Longtime county employee urges commissioners not to cut retirement or low-tier insurance

During public comment on Sept. 3, Mark Mears, who identified himself as a Pueblo County employee for more than 31 years, urged commissioners not to eliminate retirement insurance or lower-tier HMO plans, arguing that such steps would harm employees planning to retire. Mears said four years ago "approximately $92,000,000" sat in county investments and asked the board to reconcile the funds and avoid a "knee-jerk" cut to benefits.

Chair Craig McGrane and other commissioners responded that staff would reconcile reported investment and reserve figures and provide a public accounting. The board welcomed the comment as part of its broader budget conversation tied to the new reserve policy; commissioners repeatedly acknowledged that difficult personnel and budget choices may be required but said no formal decisions had been made during the meeting.