The Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held a meeting on December 31, 2024, to recognize county employees for their years of service and to discuss updates from social services. The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from the commissioners, who expressed appreciation for the presence of county employees at the year-end gathering.

The first agenda item was the presentation of years of service awards. Commissioners Travis and Don led the ceremony, honoring employees for their dedication ranging from five to thirty-four years. The awards were presented in increments of five years, starting with those who have served five years, including employees from various departments such as the sheriff's office, public health, and social services. Notable recipients included Hakan Abar, Verna Betsili, and Carrie Cheeseman, among others.

As the ceremony progressed, employees with ten, fifteen, twenty, and thirty years of service were recognized. A special mention was made for Diane Newland, who retired after 28 years of service. The ceremony concluded with acknowledgments for employees with 30 years and even up to 34 years of service, including Lou Anne Everett and Rick Lard.

Following the awards, the meeting transitioned to the public comment session. The commissioners invited community members to share their thoughts, although no public comments were made during this time. The session was then closed, and the meeting moved on to the next agenda item.

The final discussion focused on an update from social services regarding financials. The board reviewed and accepted the minutes from the previous social services board meeting held on November 26, 2024, with no further discussion required.

In summary, the meeting highlighted the county's commitment to recognizing employee contributions while also addressing important updates from social services. The BOCC plans to continue its work into the new year, ensuring ongoing support for both employees and the community.