County Attorney Cynthia Mitchell requested an executive session at the July 17 meeting to receive legal advice and to discuss negotiation strategy on a range of matters.

Mitchell cited Colorado’s open‑meetings statute as the authority for a closed session stating the BOCC would receive legal advice under CRS section 24‑6‑402(4)(b) on: requirements of the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Pueblo West regarding the road sales tax (this topic was withdrawn and postponed to a later meeting), the county’s parental leave policy, national opioid settlements involving several manufacturers, a pending unfair labor practice filing relating to DHS bargaining units, a potential lodging tax and requirements arising from the 2016 ballot measure 1A.

She also requested a closed session under CRS section 24‑6‑402(4)(e) to discuss positions and strategy for negotiations related to contracts for marijuana excise tax scholarships. A motion to enter executive session was made, seconded and approved with an aye vote; the board entered executive session.

Why it matters: Executive sessions are the legal process for the board to receive privileged legal advice and to conduct strategy discussions that are exempt from public disclosure under Colorado law. The items listed cover pending legal matters, contract negotiations and settlement issues that could affect county policy and finances.

What’s next: The board proceeded into executive session for deliberation on the listed items; no public action or vote on the substance of those closed items was recorded in open session at the meeting.