Bent County Gives Health Budget the Green Light

By Anne Boswell

In a short meeting Thursday morning, Bent County Commissioners wasted no time in approving the upcoming 2026 budget for Bent County Health.

Stating they appreciated the hard work that interim director Rick Ritter had done they were in agreement that things are on track.

"We really appreciate all of the work you've been doing in helping us out with public health," Commissioner Jennifer Scofield began.

Commissioner Phil Hemphill chimed in to agree, " no stone was left unturned with you, and we appreciate how thorough you are."

Ritter asked the board of Bent County Commissioners for spending authority for 2026 in the amount of $1,345,261.82.

The budget was approved.

Ritter has been in the position of acting Director of Public Health and Human Services since June, when then director Joni Wilk handed in her resignation. Ritter is also the Public Health Department Director for Otero County.

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Related stories for background on the Bent County Public Health Department

https://www.coloradonewsyourway.com/post/turmoil-a-commonly-used-word-at-thursday-s-bent-county-board-of-health-meeting

https://www.coloradonewsyourway.com/post/a-deep-dive-into-finances-for-the-bent-county-public-health-department

https://www.coloradonewsyourway.com/post/bent-county-public-health-director-resigns