Dear Editor: Recent letters and ads supporting Mr.
Perkovich have asked “where did the money go.” The innuendo, of course, is that the current commissioners, and Lynn Padgett in particular, have done a lousy job. Let’s look at the facts, and specifically the funding for those county services most fundamental to our health, safety and welfare.
The Sheriff ’s Office: At the beginning of 2021, when Lynn joined the Board of County Commissioners, there were six officers and one records administrator.
Since then, in response to citizen demand, Lynn has supported the addition of three deputies, an investigator, and a sergeant, and the transfer from Ridgway of the victim’s advocate office. That equals 11 officers, almost doubling the sheriff ’s capacity to keep us safe.
Emergency Medical Services: Our EMS service is outstanding, staffed by dedicated volunteers and career professionals alike. When Lynn took office in early 2021, the paid staff included the chief, three full-time, and two part-time paramedics. Now, with her support, the EMS includes the chief, six full-time, and two part-time paramedics.
Emergency Manager: This office is critical to planning and coordinating our community’s response to the inevitable emergencies that will occur, whether wildfire, flooding, or toxic spills. Thanks to Lynn and her fellow commissioners, a deputy manager position was funded in 2023.
These are dramatic steps forward for Ouray County from the lean years of the Great Recession and the slow recovery, when the BOCC couldn’t fund county services to desired levels. Now that we have the funds, they have been, in my view, put to good use by Lynn and the current BOCC.
Some have complained that the $127,000 “backfill” property tax reimbursement from the state should have been distributed to the taxpayers. The average refund would have been $27 per property, however, so Lynn led the BOCC’s effort to provide real relief for those most in need by donating the windfall to the Ouray County Response Fund. Run by the Telluride Foundation, the fund provides emergency cash assistance for Ouray County citizens in need (including the payment of property taxes).
Fiscal responsibility, responsiveness to community input, and dedication to the Ouray community – that’s why I urge you to vote for Lynn Padgett for county commissioner.
Scott Williams
Ridgway
