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Lake County commissioners direct staff to draft IGA allowing a 3-mill cap and county benefits for two RHA employees
Summary
During a July 14 work session, commissioners discussed a proposed intergovernmental agreement with the Leadville-Lake County Regional Housing Authority and directed staff to draft the IGA to allow a 3-mill levy cap and continue county-provided benefits coverage for two RHA staff positions; the board characterized the choice as a practical compromise between the state-authorized 5-mill maximum and local equity concerns.
Becky Longberg, director of the Leadville–Lake County Regional Housing Authority, asked the Board of County Commissioners on July 14 to reconsider a clause in the current IGA that limited the RHA’s potential mill levy below the state limit and to allow the RHA to continue accessing the county’s benefits package for an additional staff position.
"Why limit the possibility? We don't know what's gonna happen in 20 years," Longberg said, urging that the IGA be commensurate with state statute and that the RHA be allowed to access county benefits to maintain staff capacity.
Commissioners and staff discussed the mechanics and consequences of different levy caps. A county participant clarified that Colorado law allows housing authorities to levy up to 5 mills, but any increase would require a supermajority vote of the RHA board and then a public election. Speakers raised concerns that a high mill cap could be regressive for fixed-income residents and that administrative burden and ballot timing affect the likelihood of success for any tax measure.
Several commissioners argued for leaving flexibility in the IGA to avoid repeating lengthy renegotiations if the RHA later developed a plan that required more revenue. One commissioner suggested a middle ground to reduce rework and administrative delay.
After deliberation the board directed staff to draft the IGA with a 3-mill cap and to continue allowing county-provided benefits coverage for two RHA employees while the parties continue planning and renew the agreement at the next review cycle. The direction was described repeatedly as staff guidance rather than a formal adopted ordinance.
Longberg also reported that the RHA is working to diversify revenue streams (land-bank awards, property-management fees and grants) to reduce sole reliance on county support. Commissioners said they would return the draft IGA for final approval and noted the measure would still require additional approvals and, if advanced to an election, voter approval for any levy increase beyond current practice.
The Chair opened the meeting for public comment after the direction; none were made immediately and the board adjourned the work session at 1:48 p.m.
