Adams County approves human services incentives, $250,000 Meals on Wheels amendment and $640,000 Pecos Street change order

Adams County commissioners voted on Aug. 5 to approve three items affecting county services and capital projects: a 2025–26 Medicaid eligibility incentive intergovernmental agreement with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Finance, a $250,000 amendment to an existing Meals on Wheels agreement with Volunteers of America, and a $640,000 change order for the Pecos Street reconstruction project that adds 46 days to the contractor’s timeline.

The actions matter because they allocate or release funds that affect county services for older residents and human services customers and because the Pecos Street change order increases the county’s construction costs and schedule for a major corridor project.

Katie McDougall, director of human services, presented the Medicaid eligibility incentive IGA, saying the annual state contract “establishes specific performance benchmarks” and that one key metric showed improvement: “our calls were answered in 2 minutes in July.” Under the county’s performance contract with the state, McDougall said Adams County earned nearly $680,000 under last year’s contract and can earn up to $890,000 under the current agreement. Commissioners approved the resolution by a 4–0 vote with one member absent.

Eddie Valdez, division director of operations and community partnerships in human services, described Amendment 2 to the county’s agreement with Volunteers of America to continue Meals on Wheels service through the rest of 2025. Valdez said the program, which serves clients age 60 and older, provides five frozen meals and one weekend box per client per week. He told commissioners the program provided 49,220 meals in 2024, serving about 395 residents per month, and has provided 47,368 meals so far in 2025, serving about 392 residents per month. Valdez and commissioners clarified that the $250,000 being added to the contract comes from the county general fund and was approved in the county’s 2025 budget process; the amendment releases that already‑allocated funding to the vendor. The board approved the amendment 4–0 with one absent.

Brian Staley, a county staff member presenting the Pecos Street item, said the change order was “primarily driven by third party delays” and will cover extended job‑site overhead. Staley said the change order will add 46 days to the contract and allow the contractor to complete field operations before the next phase, which includes installation of public art along the corridor. Commissioners pressed staff about accountability for third‑party utility delays; Staley said, “There is Colorado law in place that requires third party utility providers to make accommodation and move their utilities when we have roadway projects in the public right of way,” and noted that a grievance process exists but may carry political and relational costs. Commissioner Steve O’Dorisio said the county needs clearer public documentation of project budgets, timelines and change orders after noting the project’s budget had increased from about $9.9 million to $11.7 million. The change order was approved 4–0 with one absent.

The board also approved the consent calendar and heard brief remarks about recent county events and the Adams County Fair. No public commenters signed up for the meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution approving the 2025–26 Medicaid eligibility incentive IGA (Adams County and Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Finance): motion to approve as presented (mover: Commissioner Steve O’Dorisio; second: not specified); tally: yes 4, no 0, absent 1; outcome: approved. Provenance: presentation began at the county manager introduction and McDougall’s remarks; vote recorded at 10:22 a.m. segment.

- Amendment 2 to the agreement between Adams County and Volunteers of America for Meals on Wheels ($250,000): motion to approve as presented (mover: Commissioner Steve O’Dorisio; second: not specified); tally: yes 4, no 0, absent 1; outcome: approved. Notes: funds were described as approved in the 2025 county budget and drawn from county general fund after ARPA and rolled‑over funds were spent. Provenance: presentation by Eddie Valdez and Q&A; vote recorded later in the meeting.

- Amendment 2 / Change Order No. 6 between Adams County and Hayman Infrastructure Inc. for the Pecos Street project (50 Second Ave. to 50 Eighth Ave.) ($640,000, +46 days): motion to approve as presented (mover: Commissioner Steve O’Dorisio; second: Commissioner Kathy Henson); tally: yes 4, no 0, absent 1; outcome: approved. Notes: staff said delays were “primarily driven by third party delays”; county staff flagged potential grievance options under state law and noted political/relational tradeoffs. Provenance: presentation by Brian Staley beginning at the Pecos Street item and discussion through the vote.

The board said it will continue follow‑up on project budgets, utility coordination and public communication for capital projects in upcoming study sessions.