Pueblo County approves $20,000 cap for outside counsel to represent sheriff in two cases after tense debate
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Summary
The Board of County Commissioners approved a professional services agreement capped at $20,000 to retain outside counsel for the Pueblo County sheriff in two legal matters. Commissioners debated whether the county should fund litigation tied to a disputed labor-law issue as members of the public and sheriff's employees testified on both sides.
Pueblo County commissioners voted to approve a professional services agreement to retain outside counsel for the sheriff, with the contract capped at $20,000.
The contract covers representation in two matters identified at the meeting: a Denver district court case listed in the transcript as case number 2024 CB33741, and an unfair labor practice complaint pending at the U.S. Department of Labor, referenced in the meeting as case number 3727-24. Commissioners discussed whether the county should pay for judicial review of disputed state law that affects the sheriff’s authority and employees’ collective-bargaining rights.
Supporters of funding said the sheriff, as an elected official, needs legal clarity to carry out constitutional and statutory duties, and that denying counsel would substitute the board’s judgment for the courts. Opponents said the county should not underwrite repeated litigation and urged restraint because legislative or judicial fixes may be forthcoming.
Several people who identified themselves as employees of the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office urged the board to approve the contract, saying internal division and repeated grievances have harmed the department. Jesus Burgos, identified in the record as a sheriff’s office employee of 17 years, said the dispute has created division and described negative interactions with union leadership. Bethany Solano, another sheriff’s employee, said the dispute “is causing division within our agency” and urged focus on implementing previously approved pay adjustments for deputies.
Labor and community representatives urged a different course. Jared Miner, vice president of the Southern Colorado Labor Council, said continued legal spending on cases he described as “union-busting lawsuits” wastes taxpayer dollars and urged the sheriff to return to the bargaining table. Devin Flores, a resident who identified himself as a taxpayer, told commissioners he was concerned about spending $20,000 when county finances are tight and said elected officials should weigh requests rather than treat them as automatic obligations.
Commissioners also discussed broader remedies, including potential legislative clarification. One commissioner said a legislative fix was being pursued and that a judicial ruling could also resolve the conflict; another said the intent of the law supports the union’s interpretation and opposed county-funded litigation.
The motion to approve the agreement passed with a recorded tally of two votes in favor and one opposed. The board noted the agreement includes the $20,000 cap discussed at the meeting and that other attorneys had already been retained in related matters earlier in the fiscal year.
Commissioners and speakers repeatedly emphasized they were seeking a legal answer so the county and the sheriff can move forward; they also said they want the sheriff’s office to remain unified while contract negotiations and litigation proceed.
Votes at a glance • Item 3d — Professional services agreement with Semple Farrington and Evelyn Case to represent the sheriff in two matters (Denver district court case number 2024 CB33741; ULP at Department of Labor case 3727-24). Contract cap: $20,000. Outcome: approved (Yes: 2; No: 1).
