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Yuma County backs $1M for Colorado River litigation fund and opposes HCR2016; board authorizes executive session
Summary
County staff briefed supervisors on state session developments; the board voted to support HB 2116 (a $1,000,000 appropriation to the Colorado River Litigation Fund) and to oppose HCR2016, which officials said would substantially increase precinct costs. The meeting ended with approval to move into executive session.
Alejandro Figueroa, Yuma County's Economic Development and Intergovernmental Affairs director, gave a legislative briefing on March 2 that covered 'crossover week' in the state legislature, revenue trends, and several bills of county interest.
Figueroa highlighted fiscal and procedural milestones in the session and flagged measures important to Yuma County, including SB1419 (solar-industry-related amendments), HB2324 (fire code updates), and HB2116, which he described as an appropriation of $1,000,000 to a Colorado River Litigation Fund. He also warned the board that HCR2016 would reduce the allowed number of registered voters per precinct to 2,500 from a previously higher threshold, which staff said would double precinct counts and significantly increase county administration, equipment and security costs.
After the presentation, the board voted to support HB2116. The board then moved to oppose HCR2016; County officials described the change as an unfunded mandate that would increase staffing and equipment needs and make precinct planning more difficult. "If they are going to require additional measures, ... fund these measures," one supervisor said, urging that the legislature provide funding for any new county responsibilities. The board's motion to oppose HCR2016 carried by voice vote.
Figueroa also reminded the board that the public comment period for the draft environmental impact statement on Colorado River operations closed that day and that the Bureau of Reclamation intends to issue a final decision before Oct. 1; he advised the board that the county may need to sign on to positions or actions in the near term.
The board concluded the public session by approving a motion to go into executive session.
Next steps: staff were directed to sign in support of HB2116 on behalf of the county and to coordinate opposition to HCR2016 with county associations; staff also will monitor Colorado River rulemaking and federal timelines and report back to the board.
