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COUNT Y BRIEFING
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS COMMISSIONERS’ MESSAGE.........................................2 ELECTED OFFICIALS......................................................... 4 DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS...................................... 5 & 6 OPENGOV.............................................................................7 BUDGET.......................................................................... 7 & 8 MARIJUANA TAXES.................................................. 9 & 10 WORKING FOR PUEBLO COUNTY...............................11 ROAD & BRIDGE................................................................ 12 SERVING PUEBLO............................................................. 13 COURTHOUSE LIGHTING..............................................14 RECREATION............................................................. 15 & 16 LIFESTYLE................................................................... 17 & 18 PUEBLO CHILE...................................................................19 TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVES....................................20 DIRECTORY................................................................21 & 22
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PUEBLO BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COMMISSIONERS’ MESSAGE
Pueblo County Commissioners are responsible for balancing a budget of more than $200 million. Commissioner Garrison Ortiz, Chairman of the Board, along with Commissioner Terry Hart, Chair Pro-tem, and Commissioner Chris Wiseman work hard to adhere to the highest level of transparency in government for Pueblo County employees and taxpayers. Commissioner Ortiz was sworn into his first four-year term on January 10, 2017. Commissioner Ortiz is dedicated to helping his community with his strong financial background and entrepreneurial approach to government. Commissioner Ortiz’s four pillars of focus include: availability to Pueblo County employees and to the public, open and transparent government through practice, business process improvement in delivery of county services, and vision and financial alignment for effective spending. On November 6, 2012 Commissioner Hart was elected as Pueblo County Commissioner and was sworn in on January 8, 2013. Commissioner Hart has served on numerous boards and commissions including: The Colorado Citizens Advisory Committee for the Pueblo Chemical Weapons Demolition Project, Fountain Creek Watershed, flood Control, and Greenway District Board. After a short stint in private practice, Commissioner Hart was hired as an Assistant County Attorney for Pueblo County. Hart then rose through the ranks and served as County Attorney from 1990 to 2001. Commissioner Wiseman was sworn into his first four-year term on January 8, 2019. Commissioner Wiseman has extensive experience in government work. Wiseman was a longtime general manager for the Colorado State Fair. He also served as Colorado’s Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture. As County Commissioner Wiseman looks forward to ensuring that everyone in Pueblo County finds a job that pays a good livable wage. Commissioner Wiseman is looking forward to improving roads and infrastructure within our community as well as working to maintain Pueblo County facilities and keep them up to date. Pueblo Board of County Commissioner (BOCC) meetings are open to the public and are held every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Pueblo County Courthouse located at 215 W. 10th Street in downtown Pueblo. We encourage you to explore http://county.pueblo.org, as well as this booklet, to learn more about Pueblo County government, our community and the programs and services we offer. Please remember that you can access all public documents, meeting agendas, minutes and more online. You can also visit our Facebook page for updated news at facebook.com/PuebloCounty If you have any question about our community or the services we provide, feel free to call the main switchboard at 719-583-6000 to be directed to the appropriate department, or email us at citizensupport@pueblocounty.us
TERRY HART COMMISSIONER CHAIR PRO-TEM
GARRISON M ORTIZ COMMISSIONER CHAIRMAN
CHRIS WISEMAN COMMISSIONER
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WHAT WE DO Pueblo County is governed by the Pueblo County Board of Commissioners, who are elected by the voters to represent Pueblo County. The board serves as the administrative and policy-setting authority of Pueblo County and provides services outlined in the Constitution of the State of Colorado, including approving an annual balanced budget, overseeing the provision of government services, land use management, engineering, fleet, housing and human services, and veterans.
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ELECTED OFFICIALS FRANK BELTRAN | ASSESSOR
beltran@pueblocounty.us | 719-583-6597
The Assessor values all real and personal property within Pueblo County for tax purposes and gathers and maintains all property records in Pueblo County such as ownership, legals and lot sizes.
GILBERT “BO” ORTIZ | CLERK & RECORDER
ortiz@pueblocounty.us | 719-583-6507
The Clerk and Recorder is responsible for recording deeds, registering automobiles, issuing marriage licenses, registering voters, administering elections, and maintaining records for the Board of County Commissioners.
BRIAN COTTER | CORONER
cotterb@pueblocounty.us | 719-583-4673
The Pueblo County Coroner’s Office conducts specialized death investigation, toxic chemical and HAZMAT training. Death notifications are made in person unless out of area mutual aid is required.
KIRK TAYLOR | PUEBLO COUNTY SHERIFF
taylork@pueblocounty.us | 719-583-6125
The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office is composed of professionals whose commitment is to control crime, problem solve, reduce the perception of fear, and ultimately improve the quality of life by working in a partnership with its citizens.
RANDY REEVES | SURVEYOR
reevesr@pueblocounty.us | 719-253-0874
The Surveyor conducts surveys of county boundaries, accepts maps of surveys within the county for filing, and examines all maps and plats before recording with the County Clerk and Recorder.
DEL OLIVAS | TREASURER
olivasd@pueblocounty.us | 719-583-6015
The Treasurer’s Office is responsible for the collection of all real estate, personal property, manufactured housing, and state assessed taxes. The Treasurer is also the custodian of all county funds.
JEFF CHOSTNER | DISTRICT ATTORNEY
chostner@pueblocounty.us | 719-583-6030
The Tenth Judicial District Attorney’s Office represents the people’s interests in prosecuting criminal cases, seeking justice for victims, and advocating measures to reduce criminal behavior in Pueblo County.
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DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS ADAM UHERNIK | PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
uhernik@pueblocounty.us | 719-583-6534
The Public Information Department works directly with the County Commissioners to convey specific messages to the public via social media and the press. The PIO coordinates all press conferences for Pueblo County Government and the Commissioners.
AIMEE TIHONOVICH | BUDGET & FINANCE
aimee.tihonovich@pueblocounty.us | 719-583-6540
The Budget & Finance Office develops an annual financial plan for Pueblo County, monitors actual performance against budget goals throughout the year, and maintains a governmental accounting and financial reporting system.
BRIAN GOMEZ | COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS
gomezb@pueblocounty.us | 719-583-6546
Community Corrections offers high level planning and administrative services in the areas of community corrections, alternatives to incarceration and jail overcrowding relief in order to ensure the safety of the citizens of Pueblo County and to ensure that tax dollars are wisely spent.
CYNTHIA MITCHELL | COUNTY ATTORNEY
mitchellc@pueblocounty.us | 719-583-6630
The County Attorney’s Office provides legal advice and representation to elected officials, county departments, and other agencies when authorized by the Board of County Commissioners. The office handles all civil matters for Pueblo County.
MICK SCHLOESSER | FLEET
schloesser@pueblocounty.us | 719-583-4764
The Fleet Department maintains nearly 300 vehicles, passenger cars, light trucks, vans, light duty utility equipment, and law enforcement vehicles. Fleet also maintains over 250 pieces of heavy equipment trucks and other specialty equipment.
TIM HART | SOCIAL, HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
tim.hart@pueblocounty.us | 719-583-6160
The Department of Human Services provides social, housing and human services, including protective services for children and adults, income maintenance, medical and food assistance to eligible individuals and families and self-sufficiency services to assistance recipients.
PATSY CRESSWELL | HUMAN RESOURCES
cresswell@pueblocounty.us | 719-583-6500
Human Resources provides personnel and benefits services to county employees. Services include recruitment, selection and orientation, compensation and benefits, position classification, training, employee recognition, and employee related programs.
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MICHAEL FISHER | CSU-EXTENSION
fisher@pueblocounty.us | 719-583-6566
The CSU-Extension provides assistance and programs for citizens in five main areas including: agriculture, horticulture, family and consumer science, natural resources, and 4-H youth programs.
CHRIS MARKUSON | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & GIS
markuson@pueblocounty.us | 719-583-6240
The Pueblo County Office of Economic Development and Geographic Information Systems (EDGIS) administers the Pueblo Urban Enterprise Zone and the Revolving Loan Program. The office also acts as a liaison between the public and private sectors, which are involved with economic development in the community.
SEAN TAPIA | FACILITIES
tapias@pueblocounty.us | 719-583-6002
The Facilities Department provides care for the 729,673 square feet of buildings and 253,086 square feet of grounds including non-capital improvement, custodial services, grounds maintenance, building security, space utilization, utilities and loss prevention.
ED MARTINEZ | INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY / SYSTEMS
martineze@pueblocounty.us | 719-583-6031
The IT Department provides technology tools and services that directly support and augment the services delivery of the elected offices and other mandated county functions and duties.
JOAN ARMSTRONG | PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
armstrong@pueblocounty.us | 719-583-6100
The Planning and Development Department is responsible for current and long range planning activities as well as zoning activities including: liquor and marijuana licensing and compliance.
ANITA CRAIN | PURCHASING
crain@pueblocounty.us | 719-583-6095
The Purchasing Department establishes consistent, fair, and equitable procedures within Pueblo County. The department is mandated by Colorado state statutes for the Board of County Commissioners.
ALF RANDALL | ENGINEERING & PUBLIC WORKS
arandall@pueblocounty.us | 719-583-6040
The Engineering and Public Works Department is responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of County roads, bridges and drainage infrastructure and related capital construction projects.
JOEL THOMPSON | RETIREMENT
thompson@pueblocounty.us | 719-583-6026
The Retirement Department assures the steady and healthy growth of retirement funds, which in turn provides income to retiring county employees.
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OPENGOV OpenGov brings transparency how taxpayer dollars are spent by transforming complex financial data into an interactive, digital format that the public can view very easily online. The tool gives constituents the same financial information Pueblo County government leaders use when making decisions. Users can explore and compare data without having to pull report after report. One of the benefits of the online information is that it is quick to use and users are able to get answers to their questions within minutes by analyzing any line item they would like. Tax payers can also create their own Pueblo County budget and go through the process of balancing a budget. With OpenGov, county employees spend 75% less time on monthly reporting. Staff can now quickly dive into the details to find a specific answer without having to run multiple reports to get the information. There is better data from which to base initial department budgets. OpenGov is very helpful in identifying where trends have been, and how to estimate future years. It’s very quick to look at trends and make comparisons between line items and between departments to see where the county needs to focus financial energies. It has helped department heads not only better understand their own financial statements, but it has led them to be more interested in looking at the numbers and tracking their own budgets in real time. WWW.COUNTY.PUEBLO.ORG/GOVERNMENT/COUNTY/DEPARTMENT/BUDGET-FINANCE/OPENGOV
BUDGET & FINANCE Pueblo County’s Budget & Finance Office works with the county’s elected officials and department directors to develop an annual financial plan for Pueblo County. The Budget and Finance Office monitors actual performance against budget goals throughout the year and maintains a governmental accounting and financial reporting system. The annual financial plan depicts and measures anticipated revenues and expenditures in order to support the county’s objectives, maintain financial stability and comply with statutory requirements. Throughout the year, accurate, useful and timely financial information is made available to both external users and internal management. The office also maintains an adequate system of internal controls to protect the county’s assets and to monitor the receipt and disbursement of public funds in compliance with statutory requirements.
BUDGET TIMELINE
PUEBLO COUNTY ADOPTS BALANCED BUDGET Pueblo County adopted a balanced budget totaling $206 million for 2019. This is 22% higher than the previous year primarily due to planning efforts to begin projects totaling up to $32 million related to the 2016 1A community improvement ballot initiative. Consideration is underway to issue debt so projects can be started. The remaining budget is supported by $80 million in Property, Sales and Specific Ownership taxes which assist the operations of most departments and programs. $60 million dollars in state and federal dollars will go mostly toward social programs assisting underprivileged residents of the community. $19 million dollars in other revenues are mostly fees and other direct charges that assist in funding specific programs. Finally, $15 million dollars comes from unspent revenue collected in previous years and is mostly applied toward construction projects.
BALANCED BUDGET To view the full 2019 Pueblo County Budget, go to: WWW.COUNTY.PUEBLO.ORG/GOVERNMENT/COUNTY/DEPARTMENT/COUNTY-BUDGET
39% TAXES 29% STATE & FEDERAL 15% BOND PROCEEDS (1A) 9% OTHER 8% USE OF RESERVES
23% GENERAL GOVERNMENT 21% PUBLIC SAFETY 18% HEALTH & WELFARE 15% COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS (1A) 10% HIGHWAYS & STREETS 4% DEBT SERVICE 4% BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS 5% OTHER
MARIJUANA TAX DEFINITIONS
PUEBLO COUNTY 3.5-PERCENT SALES TAX
Pueblo County charges a 3.5-percent sales tax on retail marijuana purchases. The tax is collected by the retailer at the time of sale and is paid to Pueblo County by the retailer.
15-PERCENT ALLOCATION OF STATE OF COLORADO 10-PERCENT TAX Colorado charges a 15-percent sales tax on retail marijuana purchases. The tax is collected by the retailer at the time of sale and is paid to the State of Colorado by the retailer. The State of Colorado, on a monthly basis, shares back 10-percent of the state’s 15-percent sales tax to local governments. The share each local government receives is based on the percentage of total statewide retail marijuana sales occurring within its borders.
1-PERCENT STATE COLLECTED MEDICAL AND RETAIL MARIJUANA SALES TAX Pueblo County levies a 1-percent general sales tax (not specific to marijuana) which is collected by the state on its behalf. Because medical and retail marijuana are sold within Pueblo County, the sales are subject to the general 1-percent sales tax, just like a pair of jeans or a new TV.
PUEBLO COUNTY MARIJUANA EXCISE TAX Excise tax is collected on the first sale of wholesale retail marijuana that is grown in Pueblo County. The tax is paid by the retail marijuana grower to Pueblo County on an monthly basis. Pueblo County started collecting excise tax on the first sale of wholesale retail marijuana that is grown in Pueblo County at the rate of 1-percent on the first day of every calendar year until the year 2020 when it will be capped at 5-percent.
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WORKING FOR PUEBLO COUNTY Pueblo County understands that when you choose your next employer, it is a very important decision. There are many factors to consider when selecting employment. The county wants to make that decision a little easier because you are not just making a decision about your career, you are making a decision to join a family. Pueblo County employees are fortunate enough to be the recipients of many outstanding benefits that are hard to beat by other organizations. The county is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining a talented workforce by offering good paying, stable jobs and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pueblo County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender variance, marital status, genetic information, military status, disability, or any other status protected by law or regulation. Employees receive a very generous benefit package to include four health plans as well as dental, vision, and life insurance. Pueblo County offers a Property Tax Work-Off Program that allows seniors to work as a temporary employee at various businesses throughout Pueblo County up to an amount that can help offset the cost of their property taxes. It is Pueblo County’s mission to make the employee’s experience before, during and after your employment with Pueblo County a very smooth one.
HEALTH INSURANCE Full-time employees receive comprehensive health insurance. Pueblo County pays a portion of employees’ monthly insurance premiums. Pueblo County employees have several health insurance plans to choose from including HMO, PPO, high and low deductible plans. Dental, vision and supplemental retirements plans are also available.
RETIREMENT Pueblo County’s Defined Benefit Plan provides a fixed income stream for life. The plan has an advantage over 401K plans in that 401K’s have no guaranteed minimum or maximum benefits. Contributions to Pueblo County’s retirement plan are 100-percent tax deferred, thus decreasing the taxable income for each of our employees. Employees contribute 8.25-percent of their monthly paycheck to their Defined Benefit Plan and Pueblo County matches that contribution 100%. There are currently more than 600 former Pueblo County employees receiving pension benefits sponsored by Pueblo County.
VACATION LEAVE ACCRUAL Regular full-time employees accrue vacation leave according to their years of service.
SICK LEAVE Regular full-time employees accrue eight hours per month sick leave. Eligible employees can use sick leave for absences due to their own illness or injury or that of an immediate family member.
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE Regular full-time employees can receive a maximum of four weeks of paid time off to be used within a four-month period for the birth, adoption or placement of a child/children in foster care. The policy is not exclusive to mothers. Pueblo County’s new paid parental leave policy includes fathers, same-sex couples, adoptive and foster parents, as well as extended family taking care of newborns placed in their care.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE Regular full-time employees take time off due to the death of an immediate family member defined as a spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or cousin. Paid Bereavement Leave should generally be awarded in accordance with the following guidelines:
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ROAD AND BRIDGE The Road and Bridge Division of the Engineering and Public Works Department performs many important functions within Pueblo County Government. There are 56 employees responsible for the maintenance of 858 miles of roads including 273 miles of paved roads and 585 miles of gravel roads. The Division is also responsible for the maintenance of 102 bridges, 140 large diameter culverts, 90 cattle guards, many miles of storm sewer and other drainage facilities, and traffic control devices, including signs, striping, etc. The Division also provides maintenance assistance to the Pueblo West Metropolitan District who is responsible through a formal agreement for the maintenance of an additional 345 miles of County roads within the District. The Engineering Division of the Engineering and Public Works Department is comprised of 10 employees providing such functions as roadway and bridge design, construction management, capital improvement project planning, surveying, hydrological studies, excavation and access permit management, traffic studies, MS4 storm water permit administration, review of subdivision and other land use applications, grant management, and various other engineering-related functions.
2018 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 74,495 TONS OF GRAVEL WERE HAULED 1,781 HOURS’ SNOW REMOVAL 1,737 TRAFFIC DEVICES INSTALLED / FABRICATED 5,502 MILES OF ROAD WERE BLADED 2,476 MILES OF ROAD WERE SWEPT 720 TONS OF PATCHING MATERIAL WERE USED 119 TONS OF CRACK SEAL WERE APPLIED 47 MILES OF DITCHES WERE CLEANED
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PUEBLO COUNTY SERVICES Qualifying seniors, 60 years or older, in Pueblo County can receive packaged USDA food monthly. In order to participate in the program, seniors must be willing to pick up food or use a proxy to pick up food. To certify you need proof of county residence, proof of age, and household must meet income guidelines.
INCOME GUIDELINES HOUSEHOLD SIZE
MONTHLY INCOME
ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME
1 $1,316 $15,782 2 $1,784 $21,398 3 $2,252 $27,014 4 $2,720 $32,630 5 $3,188 $38,246 6 $3,656 $43,862 7 $4,124 $49,478 8 $4,592 $55,094 In addition to the 21,000 senior boxes that are distributed, an additional 31,000 boxes of emergency food, which equals 2,088,000 pounds of food are given out each year. The food bank depends on volunteers to help prepare boxes, perform client intake, make reminder calls, and file. The only requirement to volunteer is a successful background check. If you are interested, call Gloria Valdez at 719-553-3432. This program is an equal opportunity provider. PUEBLO COUNTY USDA FOOD DISTRIBUTION 719-583-6199 | 2631 E 4th Street, Pueblo CO, 81001 | M-F 7:30am-2:00pm
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COURTHOUSE LIGHTING CEREMONY The 2018 Courthouse Lighting Ceremony was an evening to remember. Thousands of people attended to honor first responders. Following the courthouse lighting, there was an inaugural fireworks display. A 16-foot Christmas tree filled the Rotunda inside the Pueblo County Courthouse. Designer Karen Farbo came up with the theme of Rocky Mountain Christmas to decorate the inside of the Courthouse. Kids from area schools helped decorate the tree by making ornaments reflecting the theme and first responders. The Courthouse Lighting Ceremony traditionally takes place the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. If you or your business would like to be a sponsor of the event, please contact Adam Uhernik at 719-583-6534 or uhernik@pueblocounty.us
WWW.PUEBLOCOURTHOUSELIGHTING.COM
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PUEBLO COUNTY RECREATION ADULT COED AND YOUTH VOLLEYBALL SATURDAY NIGHT ADULT COED LEAGUE This recreational league utilizes high school volleyball rules for all games, scoring, and league tiebreakers. Age of participation is 16 years and older. No A-level players allowed in the league. Any children under the age of 16 years old must be supervised by an adult at all times.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRAINING SESSIONS AND PROGRESSIONS LEAGUE Open to any middle schooler who wants to learn volleyball, then participate in a progression league. TRAINING: Pueblo County Recreation Center, 1591 Taos Road 81006: $75 LEAGUE: South High School, 1801 Hollywood Dr. 81005: $70 LEAGUE COORDINATOR: Mary Davis (719) 334-1044
RYE MOUNTAIN PARK Residents can schedule $15 reservations for Rye Mountain Park in Rye, CO. There are three pavilions at Rye Mountain Park that require a reservation. The smaller day sites do not require a reservation. Trash receptacles are provided at each pavilion.
PAVILION #1 This is the oldest covered pavilion and is located in the middle of the park near the creek. Two BBQ grills are provided and this pavilion has 8-10 tables that seat approximately 60 people. The restrooms are located across the street.
PAVILION #2 This is the smallest covered pavilion and is located in the upper area of the park. Three BBQ grills are provided and this pavilion seats approximately 50 people. There are restrooms and a water pump.
PAVILION #3 This is the largest of the pavilions and has a metal cover. Included for use with this pavilion is the playground and the ballfield. Four BBQ grills are provided and this pavilion seats approximately 70 people. Restrooms are available.
SWIM AMERICA Pueblo County SwimAmerica is one of the nation’s leading learn-to-swim programs. The state-of-the art program was created by the American Swimming Coaches Association. The program teaches proper swimming techniques in a safe, fun atmosphere for all ages from infants through adults. Site Supervisor, Jenn Martinez (719) 250-9416 www.swimpueblo.com
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DESERT HAWK GOLF COURSE Desert Hawk Golf Course is a pleasure for golfers of any skill level to play. The course is challenging while providing a relaxing, picturesque backdrop. The course tests player’s accuracy with fairways, water hazards, and sand traps. The goal is to provide players with a quality experience that includes exceptional service and a comfortable atmosphere. 251 S. McCulloch Blvd. 81007 (719) 547-2280 www.deserthawkgolfcourse.com
McHARG PARK COMMUNITY CENTER McHarg Park, located just off US Hwy 50, in the small plains community of Avondale. This park is home to the McHarg Park Community Center, which offers residents and visitors a gymnasium, game room, fitness equipment and a computer lab. 409 2nd Street Avondale, CO 81022 (719) 947-4180
FULTON HEIGHTS COMMUNITY CENTER Fulton Heights Park can be found nestled in the middle of the small community of Salt Creek, just east of Pueblo. The Fulton Heights Community Center is adjacent to this park. The Community Center offers a gymnasium, fitness equipment and a computer lab. Visitors to Fulton Heights Park will find a playground, picnic tables, and outdoor charcoal grills. 1331 Santa Rosa St. Pueblo, CO 81006 (719) 583-4997
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LIFESTYLE IN PUEBLO COUNTY RUNYON FIELD SPORTS COMPLEX Runyon Field is the youth baseball hub for all of Southeastern Colorado. The complex, which boasts five baseball/softball fields is a favorite destination for regional tournaments. Pueblo’s climate offers a much longer playing season than other locations in Colorado, which also helps make Runyon field a very popular baseball venue. Runyon Field is named after Damon Runyon, a sportswriter who grew up in Pueblo. In 1995, Pueblo County renovated and expanded main field at the Runyon complex, and named the field after Runyon’s former colleague at the Pueblo Chieftain, Oneal Hobbs. Hobbs was known as a tireless supporter of baseball in Pueblo. 400 STANTON AVENUE PUEBLO, CO 81003
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WWW.RUNYONFIELD.ORG
HISTORIC ARKANSAS RIVERWALK OF PUEBLO The Riverwalk gives our community an opportunity to beautify and revitalize the heart of downtown Pueblo and promote economic development opportunities. It has proven to be a lively tourist attraction where residents and visitors can walk, shop, dine and ride on the Riverwalk Boats, experience festivals and movie nights. The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo (HARP) is a 32-acre urban waterfront experience open to the Public daily. The Riverwalk returned the Arkansas River to its historic location at the heart of downtown Pueblo, after being diverted in the 1920s due to a devastating flood that destroyed much of Pueblo. The Riverwalk’s current location serves the community by revitalizing a segment of the downtown area that was previously unsightly and unusable. This urban development transforms the community and has been vital in attracting new businesses, thereby helping the stabilize the economic base of the city.
SANGRE DE CRISTO ARTS & CONFERENCE CENTER One-of-a-kind, educational, inspirational, inclusive…the Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center fits all these descriptions and more. Pledging art for all, this beautiful facility has held hands with arts education in Southern Colorado since 1972 and never let go. This multidisciplinary center for the arts is located in Pueblo and serves 17 surrounding counties. As an organization, the Arts Center encourages people to bring out the best in others through high-quality art exhibitions, performing arts, dance arts, an award-winning children’s museum, comprehensive arts educational programming, and an artistic space for meetings, performances and events. The Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center and Buell Children’s Museum are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. visit WWW.SDC-ARTS.ORG for more information
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PUEBLO CHILE LICENSE PLATE Pueblo chile license plates are now available in Colorado. The plate commemorates Pueblo’s chile. The fee includes two one-time fees of $25, in addition to the standard motor vehicle fees. One of the $25 fees is credited to the highway users tax fund and the other is to the licensing services cash fund.
ABOUT PUEBLO CHILE Almost everybody who lives in southeastern Colorado has an emotional connection to the famous chilies that are grown on farms on Pueblo’s St. Charles Mesa, just east of Pueblo. Eaten throughout the year, chile is one of Pueblo’s staples. It can be found everywhere – in Mexican, Italian, Chinese or American restaurants, as well as in thousands of people’s freezers, to be used in anything that needs a little “kick.” Locals use the roasted chilies on eggs, on cold salami and capicola sandwiches, on hamburgers, on pasta, and of course, in salsa and green chile.
CHILE & FRIJOLES FESTIVAL The annual Chile & Frijoles Festival is held each year in late September and is known as Pueblo’s harvest celebration. The festival is hosted by the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce. Each year, thousands pay homage to two of Pueblo’s best-loved crops: green chilies, particularly Pueblo Chile, and “Frijoles” or Pinto Beans. The event features live entertainment, street vendors, cooking competitions, and chilies! The celebration is held downtown along Union Avenue and draws people from across the state and around the nation.
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TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVES SOUTHWEST CHIEF & FRONT RANGE PASSENGER RAIL COMMISSION Pueblo County took a leadership position in helping to form this Commission to preserve and expand the passenger rail services of the Southwest Chief through Southern Colorado and to connect it to a newly proposed Front Range Rail passenger rail line. The Southwest Chief & Front Range Passenger Rail Commission is working to provide people in Colorado another efficient mode of transportation: passenger rail service to the east and west, as well as to the north and south. The Southwest Chief is a passenger train operated by Amtrak and runs daily between Chicago and Los Angeles and travels through southern Colorado. Ideally the passenger train will travel from Trinidad north to Fort Collins boosting connectivity between rural parts of the state and the Denver metro area. Lawmakers across the state are currently working with the Front Range Passenger Rail Commission to raise money for the project and make it become a reality. The project will maximize the connection to RTD and other transportation systems along the Front Range. Lawmakers argue the project will spark economic development and draw companies to Colorado to setup shop.
I-25 ILEX PROJECT In July 2015, crews started work on this multi-million-dollar project, which will replace bridges on I-25 between Ilex Street and City Center Drive in Pueblo. Crews anticipate traffic will be in its final configuration in February with project completion in Spring 2019. Work includes rehabilitating bridges on northbound I-25 over Santa Fe Avenue (US 50C), I-25 over Indiana Avenue, on Santa Fe Avenue over the Arkansas River, and on Northern Avenue and Mesa Avenue over I-25. Designing and building a new bridge on I-25 over Union Pacific Railroad, improving on- and off-ramps from City Center Drive to D Street, improving the surfaces of D Street, Bennett Street, Clark Street and Santa Fe Avenue, and constructing a new, safer intersection at D Street and Santa Fe Avenue.
HIGHWAY 50 WESTBOUND PROJECT An $11-million road project from US 50 Westbound from RR Bridge to West of Pueblo Boulevard is almost complete. All lanes are now open and accessible in the new alignment. There are several goals for the project. First and foremost, the project is designed to increase safety on the roadway. Secondly, it’ll increase capacity, and lastly reduce congestion. Traffic flow is much different than with the old design. There are no left turns are allowed at the intersection of Pueblo Boulevard and the new westbound US 50. To access southbound Pueblo Boulevard from westbound US 50, use the new off-ramp.
2019 PUEBLO COUNTY BRIEFING 20
PUEBLO COUNTY PHONE DIRECTORY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS District 1 Commissioner Terry Hart 719-583-6050 terry.hart@pueblocounty.us Administrator Tana Wittrup 719-583-4548 wittrupt@pueblocounty.us District 2 Commissioner Garrison Ortiz 719-583-6595 ortiz.garrison@pueblocounty.us Administrator Rochelle Cruz 719-583-6545 cruzro@pueblocounty.us District 3 Commissioner Chris Wiseman 719-583-6536 chris.wiseman@pueblocounty.us
Facilities & Recreation 719-583-6002 olguine@pueblocounty.us Human Resources 719-583-6505 humanresources@pueblocounty.us Information Technology Systems 719-583-6031 Planning & Development 719-583-6100 planning@pueblocounty.us Public Trustee 719-545-0821 doug@pueblopt.com
Marriage Licenses / Real Estate 719-583-6628 county.pueblo.org/marriagelicenses
HUMAN SERVICES Director’s Office 719-583-6962 405 W. 9th St. Pueblo CO 81003 Child Welfare Division 719-583-6901 405 W. 9th St. Pueblo CO 81003 Adult Protection Division 719-583-6853 201 W. 8th St. Pueblo CO 81003
Administrator Lauri Ward wardla@pueblocounty.us
Public Works 719-583-6040 randall@pueblocounty.us
PUEBLO COUNTY OFFICES & DEPARTMENTS
Purchasing 719-583-6095 purchasing@pueblocounty.us
Pueblo County Courthouse Switchboard 719-583-6000
Retirement 719-583-6026 thompson@pueblocounty.us
Public Information Officer 719-583-6534 uhernik@pueblocounty.us
Surveyor 719-253-0874 reevesr@pueblocounty.us
Assessor’s Office 719-583-6597 beltran@pueblocounty.us
Treasurer 719-583-6015
Budget & Finance 719-583-4411 aimee.tihonovich@pueblocounty.us
Report Child Abuse 719-583-6901 844-CO-4-KIDS
CLERK & RECORDER
USDA Food Programs 719-583-6316 2631 E. 4th St. Pueblo CO 81003
215 W. 10th Street Pueblo, CO 81003
County Attorney 719-583-6630 co.atty@pueblocounty.us Coroner 719-583-4673 jensenn@pueblocounty.us CSU-Extension 719-583-6566 billings@pueblocounty.us Economic Development & GIS 719-583-6240 edgis@pueblocounty.us
Deputy Clerk 719-583-6515 mearsb@pueblocounty.us Motor Vehicle 719-583-6507 ADA Plates 719-583-4571 Elections 719-583-6620 pueblovotes.com Recording 719-583-6625 county.pueblo.org/recording
Long-Term Care Team 719-583-6900 201 W. 8th St. Pueblo CO 81003 Medicaid Transportation 719-583-6924 201 W. 8th St. Pueblo CO 81003 Assistance Payments Center 719-253-7850 201 W. 8th St. Pueblo CO 81003
Veteran Services 719-583-6113 2631 E. 4th St. Pueblo CO 81003 Weatherization 719-583-6313 2631 E. 4th St. Pueblo CO 81003 Pueblo Area Agency on Aging 719-583-6317 2631 E. 4th St. Pueblo CO 81003
LEAP 719-583-6356 2631 E. 4th Street Pueblo CO 81003
West Substation 719-583-4730
320 E. Joe Martinez Blvd. Pueblo West, CO 81007 South Substation 719-676-3222 4497 Bent Brothers Blvd. Colorado City, CO 81019
PUEBLO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Main Office / Detention Center 719-583-6125 909 Court Street Pueblo CO 81003
Health Department 719-583-4300 101 W. 9th Street Pueblo CO 81003
Catholic Charities 719-544-4233 429 W. 10th Street Pueblo CO 81003
Judicial Building 719-404-8700 501 Elizabeth Street Pueblo CO 81003
Public Relations 719-583-6222 SUBSTATIONS
Posada 719-545-8776 Community Soup Kitchen 719-545-6540 422 W. 7th Street Pueblo CO 81003
Municipal Court 719-562-3810 200 S. Main Street Pueblo CO 81003
CSU-Pueblo 719-549-2373 2200 Bonforte Blvd. Pueblo, CO 81008
Pueblo City Hall 719-553-2489 1 City Hall Place Pueblo CO 81003 Pueblo Police Dept. 719-553-2538 200 S. Main Street Pueblo CO 81003
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Emergency Services Bureau 719-583-6200 101 W. 10th Street Pueblo CO 81003
Driver’s License 719-543-5164 827 W. 4th Street Pueblo CO 81003
USDA Food Bank 719-583-6199 2631 E. 4th Street Pueblo CO 81001
1 12th street
11
10
10th street
9 2
8th street
5
2 PUEBLO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/JAIL 3 DHS FAMILY SERVICES CENTER
N. Grand Ave.
N. Greenwood St.
West St.
N. Elizabeth St.
6th street
COUNTY MAP 1 PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
Court St.
4&7
7th street
6
8
N. Main St.
3 9th street
N. Santa Fe Ave.
11th street
4 CSU EXTENSION 5 FLEET DEPARTMENT
5th street
6 PUEBLO COMBINED COURT
4th street
7 DISTRICT ATTORNEY 8 DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES 9 HEALTH DEPARTMENT 10 EMERGENCY SERVICES BUREAU
47
12
13
11 HISTORIC COURTHOUSE 12 HOUSING & HUMAN SERVICES 13 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT