2024 Annual Summary

Weld County leaders and citizens alike filled the Welcome Center at Aims Community College on Tuesday, Oct. 22, for the first-ever State of the County event. The event exemplified Weld County’s commitment and connection to the future by highlighting achievements and projects related to growth, transportation and quality of life. Commissioner Chair Kevin Ross delivered the remarks on behalf of the entire Weld County Board of Commissioners.

“The state of our county is strong,” Ross said. “The board of commissioners is committed to ensuring it remains strong for generations to come.”

Speaking of several projects and  accomplishments solidified a key takeaway of  Ross’ speech: “Service to the people is at the heart of what we do in county government. ... We are motivated by compassion and a deep sense of responsibility to the people who call Weld County home.”

Plans to design and construct one mile of High Plains Boulevard, an arterial road running east of Interstate 25, moved forward this year. In March, the Weld County Board of Commissioners accepted a $1 million grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, which will help fund the design and construction of the one-mile segment.

The road will extend Weld County Road (WCR) 9.5 from WCR 32 to WCR 34 east of Mead. It will feature two 12-foot lanes (one north and one south), shoulders, and a sidewalk on one side. Both intersections will also feature roundabouts for safety. The project is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2025.

Viewed as a roadblock for law enforcement agencies statewide to recruit and retain officers and deputies, the Weld County Board of Commissioners formally opposed House Bill 24-1460, entitled “Concerning Measures to Strengthen Responses to Law Enforcement Misconduct.”

Weld County Commissioner Perry Buck testified in opposition of the bill to the House Judiciary Committee at the state capitol in April, pointing out the bill’s deficiencies and calling instead for greater enhancement of current laws, better training for officers and deputies and the sufficient allocation of resources to maintain public safety. A resolution passed by the board at its meeting on April 24 reaffirmed the board’s opposition and its commitment to provide Weld County Sheriff’s Deputies with legal counsel, free of charge, to defend their P.O.S.T. certification from revocation because of alleged failure to report “unlawful conduct.”

“Law enforcement has faced a lot of struggles — mostly from the state legislature,” said Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams, who attended the board meeting. “Any effort by this board or CCI (Colorado Counties Incorporated) to help stop that bill from moving forward, would be appreciated.” 

For the past several years, Weld County Government has invested time, resources and money into proactively gathering, analyzing and sharing air quality data. In June, the county launched another informative outlet: a new website, air.weld.gov.

The new, user-friendly site is designed to provide residents with information, presented in plain language, on the factors that influence air quality. Information featured on the site also details how decisions concerning air quality are made, including the regulatory frameworks and guidelines that govern air quality standards and how the public can participate in community meetings, provide feedback on air quality plans and engage in local environmental programs.

Continuing a tradition of supporting youth in their agricultural pursuits, the Weld County Livestock Sale at the Weld County Fair set another record, bringing in $1,841,068. 

“We are extremely proud of the youth who participate in the Junior Livestock Sale,” Weld County Commissioner Chair Kevin Ross said. “These youth have put in numerous hours of commitment into preparing themselves and their animals for sale, and we are especially appreciative to the parents and community members who support them.” 

The sale took place July 29 and drew 365 buyers.

Patrick O’Neill joined Weld County in August as the new Director of Facilities. O’Neill brings with him several decades of experience in facility management, assisting post-secondary institutions and government agencies in his career. 

David Eisenbraun was named the new Director of Planning Services in November. He brings a wealth of experience to the role, most recently serving as a long-range planner for the Town of Windsor.

For its high proficiency in meeting the needs of families and individuals in Weld County, the Weld County Department of Human Services (DHS) received the state’s 2023 C-Stat Distinguished Performance Award in June. Out of 25 counties that met their C-Stat goals in 2023, Weld County was the only “large” county — defined as having a population over 100,000 ­— to receive this recognition.  

C-Stat award recipients typically meet 75% of C-Stat goals for their individual agency. This is the second time Weld County has been recognized, with the first occurring in 2020. 

“On behalf of my fellow commissioners, we are so pleased to stand behind the amazing work you do,” Weld County Commissioner Scott James told members of DHS at the presentation. 

Minna Castillo, Executive Deputy Director of Community Partnerships at the Colorado Department of Human Services, also expressed gratitude for and pride in Weld County staff, saying the award represents resilience, passion, talent and energy in assisting others.

“You all went above and beyond,” Castillo said. “This is a testament to the work you do every day to make sure you’re focused on the needs of your community.”

A three-way intergovernmental agreement (IGA) signed in October has the Greeley-Weld Airport set to receive an additional taxi lane, taxiway and public access road. Construction of the improvements is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2025 and is expected to be complete by August.

The IGA between the Weld County Board of Commissioners, Greeley-Weld Airport Authority Board and the City of Greeley followed discussions expressing a shared desire to improve the airport so it can handle greater air traffic and larger planes.

In early April, the Weld County Board of Commissioners, municipal leaders and county planning staff met to discuss the future of growth in the county, the future of Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) as a planning tool and how to update coordinated planning agreements to ensure growth occurs in the right areas. Over 70 participants from 22 of Weld County’s 32 municipalities took part in discussions about preferred growth types and land use in the agricultural zones near growth areas. 

While the board removed PUDs from the county code in July, Weld County Planning Services continues to work with municipalities on building new coordinated planning agreements.

In August, county officials, along with several dignitaries, opened a new public health clinic, located at 2690 9th St. in Fort Lupton. The new facility further expands the reach of the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE) as well as the availability of services in the southeastern part of the county.

“The demand for public health services is growing, and we are excited to be here and put our resources where they are needed,” said Jason Chessher, WCDPHE Director. “Vaccinations, preventative care and cancer screenings are some of the services we will provide in this facility, and we will ensure the staffing to meet the demand.” 

To make an appointment or for more information, call (970) 400-6420 or visit www.weldhealth.org and click “Clinic Locations.” 

This year, the Weld County Building Department launched a new express permitting program to streamline the building process for essential improvement projects. Homeowners, contractors and developers can now obtain permits for furnace and air conditioning systems, water heaters, gas lines and water lines on the same day they apply. Express permits aim to improve convenience for residents making critical property repairs and upgrades. The ability to provide permits quicker is due, in part, to a simplified application process aimed at reducing delays and helping residents move forward on projects without unnecessary interruptions.

The new Hill N’ Park Senior Center, which officially broke ground on Aug. 1, 2023, officially opened with a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting at its location — 4205 Yosemite Drive in Greeley — on May 7, 2024.

Residents of Hill N’ Park, a subdivision in unincorporated Weld County, had long needed access to amenities as the previous center showed severe signs of distress. After the Weld County Area Agency on Aging received a grant to build a new senior center, a partnership was formed with the Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity and Roche Constructors and work began. 

Referred to as “a dream come true” by Hill N’ Park President Flo Jean Whitehead, the new 2,800 square-foot center features a full commercial kitchen, a large common area, an activity room and a library.

“This has been a great gift,” Whitehead said. “We can’t tell you how much we appreciate it.”