multi‑year raises totaling up to roughly 20% over several years and said further structural changes to pay policies would need to be addressed in future budgets or by the next board.

No additional wage action was taken at the Jan. 7 meeting; commissioners encouraged employees to continue submitting feedback and said staff would continue to examine options to support employees within budget constraints.

Votes at a glance: No formal vote on changing the approved COLA was taken during public comment; the previously adopted budget and COLA remain in effect.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Pueblo County BOCC Meeting | January 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","During public comment, county employees and residents submitted at least 15 letters urging higher wages and faster implementation of a cost‑of‑living adjustment. Commissioners acknowledged the concerns but said the county budget is flat and that a 2.8% COLA approved for 2025 is what the board could fund this year.","taxTitle","Pueblo County, Colorado","taxId",4963,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6389337,"Pueblo County adopts ordinance allowing golf cars on county roads in Colorado City Metropolitan District",127,556000,683000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2113425-75394cf26347a4076ca8b1ae95bb354f&start=556&end=683","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2113425-75394cf26347a4076ca8b1ae95bb354f/thumbnail_556000.jpg","/articles/6389337/Pueblo-County/Colorado/Pueblo-County-adopts-ordinance-allowing-golf-cars-on-county-roads-in-Colorado-City-Metropolitan-District","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6389337-20a3deb1b06ceb7473bbcbb5b12a1207/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174855&Signature=S6B8OFwqhM-eqdj3OJ6VyaMxDVsTXY7fCgQHvR9mOkskTC~oU55ik~pDsVQRAW2tUgdcvjK-KRgjpM7U8taFfNmtpzf-EGso3RRVnHj8LHADizmLJ5jZV6EneKhoBCBRmOlWvyhItuZOkDPoavbc8ljshe000JtaK3~lMVzudmPtwGOWCKJChDFe92vJqaNLBREx10~1whMBeQOk7fxAG7755Rp~5fvjX3GjPYhp5LgeKkBKY-AGrafbmBqW9xEH2yH86XbyA8C9OFYHjFeIhSyMG0bR8-n9ggKcV0xHAURbOw8K77Frpf20I0hCiHVqSBA9r8wdi9WP-FHfk6HL~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pueblo County Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance 2024‑31 on Jan. 7, authorizing the operation of highway vehicles and golf cars on county roads located within the boundaries of the Colorado City Metropolitan District and establishing penalties for violations.

County staff noted the ordinance has been discussed at length over the last two years. For the record required by state statute, commissioners were told the ordinance’s first reading occurred Dec. 10, 2024, and the full text was published in the Pueblo Chieftain on Dec. 15, 2024 and in the Greenhorn Valley News. Staff said the ordinance will be published again in the Pueblo Chieftain on Jan. 14, 2025 and will take effect 30 days later on Feb. 15, 2025.

A commissioner noted the ordinance includes a one‑year sunset provision with an option to renew; commissioners said they hoped the community would be receptive and thanked staff and stakeholders who worked on the ordinance. A motion to approve Ordinance 2024‑31 passed by voice vote.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance 2024‑31 (second reading and adoption) — approved (voice vote; tally not recorded by name).","On Jan. 7 the Board adopted Ordinance 2024‑31 permitting highway vehicles and golf cars on county roads within the Colorado City Metropolitan District; the ordinance is scheduled for publication and will take effect Feb. 15 unless amended.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6389342,"Pueblo County amends administrative procedures for liquor and marijuana licensing hearings",320,235000,555000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2113425-75394cf26347a4076ca8b1ae95bb354f&start=235&end=555","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2113425-75394cf26347a4076ca8b1ae95bb354f/thumbnail_235000.jpg","/articles/6389342/Pueblo-County/Colorado/Pueblo-County-amends-administrative-procedures-for-liquor-and-marijuana-licensing-hearings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6389342-ac1221fffbad5989bbc95bc3dbd7a3e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174855&Signature=FcX0mzV5JYXhxVFfwaxTOi3dNd7yyuKtFdCR8OiYfU2DzARi-1uAjJShuwp67dFy64MegwU8qReCNzXDLBRSWACoKbC5lUF6m0FQpyLhBV4jY0Vx9qB5U1IIYya2KZYOCFG1DMwj1YjIEoYlJOlM4zhLrA95Oc545kxD9B2PWEvKQD-HRdSkDJ3UMnD~AQ2CDaIAk0VhHnrGGsr5hPLCOyEHO623GUpoaSWkAJw~vOWyaoha~JUisAD4G3KRRQ3IbhgO7FNZcnm8pEa63Ww9ELXVb1QdkOC4hWYc~WxvoaRLO71DxC2MKUlbK~YYVpPcaGq5s8lMLThPDzN-eOSzEA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pueblo County commissioners on Jan. 7 approved a resolution amending chapter 5.16 of the Pueblo County Code to streamline administrative procedures for hearings before the Pueblo County Liquor and Marijuana Licensing Board and the hearing officer.

County staff said the changes are administrative only and do not change fee schedules. The amendment allows a licensing agent to approve applications that meet all local and state legal requirements without a hearing when a hearing would otherwise be required but cannot be arranged — for example, when a scheduled board meeting is canceled, the applicant files late, or illness prevents convening a hearing. Staff said the change aims to prevent unnecessary delays for licensees, particularly for time‑sensitive special‑event liquor permits.

A county attorney (staff member Sarah Long) told commissioners the amended language restricts board review to contested or controversial hearing officer decisions; either the licensee or staff can request review by the liquor and marijuana licensing board. She said staff circulated the proposed changes to industry representatives and asked for comments by the end of the business day before the meeting; staff reported receiving no objections.

Commissioners discussed the administrative flexibility and staff efficiency benefits. One commissioner noted the code can be amended again if problems emerge. A motion to approve the resolution passed by voice vote.

The change preserves full board hearings for new operating licenses and for matters that become controversial; it primarily affects hearing officer decisions and certain late‑filed or canceled hearing situations.

Votes at a glance: Resolution to amend Pueblo County Code chapter 5.16 — approved (voice vote; tally not recorded by name).","Commissioners approved changes to Pueblo County Code chapter 5.16 to let the licensing agent approve certain applications without a hearing in limited circumstances and to streamline hearing officer procedures; the changes do not alter fees, staff said.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6389347,"Pueblo County approves five-year cooperation agreement with USDA for wildlife damage management",180,51000,231000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2113425-75394cf26347a4076ca8b1ae95bb354f&start=51&end=231","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2113425-75394cf26347a4076ca8b1ae95bb354f/thumbnail_51000.jpg","/articles/6389347/Pueblo-County/Colorado/Pueblo-County-approves-five-year-cooperation-agreement-with-USDA-for-wildlife-damage-management","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6389347-493e285c374106ae916e06d86e2efa27/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174855&Signature=dDPAuv-nFWXZgBpBGzBifhXbegvHvnivvEvoPFjAc5EqFJKjW-DAOnY7jyfX5wIRbBnBlcbyGkwN1fxAg4~f2wOOuDsRW3Zef~TZEXo4M4t1HbtleSMjjjjTe8OBclZdIqt~dGupOQTdJ1wtO0jG-~pMNhILOWhFThxxo8nF~EGJ8IyGpb~nGIj7tiTJv8SASRilPqDkwhEdDPsx7DyXSUzT4Sm1ix-0lXmhDm5PQTtO9DFChIK9AZoS9byeDT-gMYXjPRYqMcpmfE~myCqKmHtC~tewS67kp~UdMb51pH6mge8FSFiB8o3FeclJ4K9xYyY7w6iVUtIuGGtn7StNXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pueblo County commissioners on Jan. 7 approved a five-year cooperation agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) and the agency’s 2025 financial work plan to provide wildlife damage management and nuisance animal control in the county.

The agreement sets a five-year term for the cooperative framework, with an annual financial work plan to specify the coming year’s services and estimated cost. Shuri Shaffer, Cooperative Extension Director, told commissioners the extension office does not perform the control work but facilitates bringing the agreement before the board and coordinating with USDA.

Shaffer said the work plan amount is an estimate; USDA invoices quarterly based on actual work performed in the county. She said the USDA district manager told her the estimate usually tracks closely with actual costs because the district has two full‑time employees working in Pueblo County and generally knows the miles and time involved.

Commissioners asked for clarifications about the renewal and billing cadence. As Shaffer explained, the underlying cooperation agreement renews every five years while the financial work plan is prepared and billed annually. When a commissioner asked whether “the other entity provides $40,000,” Shaffer confirmed that figure in the context of the financial plan as stated in the meeting record.

A motion to approve the agreement and the 2025 financial work plan passed by voice vote; the record shows the motion carried with all commissioners voting in favor.

The county will continue coordinating with USDA APHIS on quarterly invoicing and implementation details under the newly approved work plan. Commissioners did not direct additional staff work or changes to the agreement at the meeting.

Votes at a glance: Motion to approve five-year cooperation agreement and 2025 financial work plan — approved (voice vote; tally not recorded by name).","The Board of County Commissioners approved a five-year cooperation agreement with USDA APHIS and the 2025 financial work plan for wildlife damage and nuisance animal control; the county’s extension office will continue to facilitate the contract and USDA will invoice quarterly based on work performed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Pueblo County employees urge larger pay increases as commissioners cite flat budget and approve 2.8% COLA

Pueblo County adopts ordinance allowing golf cars on county roads in Colorado City Metropolitan District

Pueblo County amends administrative procedures for liquor and marijuana licensing hearings

Pueblo County approves five-year cooperation agreement with USDA for wildlife damage management