CONEJOS — Following up on an often-heated meeting Nov. 15 at the Sanford Community Center, the Conejos Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) have taken action to help alleviate some of the pressure felt by the county sheriff.

The BOCC reported that after hearing the concerns of citizens, as well as careful assessment and discussion, several actions were taken.

The position of intake/administrative clerk has been approved for the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).

This position will be dedicated to processing cases and police reports and Sheriff Howard Galvez, Jr. will work with the county human resources officer and county administrator to create a job description and hire a clerk.

In addition, the BOCC unanimously approved research and purchase of an automated case management system for the sheriff’s office to help manage ongoing and new criminal cases.

Faced with problems attracting new deputies to the CCSO, the commissioners unanimously approved structuring payments of bonuses for new deputies, as well as advertising bonuses in employment ads. County Attorney Nic Sarmiento will structure the bonuses.

Realizing the staff shortages will exist for a while, the BOCC also approved a motion to make an official request for mutual aid from the Colorado State Patrol.

Sarmiento was also directed to investigate a sales tax on marijuana sales as a way to better fund the CCSO.

Galvez will also meet with the district attorney to discuss prioritizing warrants applied for by the CCSO and prosecution of criminal cases in Conejos County.