Some interesting things have been going on within our Archuleta County government, including the hiring of people who may not be qualified for their position.
And a pending civil lawsuit, Prescott v. Richard Valdez et al, filed on December 4 in US District Court. That’s also interesting.
But first, back to the BOCC meeting of December 21.
Following the presentation of research on Colorado public health agencies by a group of local volunteers at the December 21 Archuleta Board of County Commissioners meeting, we also heard the three commissioners uphold the findings that a local vacation rental had operated illegally for at least 19 months — and then vote to reduce the penalty fines for that violation from $39,500 down to $20,000.
You can read about the Health Investigation here.
You can read about the illegal vacation rental, here.
The BOCC also committed taxpayer funding to San Juan River “enhancements” south of downtown, adjacent to the proposed Yamaguchi South Park development; awarded a state grant of $150,000 to Healthy Archuleta Inc — a local food coalition; and appointed Adam Buttons and Peter Beaudry to the County Planning Commission.
At the conclusion of the December 21 meeting, the three commissioners — Alvin Schaaf, Warren Brown and Ronnie Maez — had scheduled a discussion about whether to hire the current County Undersheriff, Derek Woodman, and the new County Administrator, at an annual salary of $125,000. (Plus benefits?) The proposed contract would be for three years, as an ‘at-will’ employee — and as such, not entitled to the grievance or appeal procedures available to most County employees.
The conversation went like this:
Interim County Administrator Todd Weaver: “So the final item on the agenda today is consideration and acceptance of the County Manager employment agreement. As you recall, James Derek Woodman was selected as the finalist, and Commissioner Schaaf was nominated as the head negotiator for the employment agreement. And it is before you today, for your review and approval.”
Commissioner Ronnie Maez: “I have a question. The amount of the salary, is the question that I have. You know, $124,000. With a three year contract. And the severance package, too. With no disrespect… but with the hiring, we’re bringing in a person with little — or no — experience running a county government. Or any municipality in the past, either. And to bring him in at the top level of pay? I have to question that. Usually, experience pays. Education pays. I don’t agree with the salary.”
Commissioner Warren Brown: “So, we looked at what we brought our previous County manager in at. And in 2019, we started him at $124,000. It’s now almost three years later, at the same introductory pay of $124,000. I also have taken into account what looks like [County Attorney Todd Weaver’s] contract, which exceeds $124,000 by a fair amount. I would agree that Mr. Woodman does not have county management experience, but he does have extensive management experience. And I’m not sure what we should expect a county manager to start at, if it’s going to be at or below the department heads’ level, who he supervises.”
Commissioner Maez: “But with that being said, there’s education. I mean, Todd Weaver is a licensed attorney. And the highest paid person that Mr. Woodman will be supervising [Director of Human Services?] is paid 80% by the state. It’s paid by the taxpayers, but not directly by Archuleta County taxpayers. And then, not only that, but if… which I feel Derek is probably going to be doing a good job at it… but at the end of the day, if that one waives their salary over his head, they should be making less, by the end of the day. If you understand what I’m saying.”
Commissioner Brown conceded: “I do.”
I will admit that I didn’t understand what Commissioner Maez was saying, even if Commissioner Brown did. By the end of the following day, however, I had heard a rumor that the Director of Human Services had been fired, or had resigned. So Commissioner Maez may have been referring to that particular situation. (I have not confirmed the rumor.)
Commissioner Maez: “I’m just… I’m not comfortable bring him in… [previous County Administrator] Scott Wall was experienced; he was educated for that process, too. So… I won’t agree with that. I know that I will be outvoted, and that’s fine and dandy, too.”
Commissioner Alvin Schaaf: “That’s why we’re having the discussion. I… Like I said, I did the best I could… I feel. And based on inflation, and Mr. Woodman’s experience… he doesn’t have the experience of this position, but I believe he has the experience that we were looking for. So that’s what I came up with. If there’s no further discussion, I will entertain a motion.”
Commissioner Brown: “I don’t see Mr. Woodman getting anything that a person at this level would not be getting. Frankly, I think if we were to bring in a person with ten years of county management experience, I think it’s sound to believe they would be starting at more than $124,000…”
Commissioner Maez: “I think we’re going to have to agree to disagree. I just don’t think it’s right.”
The Commissioner Maez then made a motion. “Mr. Chair, I move that we go back out, and advertise for further applicants for the County Administrator position.” The motion died for lack of a second.
Commissioner Brown then moved to accept the negotiated contract, and the motion passed 2-1, with Commissioner Maez voting ‘Nay’.
The following day, several current and former members of the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office were ‘served’ in a civil lawsuit filed by the Durango law firm of Lisa Ward on behalf of Jason A. Prescott and his two children. Named as defendants in that case are Richard Valdez, Derek Woodman, Warren Brown, James Martinez, Patrick Smith, and several others, including the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners.