Adams County Suspends County-Paid Car Washes

The Adams County Board of Commissioners, in keeping its commitment to change the way the county does business, announced a 30-day suspension for county-paid car washes.

Over the past two months, the commissioners became aware that county vehicles were being washed at Tailfeathers Car Wash, at 120th Avenue and Highway 85. They said the business is owned by Adams County Surveyor Tim Thoms.

Last July, the county notified county employees and officials that washing county vehicles at Tailfeathers

was no longer authorized. As a result of the commissioners’ reform plan adopted last May, the county has been focusing on contracts and business practices. Further review of county carwash activity revealed irregularities in usage at the I Auto Wash, located at 78th Avenue and Washington Street. Usage reports showed an unexplained spike in activity in January, February and March.

County officials said they weren't sure what caused the spike, despite an investigation.

"We are committed to improve the standards of good government and use our resources wisely," said County Administrator Jim Robinson. "Every time we see a business practice inconsistent with standards of good government, we are going to swiftly bring about the proper changes."

The Adams County Board of Commissioners met in executive session Wednesday to be briefed on the background of this issue and later directed county administration to suspend all car wash activity for 30 days, effective Sept. 16, to allow the county staff time to make substantial changes to its current business practices.

"Our goal is to recognize that as our county grows, standards once considered acceptable must be reviewed, revisited and revised. Business relationships with these car wash vendors have continued for years without a contract," stated the Board of County Commissioners. "Conducting business with just a handshake stopped with the adoption of the county reform plan on May 25, 2011. The county will be issuing (a directive) for car wash services and drafting a clear set of policies and procedures, so we have the necessary controls in place by mid-October."