The Clear Creek County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) convened on July 15, 2025, to discuss several pressing issues, with a focus on the proposed recreation services tax authority and the implications of new state regulations on electrical and plumbing inspections.

One of the primary topics was the potential establishment of a recreation services tax authority. While there is interest in pursuing this initiative, officials emphasized the need for a careful stakeholder engagement process. Rather than rushing to submit a proposal to the Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI), the board aims to communicate directly with interested parties to collaboratively shape the concept. This approach is seen as a way to enhance the likelihood of successful passage in the future.

In addition to the recreation tax discussion, the meeting highlighted concerns regarding new state mandates requiring licensed electricians and plumbers to conduct inspections. David Danielson, the Chief Building Official, presented a proposal advocating for local control over these inspections. He argued that the current requirements impose significant burdens on rural jurisdictions like Clear Creek County, which struggle to hire qualified personnel due to the limited pool of licensed professionals.

Danielson explained that the state’s regulations could hinder the county's ability to maintain a unified building department, as the need for multiple licensed inspectors would drastically increase staffing requirements. He proposed that the county should be allowed to certify inspectors through the International Code Council (ICC), which would streamline the inspection process and potentially reduce costs for residents by keeping permit revenue within the county.

The board members expressed support for exploring this proposal further, recognizing the challenges faced by rural jurisdictions in meeting state requirements. They acknowledged that the current system often leads to delays and inefficiencies, particularly when state inspectors are only available part-time.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners agreed to further investigate the implications of these proposals and the potential for localizing inspection services. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges faced by Clear Creek County in balancing regulatory compliance with the need for efficient and effective local governance. The board plans to continue these discussions in upcoming meetings, aiming to develop actionable strategies that address both the recreation tax authority and the inspection regulation issues.