Board enters executive session to seek legal advice on marijuana tax funds, reorganizations and Aspen Acres fires

County Attorney Brandon Hirsch formally requested the Pueblo County Board of County Commissioners enter executive session at the July 16 work session to receive legal advice under Colorado law regarding multiple matters, including the distribution of marijuana excess tax scholarship funds, county departmental reorganizations, overtime and hazard pay for county employees, the county's roles and responsibilities in response to the Aspen Acres fires, and positions related to negotiations on state and federal contracting requirements for emergency financial assistance eligibility.

Hirsch recited the statutory basis for the request, citing Colorado Revised Statutes provisions for attorney–client privileged legal advice and negotiating strategy. Chair asked for a motion to go into executive session "for the reason cited," the motion was made and seconded, commissioners responded "aye" and the board recessed into executive session. No public discussion of the substantive topics was conducted after the motion; the board proceeded in executive session to receive legal counsel.