County warns of scam invoices; county attorney updates board on ongoing litigation and staffing

County officials used the Feb. 10 commission meeting to warn residents about a scam targeting recent applicants and property owners and to update the board on pending litigation and staffing.

Planning/administration staff told the board several applicants recently received fraudulent emails and letters purporting to be invoices from the Board of County Commissioners or the City of Cortez. Staff warned residents the county does not accept wire payments or gift cards and said, bluntly, "it's all a scam." The board urged anyone who receives suspicious invoices to verify them using official county phone numbers.

County Attorney (speaker 9) then briefed the board on litigation in Denver involving the Kelroy Newman matter. He said the trial had started but the county "was not named as a party at that point," adding the county may still provide witnesses; he estimated the trial could last up to two weeks and promised to share details when available. The attorney also reported staffing shortages, including the absence of a legal assistant, and said that has slowed land-use enforcement work; the county has engaged employers' counsel for assistance.

After reports and motions, the board moved into executive session to receive legal advice on specific legal questions under CRS section 24-6-402(4)(b). The clerk and identified staff were authorized to attend.