During its June 17 meeting, the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) unanimously approved an employment contract with the county’s newly hired attorney, Cathleen Giovannini.
According to the employment contract, Giovannini will receive an annual salary of $165,000 with a three-year agreement lasting through June 16, 2027.
Not included in Giovannini’s contract is a vehicle stipend, nor a monthly phone stipend.
“We’re so glad that Cathleen Giovannini is here,” County Manager Jack Harper said.
First round of business grants approved
Also during the meeting, the BoCC unanimously approved the first round of business assistance grant applications, granting a total of $14,102 to six different businesses located in the main street area.
The requests were presented to the BoCC by Finance Director Chad Eaton, with Eaton providing recommendations for each application.
He also indicated that applicants planned to use the grant funds for payroll and rent.
The total amount requested from those six businesses totaled to $28,102.
Prior to voting on the matter, Commissioner Veronica Medina stated, “My concern for all of these businesses is that we are barely into this process.”
Medina also mentioned that she’d like to know what businesses were doing in preparation for the construction project and noted that if a business is “down,” she wants to make sure the county considers its application.
Medina suggested that in approving the recommendations for grants, the BoCC could include saying that if the funds are to be used for rent, it will not exceed $5,000, “Cause that is the max that we are allowing each applicant.”
She added that since the commissioners are talking about funds from its taxpayers, they need “to lay it all on the line.”
Commissioner Warren Brown addressed comments he received on the question in the application that asks, “What steps has your business taken to address the reconstruction project?” saying, “I realize that this is a very emotional time for our business community. I get it, that’s why the county has come to the table to help.”
Brown also mentioned that the county has no intention to be “snarky,” explaining that the county wants to make the best decision for every business that turns to the county for help.
“This is a genuine effort in trying to assist,” he added.
clayton@pagosasun.com
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