County audit, new planning director, surprise visitor
County ends 2022 with $36 million, $7 million more than 2021
Delta County’s main operations fund started the 2023 fiscal year with slightly less in reserves than last year, but overall cash assets grew by $7 million, according to the 2022 county audit.
Local auditor Pete Blair told Commissioners in a public meeting late last month that 2022 actual expenditures were .73% less than budgeted but actual revenues were 35.39% more than anticipated. Higher collections in sales tax revenue, well above budgeted amounts, have contributed to some of the revenue increase.
”The numbers look good now, but they won’t be so good next year,” said County Commissioner Don Suppes referring to two major construction projects currently in the works: a jailhouse expansion and extensive remodeling of the historic Carnegie Building into new Sheriff department offices.
The county’s American Rescue Fund, a federal government grant program started in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to grow ending with almost $6 million in 2022. The audit listed the use of these funds for unspecified “capital acquisition.” No further clarification was offered by Blair or county administration.
PILT Funds (Payment in Leu of Taxes) also jumped an additional one million after the county obtained supplemental American Rescue funding through its participation in the PILT program. PILT are moneys paid by the federal government to compensate counties with large tracks of public land where property tax cannot be collected. These funds are unrestricted in use as outlined in the PILT Act (Chapter 69, Title 31 of the U.S. Code). American Rescue Funds, however, are somewhat restricted.
Back the Badge is the county’s newest income generator after residents voted to increase sales taxes to pay for improved law enforcement in a 2020 ballot initiative. That account ended 2022 with $2.3 million, $1.3 million more than its ending balance in 2021.
Major capital asset events during the 2022 fiscal year included the following:
Major road construction improvements.
Land Acquisition
Miners Trail
New Library 6th Street, Delta
$2,900,913 in heavy equipment and vehicle purchases.
County hires new Planning Director
While not listed on the agenda, County Administrator Robbie LeValley introduced Austin Hanson, Delta County's new Director of Development, during this morning's County Commissioner meeting.
LeValley told Commissioners that Hanson started work yesterday "hitting the ground running" although Hanson's LinkedIn page says he's held the job since August.
Hanson replaces Carl Holm who left his position with the county in June.
From Hanson's LinkedIn page: Delta County's Director of Development is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of work experience in various sectors, including planning, architecture, academia, manufacturing, construction, and non-profit. Austin has a passion for creating and implementing innovative solutions that enhance communities' economic, social, and environmental well-being. He has led and supported multiple projects that involve community development, resource management, strategic collaboration, and stakeholder engagement. As a university professor, he also shares his knowledge and expertise with the next generation of architects, planners, and contractors. He is driven by Delta County's goal to enhance the well-being of its residents and visitors. He is dedicated to promoting an environment where everyone feels valued, treated fairly, and belongs within the community.
Learn more about Hanson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-jameshanson/
Surprise visitor meets County Commissioners
Congressional District 3 Candidate, Jeff Hurd, made a surprise appearance at this morning's County Commissioners public meeting. Hurd is a Grand Junction attorney running against US House Rep., Lauren Boebert in 2024. He spoke during constituent time telling Commissioners he was visiting local government meetings to learn more about issues facing Western Coloradans.