Staff recommends 12‑month probation for Douglas County business after multiple returned checks

A staff report and public comment on June 1 prompted the Douglas County Board of Commissioners to reserve judgment on possible license action and to send the matter to a public hearing after staff recommended a 12‑month probation for Sunrise Events, the business linked to public commenter Albert Crossfield.

Allison Duncan described the legal framework in the county code, noting ‘‘under chapter three of the code of ordinances in regard to alcohol licenses, it says very clearly section 362 that if we have chronic delinquencies with alcohol excise tax payments … the board of commissioners can determine … whether a license should be revoked or suspended.’’ She said that during 2025 the county recorded 10 delinquent excise tax payments for that business (eight delinquent by more than a week) and that in 2026 the county saw one delinquency and four returned checks (not sufficient funds). Duncan said the business made late payments and paid required returned‑check fees in the past.

Because of the pattern of returned checks and delinquencies, staff recommended placing the business on probation for 12 months and requiring that ‘‘all payments to Douglas County Occupational Tax shall only be accepted as a cashier's check or money order.’’ Duncan said any additional violations of section 362 would be cause to return the matter to the board for a show‑cause hearing to consider suspension or revocation.

Albert Crossfield, who spoke during public comment, told the board he runs a restaurant/lounge at 376 Maxim Road and said he supports the community with feeding programs and contracting work; he asked for clarification about the checks and payments and said he pays penalties and fees when required.

The board confirmed the staff recommendation would be the subject of a public hearing at the next commission meeting; the county clerk noted the action was changed from suspension to probation in staff paperwork. No final disciplinary action was adopted during the June 1 work session.