The federal government is moving fast right now, and Eagle County is trying hard to keep up

Government at just about any level tends to move deliberately. At least that was the case until about Jan. 20.

With the advent of the current Trump administration, action is coming quickly from the federal government. That’s particularly true regarding the federal workforce.

The Front Country Ranger program seems to have been cut from the U.S. Forest Service’s seasonal workforce — an interesting move, since the program is primarily funded by local governments. Those and other federal actions are prompting responses from local governments.

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At a Monday work session of the Eagle County Board of Commissioners, County Manager Jeff Shroll noted that “as fast as things are happening,” the county government, and particularly the board of commissioners, won’t be able to follow the usual procedure of scheduling a topic for discussion or debate at one of its two usual weekly meetings on Monday and Tuesday.

Shroll noted that media outlets often find out about federal actions before word gets to county officials. Shroll added that he and other officials are getting inquiries “far faster” than they can respond via normal channels.

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With executive orders and other actions coming so quickly, response letters to elected representatives or agency leaders may have to come just as quickly, from either Shroll or another member of the leadership team.

Commissioner Matt Scherr noted that when time is critical, Shroll or other officials can sign a letter, particularly if that response is in line with existing county policies.

County Attorney Beth Oliver said the commissioners can call emergency meetings if needed to talk about responding to new federal policies to comply with state open meetings laws.

County Chief Operating Officer Mike Nugent, a member of the county manager’s team, recommended that the county’s response to federal action could be similar to an emergency incident command structure, in trying to adapt to the “speed of the game.”

Nugent noted that federal policymakers need to “move incredibly fast in the next couple of years,” and the county needs to be able to respond accordingly.

Commissioner Tom Boyd said responding quickly will send an important signal to residents.

“It would be good for local people to see we can move quickly,” Boyd said, although he acknowledged that action may not have the impact locals hope it might.

While things are moving quickly now, Shroll said in the case of the Forest Service, he hoped that the Trump Administration might soon rethink some of its initial cuts.

“It behooves us to work with the boots on the ground people,” Shroll said.

Commissioner Jeanne McQueeney noted that federal action is coming from several directions, including the county’s immigrant community and other areas in which the county receives federal funds.

“We need to stay grounded in our residents and what they need,” McQueeney said, adding she’s going to be “really annoyed” if the seasonal Forest Service employees end up being rehired.

Boyd said he and his fellow commissioners need to “be really clear” in the county’s current policy, which is taking care of the county’s residents.

“We just need to be ready for whatever the next big surprise is,” Boyd said.