Wayne Williams

Quirky Colorado law created a conundrum for El Paso County Commissioners.

Last week, the board appointed Commissioner Wayne Williams as interim county clerk and recorder from Jan. 1 to Jan. 11.

On Monday, Jan. 4, Williams was sworn into the office, to avoid two deputizations of the office staff — during and after the interim. Williams deputized his staff Monday, so won’t have to do it again on Jan. 11, when he and other newly elected county officials are sworn in.

The situation came about when Robert “Bob” Balink, who’s been the clerk and recorder for two terms, ran unopposed for the county treasurer in the November election and won. State statute requires county treasurers to be in office on Jan. 1. But the other newly elected county officials, including two commissioners, won’t take the oath of office until Jan. 11.

Williams is now wearing two hats for the next week, one as clerk and recorder, and the other as county commissioner, which he has been for the past eight years.

Williams and Commissioner Jim Bensberg are term limited so are vacating their seats. By the way, Williams said last week that he will not be collecting two salaries while he’s doing the two jobs.