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Garfield County adopts emergency proclamation after April 23 Gray Ridge tornado
Summary
The Board of Garfield County Commissioners approved an Emergency Disaster Proclamation for victims of the April 23 tornado, discussed assessor access for tax relief, arranged tetanus vaccinations at a command post and sought state guidance on animal disposal.
The Board of Garfield County Commissioners on April 27 approved an Emergency Disaster Proclamation for residents whose homes were destroyed in the April 23 tornado in Garfield County.
The proclamation was approved by unanimous vote after Member Joe Kegin Jr. moved to adopt it; Chairman Clarence Maly and Vice-Chairman Reese Wedel joined the aye votes. The declaration is intended to support county response and recovery efforts for households impacted in the Gray Ridge area.
Garfield County Assessor Darla Dickson asked whether assessor staff could safely enter the Gray Ridge neighborhood to reassess damaged properties so that those losses would be reflected in 2026 tax assessments. Dickson said Pictometry had flown aerial photos over the area and stated, “The homes that were destroyed will be taken off the 2026 Tax Roll.” Chairman Clarence Maly advised waiting a short period (he referenced April 29–30) before entering the area to coordinate access and safety.
Chairman Maly said the county is seeking guidance from state agencies on carcass disposal and whether county personnel may enter private property to assist. The board directed staff to obtain information and report back; no formal board action was taken on that issue during the meeting.
Jacob Price, Garfield County highway superintendent and county emergency manager, said he had coordinated with Garfield County Health to provide tetanus vaccinations at a command post in the neighborhood for residents who need them. Vice-Chairman Wedel said he had contacted Melinda Annoatubby with ACCEDB State Wide CED regarding $5,000 grants for each district; Districts 1 and 3 indicated they would apply.
The board did not vote on operational details during the meeting; the proclamation and further coordination are the most recent formal steps recorded. The board adjourned to meet again on May 4, 2026.
