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Moffat County Commission recap for Sept. 15

Patrick Kelly
Moffat County Commissioners John Kinkaid, Frank Moe and Chuck Grobe listen to audience feedback with Keith Kramer. Kramer was addressing the commissioners regarding Yampa Valley Data Partner's budget.
Patrick Kelly

The Moffat County Board of Commissioners did the following at its weekly meeting Tuesday morning:

During general discussion:

• Commissioner John Kinkaid announced that he has been selected to serve as the National Association of Counties’ energy subcommittee chair.



“Just know that I’ll be trying to do my best keep fossil fuels in the dialogue in a positive way,” he said, adding that he felt honored to be chosen for the position.

• Signed a declaration presented by Daughters of the American Revolution declaring Sept. 17, the 228th anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution, as Constitution Day.



On the agenda:

• Director of Moffat County Social Services Department Dollie Rose provided the commissioners with a monthly update.

Rose said her department is collaborating with the Colorado Workforce Center to reinstate a system where individuals on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will have to work a certain number of hours a week to receive their benefits, depending on their circumstances.

The county commissioners approved social services electronic transactions for the month July in the amount of $282,781 and foster care placement costs at $30,910.

• Keith Kramer, executive director of Yampa Valle Data Partners, provided the commissioners with a presentation on YVDP’s 2016 budget.

YVDP is a nonprofit organization with the goal of providing accurate, relevant, timely and unbiased data analysis for the region, according to Kramer.

Funding for YVDP comes from the cities and counties it provides services to, Kramer said. Routt, Moffat and Rio Blanco counties have each agreed to contribute $10,000 to the annual budget, with the rest of the funds coming from Steamboat Springs, Craig, grants and other sponsorships.

“This is truly a regional resource that isn’t duplicated anywhere else,” Kramer said.

But the organization relies on funding from entities using its services, and this year Moffat County was only able to provide $1,000.

“The nitty-gritty of it is we need funding to stay afloat, it’s just that simple,” Kramer said, emphasizing the lack of wiggle room in YVDA’s budget.

Commissioner Chuck Grobe was hesitant to allocate the requested funds, stating the budget was closed and providing funds for YVDA creates an unsustainable precedent.

Kramer reminded the commissioners that the other two counties had met their commitment and Moffat County has had services provided “on their dime.”

“It might be nice to make a gesture,” he said.

• Approved a 10-year mineral lease contract with Southwestern Energy for 400 acres at $200 an acre. Jeff Comstock, Moffat County Natural Resources department, said there was no chance of any other company making a better offer.

Reach Patrick Kelly at 970-875-1795 or pkelly@craigdailypress.com. Follow him on Twitter @M_PKelly.


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