The July 17, 2025, Board of County Commissioners Special Work Session in Rio Blanco County, Colorado, focused on key operational improvements and technology upgrades. The meeting primarily addressed the need for automation in the management of sales and use tax processes, which are currently handled through spreadsheets.

One of the main recommendations discussed was the implementation of a software program called GovOS, which is included in the 2025 budget. This program aims to streamline the tax filing process by enabling online submissions, reducing manual data entry, and increasing accuracy. The discussion highlighted the county's reliance on outdated technology, emphasizing the need for modernization to improve efficiency.

A significant concern raised during the meeting was the dependency on a single employee for tax management tasks. The commissioners noted that the lack of cross-training among staff could lead to operational challenges, especially in cases of employee absence. The automation proposed by GovOS is expected to mitigate these risks by facilitating easier transitions and ensuring continuity in tax processing duties.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of adopting new technologies to enhance county operations and prepare for future personnel changes. The commissioners expressed optimism that these improvements would lead to a more resilient and efficient tax management system.