Robert Dobry, director of corporate support for local radio station KSJD, was appointed by four votes out of six city councilors.<\/p>\n
Dobry served on the Dolores Planning and Zoning Board and as a trustee for the town of Dolores before moving to Cortez in 2017.<\/p>\n
He also serves as the secretary and treasurer of the Montezuma County Hospital District, the organization that serves as property owner of the Southwest Health System and uses tax revenues to fulfill their intended use on behalf of Montezuma County residents.<\/p>\n
Councilors were drawn to Dobry\u2019s experience with large budgets on the county level, and his desire to help watch over city financials.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really excited to work with them,\u201d Dobry said in a phone interview on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
He will be sworn in at the next meeting.<\/p>\n
Dobry also said he would focus on supporting the business community over the coming months, as they are the tax base for Cortez.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have our work cut out for us with everything going on in the world,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
In his interview with City Council during the work session Sept. 22, Dobry said his most valuable trait is his ability to listen to others.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe might not agree on how to get there, but if we can work together we can make a decision together,\u201d Dobry said.<\/p>\n
Mayor Mike Lavey said Dobry is very knowledgeable about finances and managing budgets and will be \u201ceasy to work with.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s open-minded, and he\u2019s going to work well with us,\u201d Lavey said.<\/p>\n
With only six members on the board for the past couple months, it has been hard to avoid tie votes, Lavey said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be good having seven members on council again,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Thirteen people applied for the seat, which opened when Councilor Sue Betts died after serving her city for two years on the council and for 29 years in law enforcement.<\/p>\n
Applicants Geof Byerly, Lydia DeHaven and Robert Rime also received votes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a tough choice. There were many qualified candidates,\u201d Lavey said.<\/p>\n
Dobry will serve on the City Council until the next municipal election in April 2022.<\/p>\n