craigdailypress.com

Four local agencies requested Rio Blanco County use tax funds to assist them in operation and development Thursday, the last scheduled day of county budget workshops sessions.

The series of workshops began last week as part of the protocol in determining expenditures for the 2004 county budget.

A representative of the town of Meeker asked for a $3,000 grant for the city's recycling center. Sharon Day said the city plans to use 2003 and 2004 money in order to construct a larger building in which to sort and store recycling material. Day said the recycling center is frequently used by county residents.

"We've had a lot of citizens say, 'Just don't quit doing it,'" she said.

The project justification form stated from August 2002 to September 2003, residents of Rio Blanco County saved more than 114 tons of newspaper, cardboard, and office paper from going to landfills. With an estimated $50 per ton to bury the material, a savings of $5,700 for the year, and $20,300 since the July 1999 opening is documented.

Sue Ann Smith, a volunteer at Safehouse, Inc., requested $1,800 to fund the agency's telephone and insurance expenses. Safehouse, Inc. provides care and protection for abused persons in the community. Legal services, medical care and counseling, and safe refuge from abusers are included in the services.

Smith said the agency is the last safe house in the state that is comprised entirely of volunteers. This year marks the beginning of the 20th year of its existence in Meeker.

"We want to continue to protect our good reputation," Smith said.

She said the insurance coverage protects volunteers, victims, and their children.

Horizons, an agency designed to work with individuals at risk of, or diagnosed with developmental disabilities, asked for $7,000 from the county to maintain ongoing operations. Horizons plans to use the county money toward obtaining Medicaid funded services. Federal Medicaid will match $1 for every county dollar received. Horizons provides adult and child services, as well as family support.

Colorado West Mental Health is seeking $21,000 from the county to serve local indigent clients. Because of drastic budget cuts from the state, the agency asks for county help to subsidize behavioral health care "for our less fortunate citizens."

The Colorado West Mental Health request form states that Meeker has seen a reduction in administrative costs as they attempt to streamline business and put more resources into direct service.

County Budget Director Tom Judd said an amended version of the 2004 budget will become available to the public on Monday.