Fund Transfer Needed for County Employee Payroll

Due to a delay in funding payments, the Prowers County Commissioners approved a transfer of $5,000 from the sales tax revenue fund to cover payroll for employees at the Child Hotline Center.  For reasons not yet determined, the funding from the state has been delayed, as in, “The check is in the mail,” but has yet to be received by the county.  Hot Line Director, Ron Trowbridge, told the commissioners during their Tuesday meeting, there is no alarm, and he expected some problems at the outset of the new program.  Commissioner Henry Schnabel voiced his concern about handing the payments in this manner, but wanted to be sure the newly hired employees were paid for their services.  A general meeting for all involved parties was recommended for February 10th to determine what has caused the delays and correct the matter.

The commissioners approved the receipt of funds from a Community Service Block Grant, following a brief public hearing on their application in the county.  Darren Glover, Director of PATS, said the county will receive $46,812, 84% of which will be applied for annual janitorial services at the SOS Center and salaries for drivers and dispatchers at Prowers Area Transit Service.  “The remainder of the grant will go to the health department’s ‘low-cost/no-cost’ vaccine program.

Prowers County Attorney, John Lefferdink discussed a proposal from CDOT to swap three acres of land with the state to accommodate storing some of their road equipment at the Prowers County Fairgrounds.  The suggestion will be reviewed by the commissioners.  Lefferdink briefed the commissioners on a developing lawsuit against Colorado by Nebraska and Oklahoma legislators.  Apparently the marijuana that became legal for recreational uses in Colorado following passage of Amendment 64, has been finding its way to these two border states, creating law enforcement problems, and escalating the costs to them both.  They want reimbursement from the taxes Colorado receives from marijuana sales, claiming that even though its use was legislated in the state, it’s still prohibited by federal law and is an illegal Class 1 drug.  Based on earlier voter turnout, the commissioners passed resolutions banning the drugs sale and cultivation.  Some counties have considered joining in the states’ lawsuit against Colorado.

The commissioners approved the appointment of Sheriff Sam Zordel as an alternate to the Southeast Region All-Hazard Board, approved the designation of County Administrator, Jo Dorenkamp, as the representative to the County Health Pool and approved High Plains Community Health Center as the vendor for the 2015 Prowers County Employee Health Fair.  The commissioners had discussed this option in a prior meeting and determined that they would rotate the location with Prowers Medical Center, perhaps on a two year schedule.

Kathleen Scranton, Big Timbers Museum Curator, met briefly with the commissioners for an update on activities.  Her report indicated the Santa fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway indoor display will be installed when the outdoor kiosk panels arrive.  Historic and informative videos about the Santa Fe Trail Byway will be displayed.  The museum saw an increase of 95 visitors comparing 2014 and 2013 with 2,147 visitors.  The CDOT Wayfaring Kiosk is in the final stages of design and will be placed by the museum’s picnic area.

By Russ Baldwin