by Larry Patrick
WALSENBURG- Huerfano County administrator, John Galusha told the County Commissioners that current economic conditions are having an effect on the County budget. He recommended that adjustments to spending and cost controls be implemented to get through 2008. Galusha recommended five steps which include : not purchasing unnecessary supplies, and getting them only when the stock gets low; and reducing or eliminating vehicle travel whenever possible for the road crews and sheriffs department and others. With the high cost of fuel, everyone is being affected. The third recommendation is to minimize utility usage which includes lights, water and air conditioning. Galusha says the commissioners should also consider not authorizing equipment upgrades or the purchase of new equipment and finally, the fifth adjustment is to not replace personnel that quit, are terminated or retire before the next budget year. The County Commissioners agreed with Galusha’s suggestions, with Commissioner Bobian saying, “it is important to take a proactive approach.”
The Commissioners agreed to write a letter of support on behalf of the owners of the Rambler Restaurant to ask the Colorado Department of Transportation to look at an access permit request in a timely manner to help facilitate the building of a Kentucky Fried Chicken/Taco Bell combo restaurant in the Northlands area. Commissioner, Roger Cain, recommended that the County Administrator, John Galusha, write a letter and follow up with a phone call to CDOT. Cain noted, “When you have a company willing to invest 4 million dollars into the county, we need to support them.”
