HomeMy WebLinkAbout20173182.tiffOFFICE OF WELD COUNTY COUNCIL
1150 O Street
P O BOX 758
GREELEY, COLORADO 80632
EMAIL: countycouncil@weldgov.com
PHONE: 970-400-4780
WEBSITE: www.weldgov.com
WELD COUNTY COUNCIL
2017 — 2nd Quarter
REPORT TO THE PEOPLE
August 11, 2017
The Weld County Council is mandated in accordance with the Home Rule Charter of Weld County,
Colorado, to report to the people of Weld County on a quarterly basis, those matters related to the
council's review of Weld County government. This report summarizes the activities of the Weld County
Council during the first quarter of the calendar year 2017.
April 17, 2017
Presentation by the West Greeley Conservation District
Board President John Leone and District Manager Kandee Nourse gave a presentation regarding the
conservation district. The video can be viewed at www.wgcd.orq.
Discussion Regarding Bids for Audits of the Clerk and Recorder's Office and
the Weld County Commissioners
Council President Brett Abernathy stated Council has roughly $5,000 in the budget to pay for outside
counsel to review audit results. Council feels that County Attorney Bruce Barker cannot be impartial.
May 15, 2017
Presentation by the Weld County Assessor's Office
Weld County Assessor Chris Woodruff and Deputy Assessor Brenda Dones gave a presentation
regarding property values.
Highlights included: notation that the average home price in 2010 was $175,000 and in 2016 has
jumped to $290,000; they reminded Council they estimate property values — not taxes; and
provided an abstract of assessment which is available to the public. More information about the
assessor's office can be found at www.co.weld.co.us.
Public Comment
Ellen DeLorenzo of Johnstown told the Council she appreciates the diligence regarding the ongoing
audits. She said she's in favor of independent counsel to prevent any conflict of interest.
County employee, Elisa Kunkel, expressed concern that employees in the clerk's office were not
being allowed time to answer survey questions by auditors during work hours, while other
departments were allowed. Councilman Abernathy advised Kunkel to send concerns directly to the
auditors
Discussion of Independent Counsel
Councilman Abernathy met with Commissioners Julie Cozad and Mike Freeman in a work
session to discuss financing of independent counsel for the audits, roughly $5,000 or less.
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Weld County Council
2016 3rd Quarter Report to the People
Page 2 of 3
Councilman Abernathy said neither commissioner seemed to understand why outside
representation was needed and they questioned whether funds were available. Councilman
Abernathy showed funds were available, though not specifically earmarked. Commissioner
Cozad said the issue could be brought before the Board of County Commissioners for approval.
Based on this conversation, Councilman Abernathy said he felt it was unlikely the commissioners
would support funding independent counsel.
Therefore, he moved to nullify the previous motion approving the hiring of outside counsel,
seconded by Councilman Gene Stille. Councilman Abernathy said that although the majority of
the County Council supported hiring of independent counsel, he didn't believe the commissioners
would approve funding to do so.
In a roll -call vote, Councilman Jordan Jemiola voted aye for the motion to withdraw hiring of
outside counsel, though he doesn't believe approval of funding from commissioners was
necessary. Councilmen Abernathy, Stille and Charles Tucker voted aye, while Councilman Michael
Grillos abstained, and the motion carried.
Discussion of Audit Updates
Councilman Grillos said auditors sent out a confidential survey to county employees on May 5 and
sent a blanket email to all staff requesting confidential phone interviews on May 1. Auditors also
conducted a risk assessment of the Commissioners and Clerk's office.
June 19, 2017
Budget Items
Councilman Abernathy met with Finance Director Don Warden about the 2018 budget. A line item was
added of $5,000 for legal services.
Councilman Stille voiced hesitation at the item and Councilman Abernathy said it was added in the
event an attorney is needed in the future. County Attorney Barker said adding the line item to the
budget was prudent in the event he cannot provide Council legal advice.
A motion was made by Councilman Abernathy to add line item and approve the 2018 budget
worksheet, seconded by Councilman Stille and carried with all ayes.
It was noted the audits of the commissioners and clerk's office would be delayed by a few weeks due
to a greater number of respondents than anticipated.
Weld County Council
2016 3rd Quarter Report to the People
Page 3 of 3
WELD COUNTY COUNCIL
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ouncil Vice -President Michael Grillos ( )
uncilmanJordan J fniblia
Councitl'nan Charles Tucker
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Councilman Gene Stille ( )
Date Signed August 21, 2017
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