A proposal to create a separate elected Grand County auditor office and to separate the county clerk-auditor combination did not pass the commission on Tuesday.

Background: County Clerk-Auditor Gabe Wojtek presented an ordinance and rationale for separating the offices, arguing that the combined clerk-auditor role mixes disparate duties and that a split would improve specialization and internal controls. The ordinance would have enacted the split effective after the next election cycle.

Commission debate: Commissioners expressed differing views. Supporters said the workload and technical complexity of auditing, budgeting and elections justify a split. Opponents cited added cost, the difficulty of recruiting a qualified elected financial officer and the existence of an appointed finance director position the commission previously authorized. Several commissioners said they preferred strengthening administrative staff (a hired financial officer) under the administrator rather than creating an additional elected office.

Vote and outcome: A motion to adopt the ordinance failed. Commissioners McCurdy, Martinez, McCandless and Winfield voted against the ordinance; the ordinance did not pass.

What happens next: The clerk-auditor will continue in the combined role and the commission indicated it will explore other administrative changes to address workload, including staff hiring and operational adjustments.

Sources: Presentation by County Clerk-Auditor Gabe Wojtek, commission debate and final vote recorded in the meeting minutes.