Commissioners approve hiring posts, grant application, park MOU and airport lease

Park County commissioners at their April 22 meeting approved a set of administrative actions, including submission of a Department of Natural Resources local government forestry assistance grant application, internal postings to fill two elections positions, short-term seasonal fairgrounds and parks hires, a memorandum of understanding for Silver Gate Park maintenance, and a month-to-month t-hangar garage lease at the county airport.

The Department of Natural Resources grant application will request approximately $7,000 to cover travel and outreach expenses connected to an update of the county's Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). County staff said the grant requires a 10% match, to be provided in-kind through staff time. Kristen (planning department staff) sought approval to submit the application; the commission voted to authorize submission.

The commission also approved internal recruitment to fill two vacancies in the Clerk and Recorder's Office: an elections coordinator (position created or modified in 2021 to support the election administrator) and an elections records deputy (responsible for vital records, land records and petition processing). Commissioner Wallace said the positions were budgeted and needed; both postings were approved by voice vote.

The board approved posting and hiring up to three to five short-term seasonal fairgrounds and parks employees. County staff said these hires are for up to 180 days, carry no benefits, and are intended to support events, grounds maintenance and customer-facing duties. Commissioners discussed budget pressures and whether an office-support role should be temporary or become a permanent position; the motion approved specified short-term seasonal hires.

The commission signed an MOU with Coulter Pass, Cook City and the Silver Gate Community Council to formalize resort-tax-supported park maintenance activities at Silver Gate Park, including vault-toilet cleaning and trash upkeep. The airport manager presented a month-to-month t-hangar garage lease for a tenant identified as Austin; commissioners approved the lease.

All motions on routine administrative items were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote during the meeting.

Votes at a glance (April 22, 2025) - Authorize submission: Department of Natural Resources local government forestry assistance grant application (~$7,000; 10% in-kind match) — outcome: approved (voice vote). - Post and hire (internal): Elections coordinator — outcome: approved (voice vote). - Post and hire: Elections records deputy — outcome: approved (voice vote). - Post and hire: Short-term/seasonal fairgrounds and parks staff (3'5 positions) — outcome: approved (voice vote). - Approve and sign: MOU with Coulter Pass, Cook City and Silver Gate Community Council for Silver Gate Park support (resort tax funds) — outcome: approved (voice vote). - Approve: T-hangar garage lease (Austin 10), month-to-month — outcome: approved (voice vote).

Several departmental updates followed the actions, including updates on grant work, FEMA flood project planning and outreach activities.