Commissioners set goals for 2024-2025 and adopt Governing Policies

Both documents are now published online

Media Contact: Mike Bordogna, County Manager, 970-728-3844, mikeb@sanmiguelcountyco.gov

(October 27, 2023) – San Miguel County, CO --- The San Miguel County Commissioners have finalized the board’s goals as of its October 18, 2023 meeting — a set of objectives that will guide its work through 2025 and beyond. Identified as the board’s top three goals are Housing, Behavioral Health and Climate Action/Resiliency.

As a companion to the 2024-25 goals, Commissioners Anne Brown, (District 1), Lance Waring, (District 2) and Kris Holstrom, (District 3), have adopted the county’s Governing Policies and Practices, a key document that clarifies the board’s roles, best practices and defines the duties of the commissioners and county staff. Both of these documents can be found under Helpful Documents at bit.ly/4741Ndu.

With the appointment of Anne Brown to the board earlier this year, the commissioners conducted two retreats to refine their goals and weave in some of Commissioner Brown’s priorities. A recent employee of the county’s Public Health Department, Brown brought to the table goals that will increase behavioral health access (to help manage mental health and substance misuse issues), increased implementation of existing county programs that prioritize equity for our immigrant populations, and ramped-up services for the county’s senior population. She will work closely with the Public Health Department staff and other partners to work toward achievement of those goals.

Being good stewards of the environment has long been a priority for this and past boards. Commissioner Waring will work with the Natural Resources Department in spearheading goals that fall under this category. The county will continue to “lead by example,” with its implementation of government and regional Climate Action Plans, and maintain its alignment with statewide carbon and Green House Gas emission reduction programs and best practices.

Commissioner Holstrom will lead the charge on addressing food insecurity, an issue that plagues a swath of the county’s residents. She will work with Public Health and collaborate with the local food pantries to implement programs that best address the issue. Holstrom will also remain a staunch advocate for composting and recycling — partners in her ongoing efforts include the county’s Compost Program Lead, as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Shavano Conservation District.

Those examples are just a fraction of the Commissioners’ ambitious goals in service to county residents. Other notable goals that will be tackled as a team include Housing, the commissioners’ No. 1 goal, Long-term Fiscal Responsibility, and the pursuit of Strategic Partnerships, with an emphasis of those that align with county goals.

As much an important guiding document as its new goals is the revision of the Governing Policies and Practices, also adopted October 18, 2023. The board’s mission states that: The San Miguel County Board of Commissioners works to ensure that our residents are healthy and flourishing and that our communities are safe and vibrant by: Providing essential community services; Practicing responsible stewardship of our environment; Prioritizing long-term fiscal stability; and Partnering with others to enhance the quality of life in San Miguel County and the region. From there, best practices are outlined that, among many other objectives, ensure transparent and open government, clear communication with residents, staff and each other, and carry out county business with alacrity and clear purpose.

Both newly adopted documents and more information can be found on the county website, www.sanmiguelcountyco.gov.