County attorney finds credible complaints against rural fire board; residents urge commissioners to appoint trustees to restore operations

County Attorney Paul Spitler told the Park County Commission on Feb. 24 that a preliminary review of complaints about the Park County Rural Fire Department board found the allegations "credible, well documented, and serious," and recommended the commission convene an oversight hearing and follow up with training and governance reforms.

The recommendation came during department updates after Spitler said he had received multiple allegations of improper conduct by board members and had conducted an initial investigation. "I did a preliminary investigation of those allegations and found that they were credible, well documented, and serious," Spitler said, and he urged the commission to consider actions including training on open meeting laws and ensuring the board supervises staff in a manner consistent with county personnel policies.

Fire department leaders and trustees described immediate operational and financial consequences. "For some time now, the actions of certain board members have crossed lines and threatened the synergy that we have worked so hard to build," Assistant Chief Kim Dell told the commissioners, noting the department has been unable to pay bills and lacks the quorum to make necessary decisions. Chief Dan Babcox said vendors are owed money and that the district is "going on the second month now" without routine payments, warning that firefighters might begin using personal vehicles if checks are not signed.

Trustee Courtney Lewellen, one of the remaining board members, asked the commission to schedule appointments and to add the issue to a special meeting agenda so the district can quickly regain the ability to sign checks. Lewellen said the district needs at least one additional trustee to reach the three signatures required on checks and asked that commissioners consider appointing two trustees as soon as possible.

Multiple residents and applicants for trustee positions spoke in favor of fast action. William Madigan and Luke Jessen introduced themselves as applicants and urged prompt appointments so the district can continue service and hire leadership. Resident comments underscored public concern for continuity of operations and safety.

County Attorney Spitler told commissioners that, under the statute and after consulting the Clerk and Recorder, three applicants who applied for the available seats could be appointed by acclamation because three applicants matched three vacancies with staggered term end dates. Commissioners discussed scheduling a Thursday meeting (with public notice) to consider appointments and to allow the trustees to sign checks and resume district business.

The commission did not take a formal vote to appoint trustees during the Feb. 24 meeting but directed staff to include appointment materials with the Thursday agenda and to provide information about the applicants in advance. The next procedural step is a public meeting to consider formal appointments and, if approved, to reestablish the board's ability to sign checks and move ahead with an interim chief or hiring process.

If commissioners schedule the appointments, the county attorney recommended follow-up steps including board training on open meetings law, review of bylaws and posting procedures, and clearer supervision of staff consistent with county personnel policies.