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Board approves exploring transfer of WIC and retail food inspection work to Montezuma County
Summary
The Dolores County Board of Health voted to explore moving WIC services and retail food inspection responsibilities from La Plata/state arrangements to Montezuma County, directing staff to study feasibility, cost/benefit and to coordinate with involved counties.
The Dolores County Board of Health voted Oct. 1 to explore transferring WIC services and retail food inspection responsibilities to Montezuma County Public Health and to study the cost and logistics of such changes.
Chair (S1) moved to explore transitioning WIC work from the current arrangement and to consult with La Plata County as a courtesy; the motion was seconded and approved by the members present. "We would start by letting Tracy in La Plata County know," a committee member said, referring to La Plata’s director, Tracy Anselmo, as a courtesy step if Dolores County pursues a change.
Board members said the move could simplify logistics for residents who currently travel outside the county for services and noted that Montezuma County already serves some Dolores County clients. The board also discussed the retail food licensing and inspection work the state handles; an agency official described environmental health and inspection staffing that would be needed if the county assumed those duties.
"That piece of the contract would have to be with us as long as we can," an agency official said, describing how environmental health inspections would be managed if the transfer proceeds. Board members asked staff to evaluate inspection frequency, training needs and potential revenue if inspections are reassigned to county control.
Both motions—to study the WIC transition and to examine taking over retail food inspections—carried with the board instructing staff to bring back draft agreements, cost estimates and suggested implementation timelines. The board did not finalize any transfers at the meeting.
Next steps include staff outreach to La Plata County and Montezuma County officials and preparing draft language and cost/benefit information for the board’s review.
