County Budget
It is only April, but Mesa County is already beginning our budget process for 2009. Because we instituted our Outcomes Based Budgeting in 2005 we spend a significant amount of time on identifying the outcomes we want in each of our five critical areas (Public Safety, Well Developed Communities, Well Managed Public Resources, Healthy and Success, and Economic Vitality). You can keep tabs on the budgeting process for 2009 as well as review the current budget for 2008 or the budget brief for 2008
Dominguez Escalante National Conservation Area
This week the County Commissioners passed a Resolution in support of congressional legislation that would establish the Dominguez Escalante National Conservation Area. In doing so the Commissioners agreed that resources such as exceptional scenic, natural, recreational, cultural riparian, wildlife, historical, archeological, paleontological, educational and scientific, should be protected into the future for the benefit and enjoyment of all area residents and visitors. The County Commissioners were strong in their support of multiple use of the Dominguez Escalante National Conservation Area, and their resolution included support of historical uses such as Off Road Vehicles.
The presentation that was made prior to the adoption of the Resolution reviewed the extensive public process that lead to their decision.
Energy Master Plan Update
The creation of an Energy Master Plan is something that has not been done any where in the nation. This means that we have no models to use as an example which makes this ambitious endeavor even more challenging. But we are excited about the challenge and believe that our citizens will be well served when this project is complete. Much work has already been accomplished and this week the Commissioners reviewed the proposal from iCAST to help complete this process. Within two weeks of entering into the contract, the public process will begin, with an estimated completion date of December of 2008.
Reporting Child Abuse
This week Mesa County hosted an informational meeting to inform citizens how to identify and report child abuse. These meetings will be held every other month, on the third Thursday at 5:30pm at the Old Courthouse 544 Rood. The next training is scheduled for June 19th. An abbreviated list of things to look for is available on the county web site For more information contact Janet Rowland at janet.rowland@mesacounty.us