Colorado Blue Sky tells commissioners loss of long-standing mill levy forced layoffs, asks for restored support

Colorado Blue Sky Enterprises told the Pueblo County Board of County Commissioners at a July 17 work session that the nonprofit lost a long-standing quarter‑mill allocation and is asking the county to resume funding to maintain services for infants, toddlers and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The request came during a 40‑minute presentation by Colorado Blue Sky staff and was followed by explanations from county finance and treasurer representatives about why the organization continued to receive monthly treasury reports after the BOCC stopped the mill levy allocation.

Sandra Monte, executive director of Colorado Blue Sky Enterprises, described the organization’s programs and the effect of the funding cut: “We were kind of a little taken back when we, emailed to say, hey. We didn't receive our funding. What's going on?” Monte said. Monte and other staff outlined services that include early intervention evaluations and therapy coordination for infants and toddlers, two waiver programs for adults, a HUD Mainstream voucher program the agency administers, five residential homes, job coaching and other supports.

Why it matters: Colorado Blue Sky says it serves vulnerable residents who rely on a mix of Medicaid, state and local support and that county funds historically filled gaps when federal or state dollars fell short. County staff said the mill allocation in question had been part of the BOCC’s annual mill authorizations but that the BOCC did not reauthorize the allocation in the 2024 process.

County finance and treasury officials told the meeting that Colorado Blue Sky continued to receive monthly treasurer reports after the allocation ended, which created confusion. A treasurer’s office representative said, “Unfortunately, I think there was definitely a breakdown in communication. We didn't realize that you folks were not receiving funds anymore,” and explained that some payments shown on the reports were from prior tax years and that the treasurer’s office had continued to transmit reports while assuming budget staff would stop disbursements.

Colorado Blue Sky leaders told the commission the cut forced layoffs and reduced emergency and unfunded services the nonprofit historically absorbed. The nonprofit’s presentation included these details: the organization was founded in 1964 and said it currently administers 75 HUD Mainstream vouchers (65 in use), operates five residential homes and provides early intervention and adult waiver services; the group said it had used county funds to cover large, otherwise unfunded care for individuals, citing a recent case it said cost roughly $160,000–$180,000 in services it provided while holding placements.

Commissioners and staff discussed how mill levies are allocated and documented. A county staff member explained that “mill levies are passed by the BOCC in December, by public meeting, by resolution” and that those resolutions identify recipients. County staff said the BOCC chose not to continue the allocation for Colorado Blue Sky as part of the county’s most recent budget and that those dollars remain in the county’s general fund. County budget staff asked Colorado Blue Sky to submit budgetary documentation to the county budget office for further review; Colorado Blue Sky agreed to provide budget materials.

Discussion vs. decision: The meeting produced no new BOCC vote to restore the funding. Colorado Blue Sky requested the board consider reinstating the quarter‑mill allocation; county staff acknowledged a communications failure and encouraged continued dialogue and submission of documentation; commissioners said they would consider next steps within current budget limits.

What’s next: Colorado Blue Sky representatives were invited to meet with county budget staff and to submit requested budget documentation. County staff said they will clarify internal reporting processes to avoid repeating the communication problem.