HomeMy WebLinkAbout952686.tiffAK244evss
THIRD READING
OF
HOME RULE CHARTER
F O R
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO
Presented to the County Commissioners
July 2, 1975
952086
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Weld County CO Clerk & Recorder 0.00
AMENDMENTS
Page
1. Article V, Section 2
Effective date - January 1, 1979
2. Article XIV, Section 14-9(5)
Effective date - January 1, 1985
29
53
3. Article Ill, Section 3-7 7
Section 3-11(2) 12
Section 3-14(7) 14
Effective date - July 1, 1990
4. Article VI, Section 6-1
Effective date - July 1, 1990
31
5. Article VIII, Section 8-2(3) 35
Section 8-2(5) 35
Effective date - July 1, 1990
6. Article V, Section 5-2
Effective date - March 22, 1990
7. Article VI, Section 6-3
Effective date - March 22, 1990
29
31
8. Article XIII, Section 13-9
Subsections (2), (4), and (6) 47
Subsections (8), and (9) 48
Effective date - March 22, 1990
9. Article XVI, Section 16-10(30)
67
Effective date - March 22, 1990
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Page
10. Article XVI, Section 16-11 67
Effective date - November 7, 1990
11. Article VI, Section 6-5(4) 32
Effective Date - November 8, 1994
(Format of document changed; pages renumbered; and entire document
reprinted.)
12. Article XV, Section 15-5 60
Effective Date - June 13, 1995 (By Special Election)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PREAMBLE viii
ARTICLE I -- NAME, NATURE, BOUNDARIES, COUNTY SEAT 1
Section
1 Name 1
2 Nature and Legal Capacity 1
3 Boundaries 1
4 County Seat 1
ARTICLE II -- COUNTY POWERS 2
Section
1 General Powers 2
2 Exercise of Power 2
3 Cooperative Agreements 3
4 Service Districts 3
5 Construction 4
ARTICLE III -- BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 5
Section
1 Composition 5
2 Districts 5
3 Qualifications of Members 5
4 Terms of Office 6
5 Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners 6
6 Commissioner -- Departments 7
7 Clerk to the Board 7
8 Powers and Duties 8
9 Compensation 11
10 Rules of Procedure 12
11 Meetings 12
12 Quorum 13
13 Majority Required 13
14 Ordinances 13
15 Vacancies 15
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Page
ARTICLE IV -- DEPARTMENTS OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT 16
Section
1 Departments Created 16
2 Department of Finance, Central Purchasing, and Personnel 17
3 Department of Health Services 21
4 Department of Planning Services 24
5 Department of Engineering Services 27
6 Department of Communications Services 28
ARTICLE V -- DEPARTMENT OF LAW 29
Section
1 County Attorney -- Appointment 29
2 Qualifications 29
3 Duties 29
4 Special Counsel 30
ARTICLE VI -- ELECTIVE OFFICERS 31
Section
1 Elective Officers 31
2 Oath of Office 31
3 Vacancy 31
4 Term of Office 31
5 Qualifications 32
6 Compensation 32
ARTICLE VII -- COUNTY ASSESSOR 33
Section
1 Bond 33
2 Duties 33
3 Qualifications of Chief Deputy 34
ARTICLE VIII -- COUNTY CLERK 35
Section
1 Bond 35
2 Duties 35
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Page
ARTICLE IX -- COUNTY CORONER 36
Section
1 Duties 36
ARTICLE X -- COUNTY SHERIFF 37
Section
1 Qualifications 37
2 Bond 37
3 Duties 37
4 Qualifications of Undersheriff 38
5 Duties of Undersheriff 38
6 Jailer -- County not Furnish Residence 38
ARTICLE XI -- COUNTY TREASURER 39
Section
1 Bond 39
2 Duties 39
3 Qualifications of Chief Deputy 39
4 Investment of Funds 40
ARTICLE XII -- OFFICE OF COUNTY SURVEYOR ABOLISHED 41
Section
1 Office of County Surveyor Abolished 41
2 Transfer of Duties 41
3 Existing Property and Records 41
ARTICLE XIII -- COUNTY COUNCIL 42
Section
1 Composition 42
2 Qualifications of Members 42
3 Terms of Office 42
4 Organization 43
5 Quorum -- Majority -- Action 43
6 Compensation 44
7 Vacancies 44
8 Powers and Duties 44
9 Nomination of Councilmen 46
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Page
ARTICLE XIV -- FINANCE AND BUDGET 49
Section
1 Fiscal Year 49
2 Annual Budget 49
3 Capital Improvements Program and Budget 50
4 Audits 50
5 Funds 50
6 Long -Term Financing 51
7 Limitation on Annual Tax Levy 51
8 Limitation of Capital Expenditures 52
9 Bidding -- Procedure 53
ARTICLE XV -- ELECTIONS 54
Section
1 General Elections 54
2 Special Elections 54
3 Recall 54
4 Initiative and Referendum 57
5 Election Required Regarding Siting of Correctional or Detention Facilities 60
ARTICLE XVI -- GENERAL PROVISIONS 61
Section
1 Continuity of Government 61
2 Eminent Domain 61
3 Bonding of Officers 61
4 Invalidity of Part -- Severability 62
5 Article and Section Titles 62
6 Public Notice 62
7 Vacancy 62
8 Boards -- Composition 63
9 Conflict of Interest 64
10 Definitions 64
11 Solid Waste Disposal Sites -- Surcharge 67
ARTICLE XVII -- AMENDMENTS TO CHARTER 70
Section
1 Procedure to Amend or Repeal Charter 70
2 Conflicting Amendments 71
vi
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Page
ARTICLE XVIII -- TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS 72
Section
1 Purpose of Article 72
2 Effective Date of Charter 72
3 Transition of Elective County Offices 72
4 Elections to Fill New Commissioner Positions 73
5 Elections to Fill New County Councilman Positions 73
6 Salaries 74
7 Prior Legislation and Policies 74
8 Existing Contracts 74
9 Continuation of Employment 75
10 Appointive Boards and Commissions 75
11 Continuation of Programs 75
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PREAMBLE
We, the people of Weld County, Colorado, in order to avail ourselves of self-determination
in county affairs to the fullest extent permissible under the Constitution and laws of the State of
Colorado, and in order to provide uncomplicated, unburdensome government responsive to the
people, and in order to provide for the most efficient and effective county government possible, do
hereby ordain, establish and adopt this Home Rule Charter for Weld County, Colorado.
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ARTICLE I
NAME, NATURE, BOUNDARIES, COUNTY SEAT
Section 1-1 -- Name.
The name of the county as it operates under this Charter shall continue to be Weld County.
Section 1-2 -- Nature and Legal Capacity.
From the time that this Charter takes effect the County shall continue to be:
(1) an agency of the State and
(2) a body politic and corporate.
Section 1-3 -- Boundaries.
The boundaries of the County as it operates under this Charter shall be the boundaries now
or hereafter prescribed for the County by the laws of the State.
Section 1-4 -- County Seat.
The seat of government of the County as it operates under this Charter shall continue to
be in the City of Greeley; provided nothing herein shall prevent the location of county buildings and
facilities elsewhere in the County.
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ARTICLE II
COUNTY POWERS
Section 2-1 -- General Powers.
Except as this Charter provides to the contrary, Weld County shall exercise and provide all
mandatory and permissive county powers and functions as provided by law and shall have all rights
and powers now or hereafter granted or allowed by the laws of the United States and under the
Constitution and laws of the State of Colorado for exercise by counties; in addition thereto, it shall
be authorized without amendment to this Charter to provide all functions, services, and facilities
and to exercise all prerogatives, functions, duties, and powers that may now or hereafter be
authorized by the Constitution of the State of Colorado and statutes enacted pursuant thereto for
home rule counties, it being the intent and purpose of the people in adopting this Charter to vest
their county government with all of the prerogatives and powers of local government that are now
or in the future shall be available to it.
Section 2-2 -- Exercise of Power.
All executive, administrative, and legislative powers, functions, duties and prerogatives now
or hereafter possessed by Weld County shall be vested in a Board of County Commissioners in
the Elective Officers provided for by this Charter. Executive and administrative powers, hereby
vested in the Board may, to the extent provided in this Charter, be exercised by the departments
herein established as agents of the Board. The legislative powers of the County shall be exercised
only by the Board.
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Section 2-3 -- Cooperative Agreements.
The County shall have the power to enter into contracts or agreements with other
governmental units for joint use of buildings, equipment and facilities, and for furnishing and
receiving commodities or services, including law enforcement services. Such agreements or
contracts shall be authorized only by the Board of County Commissioners.
Section 2-4 -- Service Districts.
The County shall have the power, when authorized and permitted by law, and requested
by a district, to provide functions and services within existing service districts. New service districts
may be created only after the purpose and boundaries of such district have been submitted to and
approved by a majority of those voting electors living in and owning property in the district. The
procedure for designating and establishing special districts and submitting the question to the
voters shall be established by the Board.
Special districts may be created under such laws as are now in effect or may hereafter be
adopted.
The County shall have the power to charge, levy and collect such taxes and other revenues
as may be authorized or permitted by law or this Charter within such service districts for the support
of district functions and services.
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Section 2-5 -- Construction.
In this Charter no mention of a particular power or enumeration of similar powers shall be
construed to be exclusive or to restrict the authority that the County would have if the particular
power were not mentioned or the similar powers not enumerated. The Charter shall be liberally
construed, to the end that, within the limits imposed by the Charter and by the law of the United
States and of the State, the County has all powers necessary or convenient for the conduct of its
affairs, including all powers that counties may assume under the statutes of the State and under
the provisions of the State Constitution concerning county home rule.
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ARTICLE III
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Section 3-1 -- Composition.
The Board of County Commissioners shall consist of five members elected as follows:
(1) Three members, each nominated, elected and residing in separate geographic
districts as established in Section 3-2 of this Article.
(2) Two members, each nominated and elected from the County at large.
Section 3-2 -- Districts.
(1) There are hereby established three geographic commissioner districts numbered
district 1, 2 and 3 which shall, initially, correspond to the three commissioner
districts in existence on the effective date of this Charter
(2) The Board shall review the boundaries of the districts when necessary, but not more
often than every two years, and then revise and alter the boundaries so that districts
are as nearly equal in population as possible.
(3) Any change in the boundaries of a County Commissioner's district which shall cause
a duly elected or appointed Commissioner to be no longer a resident of the district
which he represents shall not disqualify him from holding office during the remainder
of the term for which he was elected or appointed.
Section 3-3 -- Qualifications of Members.
Commissioners from districts shall reside within their geographic districts when nominated,
elected or appointed and during their terms of office.
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Section 3-4 -- Terms of Office.
(1) The terms of office of County Commissioners shall commence on the first working
day of the year immediately following the general election at which they are elected
and shall be for four years, with terms staggered as follows: Two Commissioners,
one each from geographic districts numbered one and three and one Commissioner
elected at large, shall be elected for four-year terms at the general election in 1976
and each four (4) years thereafter; and one Commissioner for geographic district
number two and one Commissioner elected at large shall be elected for a four (4)
year term at the general election in 1978 and each four (4) years thereafter.
(2) The term of office of a Commissioner shall continue until his successor is elected
and qualified.
(3) No person shall serve more than two full consecutive terms as County
Commissioner.
Section 3-5 -- Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners.
(1) The Board, from among its members, shall elect annually at its first meeting in
January of each year, a Chairman of the Board.
(2) The Chairman shall preside over meetings of the Board.
(3) The Board, from among its members, shall elect annually at its first meeting in
January of each year, a Chairman Pro-Tem, to preside over meetings in the
absence of the Chairman.
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Section 3-6 -- Commissioner -- Departments.
(1) The Department of Finance, Central Purchasing, and Personnel shall be
coordinated by the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners.
(2) Each of the other four major departments, as established by Article IV, shall be
coordinated by one of the other Commissioners together with assistance from
another Commissioner, both of whom shall be appointed by the Board at its first
meeting in January each year.
Section 3-7 -- Clerk to the Board.
(1) The Clerk to the Board shall be appointed by and under the direction of the Board
of County Commissioners of Weld County. The Board of County Commissioners
may employ such Deputy Clerks to the Board as may be necessary or required to
carry out the duties of the office. The deputies shall be subject to the personnel
policies, rules and regulations, and classifications and compensation plans adopted
pursuant to Section 4-2, Article IV(B) of this Charter. The Clerk to the Board may
be made subject to the same provisions of Section 4-2, Article IV(B), by resolution
of the Board.
(2) The Clerk to the Board shall be custodian of the County seal, and records and
papers of the Board of County Commissioners; shall maintain a journal and record
of Board proceedings; record all motions; resolutions; actions of and votes by the
Board; shall be the agent of the County for service of process; and shall perform
such other duties as are now or may hereafter be prescribed by law for Clerks of
Boards of County Commissioners or by this Charter.
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Section 3-8 -- Powers and Duties.
(1) The Board of County Commissioners shall be the governing body of the County.
It shall exercise all the powers and perform all the duties now required or permitted
or that may hereafter be required or permitted by State law to be exercised or
performed by County Commissioners in either home rule or non -home rule counties.
(2) It shall exercise all powers of the County to determine policy and to enact
legislation.
(3) It shall be responsible for the proper exercise by the County departments and other
agencies established by this Charter or by the Board for all executive and
administrative powers and duties delegated thereto.
(4) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing or diminishing the total authority and
responsibility of the Board as herein provided, the powers and duties of the Board
shall include duties and powers to:
(a) Perform or provide for the performance of any duties and responsibilities
required by statute or the Constitution of Colorado of County Commissioners
in home rule counties and non -home rule counties.
(b) Enact legislation including such means of enforcement thereof as shall be
authorized by law, and otherwise formally promulgate county policy. Unless
otherwise required by statute, the Board shall act only by ordinance in
matters of legislation, contracts, appropriations, and disposition of real
property, and by ordinance, resolution or motion, as may be appropriate, in
other matters.
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(c) Appoint, remove and establish qualifications of department heads, and
through them, direct the functions of county offices, departments, divisions
and agencies.
(d) Appoint and remove the County Attorney, pursuant to Section 5-1 of this
Charter, and retain such other professional advisors as the Board may deem
necessary.
(e) Adopt an administrative code.
(f) Develop, or cause to be developed, a system of employment policies, rules,
job classification and compensation plans in accordance with generally
accepted principles and promulgate such policies, rules and plans, under
the authority of and in compliance with the provisions of pertinent Colorado
and Federal statutes and this Charter.
(g) Initiate suits or actions on behalf of the County.
(h) Create such agencies, boards and commissions as the Board may deem
necessary or as may be required by State law, and appoint the members
thereof. The action creating an agency, board or commission shall also set
forth compensation, duties, and responsibilities as well as any qualifications
and conditions of service. The Board may designate itself to perform the
functions and exercise the process of any such board or commission, unless
prohibited by State law or this Charter.
(i) Appropriate funds for all lawful purposes.
Establish and levy taxes, charges, fees and licenses.
(k) Regulate, license, and tax utilities to the extent permitted by law.
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(I) Purchase or otherwise acquire, hold, own, sell, trade, transfer, divide, lease,
encumber, or reserve interest in real and personal property, and receive
gifts and grants, in the name of the County.
(m) Approve and execute, on behalf of the County, all contracts. Contracts shall
be executed for the Board by the Chairman.
(n) Act as a Board of Appeals to hear complaints on actions taken by county
boards, commissions and departments. Procedure for appeals shall be as
set forth in the administrative code, or by resolution of the Board. No person
shall be denied the right to appeal, provided they comply with the
administrative procedures established by the Board.
(o) Establish salaries or other compensation for the County Attorney, Assistant
County Attorneys, and all other employees, or appointees not included
within the Personnel system.
(p) Provide for reimbursement of actual expenses of food, travel, and lodging
necessary for performance of the duties of a County Commissioner, County
Councilman, county officer, county employee, or member of an appointed
board or commission.
(q) Authorize multi -jurisdictional performance of duties and functions with other
units of government, and, under procedures provided by law, cause the
County to be included within such districts consisting of two or more
counties or parts thereof as may be authorized or provided by law for the
joint performance of county functions or the performance of regional
functions.
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(r) Establish a municipal conference to be called by the Board of County
Commissioners not less than three times each year to which all municipal
officials shall be invited and appropriate agendas developed in order that
mutual problems be considered.
(s) Require that all inspections of whatever type made by county officers or
employees be made promptly and without unreasonable delay.
(t) Perform or exercise, or provide for the performance or exercise of, any or
all permissive functions, services, facilities and powers that may now or in
the future be authorized by law and not specifically mentioned or assigned
by this Charter. The Board shall perform or assign any mandatory duty,
responsibility or function required of the County by the laws or Constitution
of the State, which may have been omitted in this Charter.
Section 3-9 -- Compensation.
(1) Compensation of members of the Board shall be fixed by the County Council.
(2) No member's compensation shall be increased or decreased during his term of
office, except as permitted by law.
(3) Until otherwise set, the salary of the members of the Board shall be:
Commissioners of districts 1 and 3, $10,000.00; and Commissioner of district 2 and
Commissioners at large, $15,000.00 per year.
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Section 3-10 -- Rules of Procedure.
The Board shall adopt rules of procedure governing the time, place, and conduct of its
meetings and hearings, and the introduction of and action on motions, resolutions and ordinances.
The Board may also adopt procedures for requiring attendance of its members. All official
meetings shall be open to the public, and no action shall be taken by the Board other than at an
official meeting. A record of proceedings shall be taken and preserved, and it shall be a public
record.
Section 3-11 -- Meetings.
(1) Regular Board meetings shall be held at least twice weekly on days to be
determined by the Board by resolution, except a regular meeting may be cancelled;
however, by resolution of the Board passed and publicly announced at least ten (10)
days prior to the cancelled meeting date.
(2) Special meetings shall be called by the Clerk to the Board upon the written request
of the Chairman or of any three (3) members of the Board. Each member of the
Board shall be provided at least twenty-four hours written notice of such meeting,
served personally or left at each members usual place of residence. However, a
special meeting called as herein provided may be held on shorter notice if all
members of the Board are present or have waived notice thereof in writing. A copy
of the notice of a special meeting shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the
offices of the Board at the time such notice is given to members of the Board. No
business shall be transacted at a special meeting unless the same has been stated
in the notice of such meeting.
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(3)
When a regular or special meeting is adjourned or recessed to a time certain, notice
of the time and place of the reconvening thereof shall be posted in a prominent
place in the offices of the Board.
Section 3-12 -- Quorum.
Three of the members of the Board in office at the time shall be a quorum for the
transaction of business.
Section 3-13 -- Majority Reauired.
Any resolution or ordinance to be adopted, amended, or repealed, shall require concurrence
of three of the members of the Board in office at the time.
Section 3-14 -- Ordinances.
(1) An ordinance may be introduced at any regular meeting by any member of the
Board. Upon introduction it shall be presented and read a first time, and public
notice of the proposed ordinance given at least ten (10) days before its second
reading. If, upon second reading, a majority of the Board approves the ordinance,
public notice shall be given a second time as a proposed ordinance, at least ten (10)
days before its final passage. Upon final adoption, public notice shall again be
given.
(2) Except in case of an emergency ordinance, an ordinance shall become effective five
(5) days after its final public notice unless a later date is specified in the ordinance.
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(3) Every ordinance, except a general budget ordinance, a general appropriation
ordinance, and an ordinance adopting a code by reference, shall be confined to a
single subject which shall be clearly expressed in its title.
(4) All ordinances shall be introduced in written or printed form. No ordinance shall be
amended by reference to its title only, but the revised sections of the ordinance, as
amended, shall be re-enacted in full and public notice given, except as otherwise
provided herein for amendments to codes. However, an ordinance or section
thereof may be repealed by reference to its title and ordinance or code number only.
(5) The enacting clause of all ordinances shall be: "Be it ordained by the Board of
County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado."
(6) An ordinance which is declared therein to be an emergency ordinance may be
enacted by four -fifths vote of the Commissioners at the meeting at which it is
introduced without any requirement of prior public notice. Public notice of an
emergency ordinance shall be given forthwith after passage. The effective date of
an emergency ordinance shall be the date of its enactment unless a later date is
specified in the ordinance. An emergency ordinance shall contain a specific
statement of the emergency.
(7) The Chairman shall sign and the Clerk to the Board shall attest to all ordinances
approved by the Board. All ordinances of the County shall be indexed by subject
by the Clerk to the Board and kept in a book for that purpose which shall be a public
record.
(8) Standard codes, promulgated by the Federal Government, the State of Colorado,
or by an agency of either of them, or by any municipality within the State of
Colorado, or by recognized trade or professional organizations, or amendments or
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(9)
revisions thereof, may be adopted by reference; provided the public notice of the
ordinance adopting any said code shall advise that copies thereof are available for
inspection at the office of the Clerk of the Board, and provided that any penalty
clause in said codes may be adopted only if set forth in full in the adopting
ordinance.
The Board shall cause the permanent ordinances to be codified periodically. Such
codification may be of the entire body of permanent ordinances or of the ordinances
of some particular subject. Such codification may be re-enacted by reference by the
Board or may be authenticated in such manner as may be designated by ordinance.
No codification ordinance shall be invalid on the grounds that it deals with more than
one subject.
Section 3-15 -- Vacancies.
(1) A vacancy in the office of County Commissioner shall be filled by appointment by
County Council.
(2) A vacancy in any other elected office, except Councilman, shall be filled by
appointment by the Board. Said appointee shall be of the same political party as
that of the previous officer and the appointment shall be effective until the next
general election, at which time a person shall be elected for the remainder of the
term, if any.
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ARTICLE IV
DEPARTMENTS OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Section 4-1 -- Departments Created.
(1) There are hereby created the Department of Finance, Central Purchasing, and
Personnel; the Department of Health Services; the Department of Planning
Services; the Department of Engineering Services; and the Department of
Communications Services.
(2) The Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners shall be responsible for
coordination of the Department of Finance, Central Purchasing, and Personnel.
(3) The coordinator of each of the other departments shall be the responsibility of one
of the other Commissioners.
(4) Except as otherwise provided in this Charter, each department or division may be
administered by a director, or directors appointed by the Board of County
Commissioners, and subject to the immediate coordination of the Commissioner
responsible for the department. Each director shall be responsible within his
department, subject to the approval of the Board and the regulations of the
Personnel system, for the appointment, promotion, discipline and discharge of
employees of that department. Responsibility for coordinating the Departments of
Health Services, Planning Services, Engineering Services, and Communications
Services shall be rotated annually.
(5) Each department may be divided into as many divisions as the Board of County
Commissioners may determine to be necessary or desirable. Each division may be
headed by one person responsible directly to the department director.
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(6) Nothing herein shall prevent the appointment of one person as head of more than
one division.
(7) Nothing herein shall apply to the Department of Law.
(8) The Board shall organize and may reorganize the departments established by this
Charter, and assign or reassign functions and duties between departments and
divisions, and may create additional divisions.
(9) In case of reorganization or reassignment, there shall not be more than five
departments at any time (not including the Department of Law) including the
Department of Finance, Central Purchasing, and Personnel.
Section 4-2 -- Department of Finance. Central Purchasing. and Personnel.
(A)
The Division of Finance and Central Purchasing shall:
(1) With the assistance of the elected officials and department directors, gather
together the information necessary for the preparation of the budget, and in such
form as the Board directs, prepare a preliminary draft of the budget for the next
fiscal year and submit it to the Board by such date as the Board may direct. Such
preliminary draft shall include recommended operating expenses, capital
expenditures, and revenue sources for all departments and units of the County
government, and any other information deemed necessary.
(2) Prepare monthly financial statements, budget and appropriation reports as directed.
(3) Assist the Board in administration of the budget and in preparation of appropriation
ordinances.
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(4) Establish, maintain and operate the Central Purchasing Office for the County.
Responsibilities of the Purchasing Office shall include the purchase, storage and
distribution of supplies, materials, property, equipment and inventory pursuant to
policies and procedures established by the Board and in accordance with this
Charter and the laws of the State.
(5) Exercise such additional powers and perform such additional functions and duties
as may be required by the Board.
(6) The Division of Finance and Central Purchasing shall be under the direction of a
Finance Officer whose duties shall include the following:
(a) The County Finance Officer shall on behalf of the Board of County
Commissioners act as Chief Accounting Officer of the County and manage,
supervise, coordinate and direct the activities of the Division of Finance and
Central Purchasing. He shall be responsible to the Board of Commissioners
for the proper execution, administration and functioning of the affairs of the
above described divisions of Weld County, including the performance by the
respective divisions and officers of those functions, duties and services
permitted or required by this Charter.
(b) Cause the policies adopted or approved by the Board of County
Commissioners to be implemented in those divisions as required by the
Board of County Commissioners and insure that the activities of those
departments are consistent with the policies determined and set by the
Board of County Commissioners.
(c) Supervise and direct the preparation of the budget.
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(d) Exercise control over purchases and expenditures and keep the Board of
County Commissioners advised of the financial condition and future needs
of the County.
(B) The Division of Personnel shall:
(1) Assist the Board in the preparation of a system of employment policies, rules, job
classification and compensation plans in accordance with generally accepted
Personnel principles.
(2) Such system shall include at least the following:
(a) Employment and promotion in the County government shall be made upon
the basis of quality, education, training, and experience necessary to carry
out the duties and responsibilities of the work to be performed.
(b) Classification and compensation according to duties and responsibilities
pursuant to adoption of a classification and pay plan which shall from time
to time be reviewed and amended by the Board as necessary.
(c) Standards of employment based on conduct and performance of work and
the procedures for creating and abolishing positions.
(d) Dismissal, disciplinary and employee grievance procedures.
(e) An appointing or employing authority may not employ or request the
employment of any person who is related to him as spouse, parent, child,
brother, sister or in-law.
(f) No employee shall, during working hours, engage in any political activity.
Any person employed with the County, except an elected official, who seeks
election to a partisan public office, shall request a leave of absence, without
pay, immediately after announcement of his candidacy.
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(g) The official hours of all Weld County Departments shall be as established
by the Board in the Personnel Policies rules and regulations.
(h) The Personnel system shall comply with the provisions of pertinent Colorado
and Federal statutes.
(3) The Personnel Policies, rules and regulations and classification and compensation
plans may be amended by the Board.
(4) The Board of County Commissioners shall implement a Personnel system which
shall become effective no later than twelve (12) months from the effective date of
this Charter.
(5) No county employee shall lose any vested retirement benefits by reason of any
change in retirement plans.
(6) Elected officials shall make appointments to fill vacancies in their departments from
a list of names certified by the Personnel Department to be qualified for the position
to be filled. The elected official may interview each person on the list and examine
the qualifications and shall have the authority to reject all persons on the list,
whereupon the Personnel Department shall certify a new list.
Elected officials shall have direct authority over the employees in their
respective offices pursuant to the County Personnel Policies, rules, regulations, job
classification and compensation plans.
(7) All employees of the County shall be included within the provisions of the Personnel
system, except the Board may, in its discretion, exclude the employees of certain
divisions, and except the undersheriff and chief deputy of each elected official,
temporary employees, advisors, and consultants retained by contract, the County
Attorney and Assistant County Attorneys, and except as otherwise provided by law.
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(8) The Board of County Commissioners shall appoint an appeals board to which an
employee may appeal his dismissal, suspension, demotion, or other grievance.
(a) The number of members, term, and qualifications of the appeals board shall
be set forth by the Personnel Policies, rules and regulations.
(b) The procedures for appeal shall be outlined in the Personnel Policies, rules
and regulations.
(C) The Department of Finance, Central Purchasing, and Personnel shall contain such other
divisions as may from time to time be established by the Board, and shall perform such
functions and duties as may from time to time be assigned or reassigned to it.
Section 4-3 -- Department of Health Services.
(A) Division of Public Health.
(1) The Director of Public Health shall be appointed by the Board upon consultation
with the Board of Health.
(2) The Director of Public Health shall:
(a) Have all powers and duties now provided or as hereafter provided by State
law for health departments in Colorado.
(b) Direct supervision of the Environmental Health Services.
(c) Cooperate and work jointly with the Commissioner assigned to the
Department of Health Services on all county health related activities.
(d) Make recommendations to the Board for the purpose of helping to eliminate
and avoid the duplication of services in county health related areas.
(e) Evaluate all health programs that affect Weld County.
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(3)
(f) Cooperate with the Commissioner assigned to the Department of Health
Services, in order to plan, cooperate and contract with other county health
agencies so that all programs benefit from the combined use of facilities and
staff.
(g) Work with regional, state and federal authorities relating to public health
programs in Weld County.
(h) Report at least annually to the Board on all matters set forth above.
(i) Perform such functions and duties as the Board shall direct.
The Board of County Commissioners shall appoint a Board of Public Health
consisting of nine persons. Such board shall be chosen as follows:
(a) The Board of County Commissioners shall determine six geographic areas
and appoint one member from each of the geographic areas. Each member
shall reside within the geographic area for which he is appointed at the time
of his appointment and during his term.
(b) Three members shall be appointed from the County at large.
(c) The geographic boundaries may be adjusted from time to time by the Board
of County Commissioners.
(d) The term of office shall be for three years, said terms to be staggered so
that two members from geographic areas and one member at large are
appointed each year. The Board of Commissioners shall make the initial
appointments for one, two and three years, in order to initiate the staggered
terms. No person shall serve more than two consecutive terms as a
member.
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(4) The Board of Public Health shall adopt by-laws which shall state the purposes of the
Board and shall at least:
(a) Provide for the selection of its officers, and for appointment of standing and
special committees necessary to effect the discharge of its responsibilities.
(b) Provide for the adoption of a schedule of meetings and attendance
requirements.
(c) Require that minutes be kept of the Board of Public Health deliberations and
decisions.
(d) Require five members constitute a quorum.
(e) Provide for studying county health programs and direct their implementation
in cooperation with the Director of Public Health and the Board of County
Commissioners.
(B) Hospital Division.
(1) Except as provided herein, the administration of Weld County General Hospital shall
remain as provided by law and the rules and regulations of the Board of Trustees,
and they shall be directly responsible to the Board of County Commissioners.
(2) Members of the Hospital Board of Trustees shall be appointed for three-year terms
and no person shall serve more than two consecutive terms.
(3) The County Attorney shall represent and advise the Board of Trustees.
(C) Other Divisions.
The Department of Health Services shall contain such other divisions as may from
time to time be established by the Board, and shall perform such functions and duties as
may from time to time be assigned or reassigned to it.
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Section 4-4 -- Department of Planning Services.
(A) Division of Planning, Zoning and Inspection.
(1) A director of the Department of Planning Services shall be appointed by the Board
upon consultation with the Planning Commission.
(2) The Director of Planning Services shall:
(a) Be responsible for the administration and coordination of the Planning,
Zoning and Inspection Divisions.
(b) Subject to rules and regulations promulgated by the Planning Commission:
(i) supervise the issuance of all building permits.
direct and coordinate the activities of the building, electrical and
plumbing inspections.
(c) Coordinate activities between the Board of Adjustment and the Planning
Commission and provide the necessary liaison personnel to work with the
Board of Adjustment.
(d) Coordinate the activities assigned to the Planning Commission affecting the
County in connection with the Regional Council of Governments.
(e) Be responsible for planning and coordinating of all county parks and
recreational facilities.
(f) Perform such functions and duties as the Board shall direct.
The Board of County Commissioners shall appoint a Planning Commission
consisting of nine persons. Such commission shall be chosen as follows:
(3)
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(a) The Board of County Commissioners shall determine six geographic areas
and appoint one member from each of the geographic areas. Each member
shall reside within the geographic area for which he is appointed at the time
of his appointment and during his term.
(b) Three members shall be appointed from the County at large.
(c) The geographic boundaries may be adjusted from time to time by the Board
of County Commissioners.
(d) The term of office shall be for three years, said terms to be staggered so
that two members from each geographic area and one member at large are
appointed each year. The Board of County Commissioners shall make the
initial appointments for one, two and three years, in order to initiate the
staggered term. No person shall serve more than two consecutive terms as
a member.
(4) The Planning Commission:
(a) Shall act and decide on all petitions and applications submitted to it pursuant
to law or regulation.
(b) Shall perform such functions and duties as shall be provided by law and as
shall be directed by the Board.
(c) All decisions of the Planning Commission shall be subject to appeal and
review by the Board in accordance with State law and the rules and
regulations established by the Board.
(d) Applications for rezoning shall be referred to the Board in accordance with
the State law and the rules and regulations of the Board.
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(5)
(e) No utility transmission system shall be constructed until the entity
developing such system shall have made application to the Weld County
Planning Commission pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Planning
Commission and until such utility system has been approved by the Board.
Prior acquisition of utility transmission easements and rights -of -way shall not
be considered by the Planning Commission or Board.
(f) The Planning Commission shall establish rules and regulations covering
applications for utility transmission easement systems and hearings thereon.
The application shall include all information required by the Board including
environmental and economic impact statements.
(g) The Planning Commission shall make its recommendation to the Board as
to whether an application for a transmission utility system should be granted
or denied and the Board shall make a final determination.
The Planning Commission shall adopt by-laws which shall state the purposes of the
Commission and shall at least:
(a) Provide for the selection of its officers, and for appointment of standing and
special committees necessary to effect the discharge of its responsibilities.
(b) Provide for the adoption of a schedule of meetings, including at least one
meeting per month, and attendance requirements.
(c) Require that minutes be kept of the Planning Commission deliberations and
decisions.
(d) Require five members to constitute a quorum.
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(B) Board of Adjustment.
The Board of Adjustment shall consist of nine members, appointed in the same
manner and for the same terms as the Planning Commission. The Board of Adjustment will
perform such functions and duties as are provided by law.
(C) The Department of Planning Services.
The Department of Planning Services shall contain such other divisions as may from
time to time be established by the Board, and shall perform such functions and duties as
may from time to time be assigned or reassigned to it.
Section 4-5 -- Department of Engineering Services.
(1) The Board of County Commissioners shall appoint the director of the Department
of Engineering who may be known as the County Engineer. The County Engineer
shall be licensed, or shall be eligible for license, as a registered professional
engineer in the State of Colorado.
(2) The County Engineer shall exercise all of the powers and perform all the acts and
duties now required or that may hereafter be required by State law to be exercised
or performed by the County Surveyor.
(3) The County Engineer shall perform such functions and duties as the Board shall
direct.
(4) The Department of Engineering shall contain such divisions as may from time to
time be established by the Board, and shall perform such functions and duties as
may from time to time be assigned or reassigned to it.
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Section 4-6 -- Department of Communications Services.
(1) The Board of County Commissioners shall appoint the director of the Department
of Communications Services.
(2) The Director of Communications Services shall perform such functions and duties
as the Board shall direct.
(3) There may be a division of Extension Service.
The County Agent shall perform such functions as are provided by law or as
requested by the Board, which may include the 4-H programs.
(4) The Department of Communications Services shall contain such divisions as may
from time to time be established by the Board, and shall perform such functions and
duties as may from time to time be assigned or reassigned to it.
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ARTICLE V
DEPARTMENT OF LAW
Section 5-1 -- County Attorney -- Appointment.
(1) There shall be a Department of Law, the director of which shall be known as the
County Attorney. He shall be appointed by the Board for an indefinite term and his
employment may be terminated by majority vote of the Board.
(2) The office of County Attorney shall be the primary employment of the County
Attorney and he shall have no other employment as an attorney.
(3) The Board may appoint such Assistant County Attorneys as it deems necessary
subject to the same term and limitations as the County Attorney.
Section 5-2 -- Qualifications.
The County Attorney shall be a resident of the County of Weld and duly licensed as an
attorney by the State of Colorado for at least five (5) years immediately prior to his appointment,
and shall have been actively engaged in the practice of law during such five years.
Section 5-3 -- Duties.
(1) The Department of Law shall exercise all legal and administrative functions of the
County government assigned by law or the Board to the County Attorney.
(2) The County Attorney shall act as legal advisor for the Board and all departments
and divisions of county government.
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(3) The County Attorney shall, upon request of elective county officers, issue formal
written opinions on questions of law, which shall be maintained by the County as
public documents.
(4) When directed by the Board, the County Attorney shall represent the County,
county officers, county employees, and appointed boards and commissions and
their members in suits, actions and other legal proceedings.
In the event of conflict between the Board and any other county officer, such county
officer shall be represented by the Weld County District Attorney.
(5)
Section 5-4 -- Special Counsel.
The Board may appoint special counsel for the purpose of making investigations and
representing the County in suits by and against the County, its officers, or its agencies.
Employment of special counsel shall be by written contract which shall set forth the purpose and
terms of employment and compensation therefore.
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ARTICLE VI
ELECTIVE OFFICERS
Section 6-1 -- Elective Officers.
The Elective Officers of the County of Weld, Colorado, shall be five County Commissioners;
five County Councilmen; one County Clerk, one County Sheriff; one County Coroner; one County
Treasurer; and one County Assessor. The salary or compensation, term of office and qualifications
of such officers shall be as provided in this Charter.
Section 6-2 -- Oath of Office.
Before entering upon the duties of his office, every officer designated by this Charter shall
take, subscribe, and file with the County Clerk, an oath or affirmation that he will support the
Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Colorado, this Charter and the
ordinances of the County of Weld, Colorado, and will faithfully perform the duties of this office.
Section 6-3 -- Vacancy.
Vacancies in elective offices, except County Commissioners and County Councilmen, shall
be filled by the Board as provided by this Charter.
Section 6-4 -- Term of Office.
(1) The term of office of all elected offices shall commence on the first working day of
the year immediately following the general election at which he is elected and shall
be for four years.
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(2) The term of office of all elected offices shall continue until a successor is elected
and qualified.
Section 6-5 -- Qualifications.
(1) All elected officers shall be qualified electors of the County.
(2) All elected officers shall have resided in the County for a consecutive period of not
less than one (1) year immediately preceding election.
(3) All elected officers shall be at least twenty-one (21) years of age before assuming
office.
(4) Except for County Councilmen, each county office shall be the primary employment
of the officer during the term for which he is elected or appointed.
Section 6-6 -- Compensation.
(1) Compensation of all elected officers, except County Councilmen, shall be fixed by
the County Council.
(2) No elective officers compensation shall be increased or decreased during his term
of office, except as permitted by law.
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ARTICLE VII
COUNTY ASSESSOR
Section 7-1 -- Bond.
The County Assessor shall execute to the people of the State of Colorado, and file in the
office of the County Clerk, a bond, as provided by this Charter and approved by the Board. The
sureties shall be responsible for the acts of the County Assessor and his deputies.
Section 7-2 -- Duties.
(1) The County Assessor shall appoint a Chief Deputy to act in his absence, disability,
or in case of a vacancy in the office, and such Chief Deputy shall perform all the
duties of County Assessor during such absence or until such vacancy shall be filled.
(2) The County Assessor may appoint such other deputies as may be necessary or
required to carry out the duties of the office.
(3) The County Assessor shall exercise all of the powers and perform all the acts and
duties now required or that may hereafter be required by State law to be exercised
or performed by the County Assessor.
(4) The County Assessor may exercise those discretionary county functions and
powers, and provide such services and facilities as may be authorized by law.
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Section 7-3 -- Qualifications of Chief Deputy.
The Chief Deputy shall have attended and passed the Colorado Tax Assessor's school, or
an equivalent thereof, and shall have had a minimum of five years experience in reading and
platting legal descriptions, the application of the mill levy to property assessment, and the
application of the assessment rolls to the computer.
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ARTICLE VIII
COUNTY CLERK
Section 8-1 -- Bond.
The County Clerk shall execute to the people of the State of Colorado, and file in the office
of the County Clerk, a bond, as provided by this Charter and approved by the Board. The sureties
shall be responsible for the acts of the County Clerk and his deputies.
Section 8-2 -- Duties.
(1) The County Clerk shall appoint a Chief Deputy to act in his absence, disability, or
in case of a vacancy in the office, and such Chief Deputy shall perform all the duties
of County Clerk during such absence or until such vacancy shall be filled.
(2) The County Clerk may appoint such other deputies as may be necessary or
required to carry out the duties of the office.
(3) The County Clerk shall be custodian of a Seal of Office which shall constitute
evidence of authority to perform the acts of office as provided for by law.
(4) The County Clerk shall exercise all of the powers and perform all the acts and
duties now required or that may hereafter be required by State law to be exercised
or performed by the County Clerk.
(5) The County Clerk may exercise those discretionary county functions and powers,
and provide such services and facilities as may be authorized by law, for County
Clerks except for those functions and powers assigned to the Clerk to the Board
under Section 3-7 of Article Ill of this Charter.
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ARTICLE IX
COUNTY CORONER
Section 9-1 -- Duties.
(1) The County Coroner shall appoint a Chief Deputy to act in his absence, disability,
or in case of a vacancy in the office, and such Chief Deputy shall perform all of the
duties of County Coroner during such absence or until such vacancy be filled.
(2) The County Coroner may appoint such other deputies as may be necessary or
required to carry out the duties of the office.
(3) The County Coroner shall exercise all of the powers and perform all the acts and
duties now required or that may hereafter be required by State law to be exercised
or performed by the County Coroner.
(4) The County Coroner may exercise those discretionary county functions and powers,
and provide such services as may be authorized by law, for County Coroners.
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ARTICLE X
COUNTY SHERIFF
Section 10-1 -- Qualifications.
The County Sheriff shall be a graduate of a certified law enforcement academy or institution
requiring at least 90 quarter (60 semester) credit hours for graduation; or have had a minimum of
five years experience as an administrator in law enforcement at the rank of Sergeant, or above.
Section 10-2 -- Bond.
The County Sheriff shall execute to the people of the State of Colorado, and file in the office
of the County Clerk, a bond, as provided by this Charter and approved by the Board. The sureties
shall be responsible for the acts of the County Sheriff, the Undersheriff, and his deputies.
Section 10-3 -- Duties.
(1) The County Sheriff shall appoint an Undersheriff, who shall also be a general
deputy, to serve during the pleasure of the Sheriff.
(2) The County Sheriff may appoint such other deputies as may be necessary or
required to carry out the duties of the office.
(3) The County Sheriff shall exercise all of the powers and perform all the acts and
duties now required or that may hereafter be required by State law to be exercised
or performed by the County Sheriff.
(4) The County Sheriff may exercise those discretionary county functions and powers,
and provide such services and facilities as may be authorized by law.
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(5)
The County Sheriff shall provide such law enforcement services to incorporated
municipalities as may be provided for by service contract or joint agreement
between the Board and a municipality.
Section 10-4 -- Qualifications of Undersheriff.
(1) The Undersheriff shall have an Associate of Arts Degree, or its equivalent, in Police
Science, Police Administration, or in some related field.
(2) The Undersheriff shall have had at least five years law enforcement experience
including substantial administrative and personnel experience.
(3) The Sheriff shall determine that the Undersheriff meets the above qualifications.
Section 10-5 -- Duties of Undersheriff.
(1) In the case of the absence, disability, or in event of a vacancy in the office of County
Sheriff, the Undersheriff shall perform all the duties of County Sheriff during such
absence or until such vacancy shall be filled.
(2) The Undersheriff shall perform such other duties as may be directed by the County
Sheriff.
Section 10-6 -- Jailer -- County not Furnish Residence.
The County shall not be required to furnish the Sheriff, as keeper of the jail, nor any deputy
appointed for that purpose, with living quarters. This shall not relieve the Sheriff of his duty to
safely keep all prisoners committed to his custody according to law.
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ARTICLE XI
COUNTY TREASURER
Section 11-1 -- Bond.
The County Treasurer shall execute to the people of the State of Colorado, and file in the
office of the County Clerk, a bond, as provided by this Charter and approved by the Board. The
sureties shall be responsible for the acts of the County Treasurer and his deputies.
Section 11-2 -- Duties.
(1) The County Treasurer shall appoint a Chief Deputy to act in his absence, disability,
or in case of a vacancy in the office, and such Chief Deputy shall perform all the
duties of County Treasurer during such absence or until such vacancy shall be
filled.
(2) The County Treasurer may appoint such other deputies as may be necessary or
required to carry out the duties of the office.
(3) The County Treasurer shall exercise all of the powers and perform all the acts and
duties now required or that may hereafter be required by State law to be exercised
or performed by the County Treasurer.
(4) The County Treasurer may exercise those discretionary county functions and
powers, and provide such services as may be authorized by law.
Section 11-3 -- Qualifications of Chief Deputy.
The Chief Deputy shall have had a minimum of five years investment experience in handling
investments, of the type handled in the office of the County Treasurer.
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Section 11-4 --Investment of Funds.
(1) The County Treasurer shall, with prudence, deposit available funds in accordance
with the statutes of the State of Colorado giving preference to Weld County financial
institutions.
(2) All interest from county funds shall become a part of the General fund, except that
interest from particular funds may, by resolution of the Board, be retained in such
fund.
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ARTICLE XII
OFFICE OF COUNTY SURVEYOR ABOLISHED
Section 12-1 -- Office of County Surveyor Abolished.
Upon adoption of this Charter, the office of County Surveyor shall be abolished, effective
January 1, 1976.
Section 12-2 -- Transfer of Duties.
The County Engineer shall exercise all of the powers and perform all the acts and duties
now required or that may hereafter be required by State law to be exercised or performed by the
County Surveyor.
Section 12-3 -- Existing Property and Records.
All property, records, equipment and supplies of the office of County Surveyor, wherever
located, existing when this Charter becomes effective, shall be transferred as directed by the
Board.
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ARTICLE XIII
COUNTY COUNCIL
Section 13-1 -- Composition.
The County Council shall consist of five members elected as follows:
(1) Three members, each nominated, elected and residing in separate geographic
districts as established in Article Ill, Section 3-2 of this Charter.
(2) Two members, each nominated and elected from the County at large.
Section 13-2 -- Qualifications of Members.
(1) Councilmen from districts shall reside within their geographic districts when
nominated, elected or appointed and during their terms of office.
(2) Councilmen shall not hold any other county elective office and shall not be a county
employee.
Section 13-3 -- Terms of Office.
(1) The terms of office of County Councilmen shall commence on the first working day
of the year immediately following the general election at which they are elected and
shall be for four years.
(2) The term of office of a Councilman shall continue until his successor is elected and
qualified.
(3) No person shall serve more than two consecutive terms as a Councilman.
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Section 13-4 -- Organization.
(1) At its first meeting in January each year, the Council shall elect, from among its
members, a President, who shall preside over its meetings, and a Vice President,
who shall preside in absence of the President.
(2) The Council shall adopt rules of procedure governing the time, place and conduct
of its meetings and hearings, and the introduction of and action on motions and
resolutions. The Council may also adopt procedures for requiring attendance of its
members. All official meetings shall be open to the public, and no action shall be
taken by the Council other than at an official meeting. A record of proceedings shall
be taken and preserved, and it shall be a public record.
(3) Regular meetings shall be held at least monthly on a day or days to be determined
by the Council by resolution. Special meetings may be called by the President. A
copy of the notice of a meeting shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the offices
of the Board of County Commissioners at the time such notice is given to members
of the Council.
Section 13-5 -- Quorum -- Majority -- Action.
(1) Three of the members of the Council in office at the time shall be a quorum for the
transaction of business, but in the absence of a quorum, a lesser number may
adjourn any meeting to a later time or date, and in the absence of all other members
the President may adjourn any meeting for not longer than one week.
(2) Any resolution to be adopted, amended, or repealed, or any other action of the
Council shall require concurrence of three of the members of the Council in office
at the time.
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(3) All official action taken by the Council shall be announced by the President or, in his
absence, by the Vice -President, and all official communications of the Council
whether oral or written, shall be made by the President or, in his absence, by the
Vice -President.
Section 13-6 -- Compensation.
A Councilman shall receive no compensation for his services, but shall be reimbursed for
actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of his official duties.
Section 13-7 -- Vacancies.
(1) A vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the remaining members of the Council.
(2) A vacancy shall exist when a Councilman dies, resigns, is removed from office,
moves from the district from which elected, is incapacitated, recalled, or becomes
a candidate for a county elected office or an employee of the County.
Section 13-8 -- Powers and Duties.
(1) The Council shall set the salaries of all elected officials. In the case of the Board
of County Commissioners, the effective date of any change in salary may be
delayed so as to provide for equal compensation for all Commissioners at all times.
(2) The Council may employ a secretary and such other employees, permanent and
temporary, as it may require, pursuant to the County Personnel system.
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(3)
A vacancy in the Board of County Commissioners shall be filled by appointment by
the Council. Said appointees shall be of the same political party as that of the
previous officer, and the appointment shall be effective until the next general
election, at which time a person shall be elected for the remainder of the term, if
any.
(4) In the event a valid petition for recall is presented as provided in Article XV, the
Council may suspend the officer being recalled, with pay, pending the recall
election. In the event the Council suspends such officer, the Council may appoint
some qualified person to perform the duties of the office pending the recall election.
In the event the officer is not recalled, he shall be immediately reinstated.
(5) In the event an elected official is formally charged or indicted for the commission of
a crime, the Council may suspend such officer, with or without pay, pending
prosecution of the offense. If an elected officer is found guilty of any crime by a
court or jury, the Council shall immediately suspend such officer without pay until
his conviction shall become final and he has exhausted, or by failure to assert them,
has waived all rights to new trial and all rights of appeal. At the time such officer's
conviction is final, the office shall be vacant and the vacancy filled as herein
provided.
Should the officer be suspended from office by the Council, as provided in
this Section, be found not guilty in a State and Federal Court, either on appeal,
original trial, or new trial, the Council shall forthwith reinstate such officer and he
shall receive his back pay, unless, during such period of suspension, a successor
to such suspended officer has been duly elected and qualified. In the event a
successor to such suspended officer has been so elected and qualified, such
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suspended officer shall receive his back pay only up to the expiration date of his
regular term of office and he shall not be reinstated or paid further unless he is such
person duly elected and qualified.
(6) The Council shall review all aspects of county government and shall make such
periodic reports to the people relating to expenditures, efficiency, responsiveness,
adherence to statutes, laws and regulations, and other matters as the Council
deems advisable. Such report or reports shall be in such form as the Council shall
determine and shall be filed with the Board of County Commissioners and copies
furnished to all elected officers.
(7) For the purposes of assisting the Council in carrying out the duties set forth in
paragraph (6) above, the Council may appoint a performance auditor who shall be
responsible solely to the Council. The Council shall determine his qualifications and
compensation. He shall serve at the pleasure of the Council. The office of
performance auditor need not be a permanent position, but the office may be filled
by the Council as it deems necessary.
Section 13-9 -- Nomination of Councilmen.
(1) Candidates for Councilmen shall be nominated without regard to political party
affiliation, by petition on forms supplied by the County Clerk. A petition of
nomination may consist of one or more sheets, but it shall contain the name and
address of only one candidate. The petition may designate one or more persons
as a committee to fill a vacancy in such nomination.
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(2) Nomination petitions may be circulated and signed beginning on the one hundred
and tenth day and ending on the sixtieth day prior to the day of election. Each
petition shall be signed by qualified electors to the following numbers:
(a) For a candidate in the Council at large, at least two hundred (200) qualified
electors residing within the County;
(b) For a candidate from a geographic district, at least two hundred (200)
qualified electors residing in the candidate's district.
(3) Each qualified elector signing a petition shall add to his signature his place of
residence by street and number, rural route and box number or other customary
designation, except that a post office box number shall be insufficient. The
circulator of each nomination petition shall make an affidavit that each signature
thereon is the signature of the person whose name it purports to be and that each
signer has stated to the circulator that he is a qualified elector of the County or
county and district, as the case may be, for which the nomination is made. The
signature of each signer of a petition shall constitute prima facie evidence of his
qualifications without the requirement that each signer make an affidavit as to his
qualifications.
(4) No petition shall be valid that does not contain the requisite number of names of
electors qualified to sign the petition. Any such petition may be amended in this
respect at any time prior to sixty days before the day of election.
(5) An elector may sign more than one nomination petition.
(6) Each nomination petition shall be filed with the County Clerk no later than the
sixtieth day prior to the day of election. Every such petition shall have endorsed
thereon or appended thereto the written affidavit of the candidate accepting such
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nomination. The acceptance of nomination shall contain the full name and place of
residence of the candidate.
(7) The County Clerk shall cause all nomination petitions to be preserved for a period
of two years. All such petitions shall be open to public inspection under proper
regulation by the Clerk.
(8) Procedure for withdrawal shall be as follows:
Any person who has been nominated and who has accepted a nomination
may cause his name to be withdrawn from such nomination, at any time prior to fifty
days before election, by a written affidavit withdrawing from such nomination. The
affidavit stating withdrawal shall be signed by the candidate and filed with the Clerk.
(9) Objections to nominations. All petitions of nomination which are in apparent
conformity with the provisions of this Section, as determined by the Clerk, are valid
unless objection thereto is duly made in writing within three days after the filing of
the same. In case objection is made, notice thereof shall be forthwith mailed to any
candidate who may be affected thereby. The Clerk shall pass upon the validity of
all objections, whether of form or substance, and his decisions upon matters of form
shall be final. His decisions upon matters of substance shall be open to judicial
review, Said Clerk shall decide objections within at least forty-eight hours after the
same are filed, and any objections sustained may be remedied or defect cured upon
the original petition, by an amendment thereto, or by filing a new petition within
three days after such objection is sustained, but in no event later than the forty-fifth
day before the day of election.
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ARTICLE XIV
FINANCE AND BUDGET
Section 14-1 -- Fiscal Year.
The fiscal year of the County shall commence on January 1 and end on December 31 of
each year, unless otherwise established by State law for home rule counties.
Section 14-2 -- Annual Budget.
(1) The director of the Department of Finance shall prepare a recommended budget for
the next fiscal year and submit it to the Board. Such budget shall include
recommended operating expenses, capital expenditures, and revenue sources for
all departments and units of the County government, and any other information
deemed necessary.
(2) The Board shall hold at least one public hearing on the proposed budget. Public
notice of such hearings shall be given at least ten days prior to the date thereof
stating the time and place of the hearings and indicating that the proposed budget
is available for inspection in the office of the Clerk to the Board during regular office
hours, and that any interested person may file or register any objections thereto at
any time prior to the final adoption of the budget.
(3) Following the public hearing or hearings, the Board may revise or alter the proposed
budget or increase or decrease any item therein. The Board shall then adopt the
budget together with any amendments thereto, in accordance with the requirements
of State law. The Board shall also adopt an ordinance appropriating funds for the
ensuing fiscal year and shall certify the taxes to be levied as provided by law.
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(4) The Board may adopt emergency appropriations upon declaration that an
unforeseen disaster or emergency exists. Such appropriations shall be funded from
contingency or other available funds, or as otherwise permitted by State law.
(5) Except as otherwise provided herein, the provisions of State law concerning
adoption of budgets and appropriation of funds by local governments shall govern
the procedures of the Board.
Section 14-3 -- Capital Improvements Program and Budget.
The Board may require that the Director of Finance and Purchasing submit, at the time of
submission of the annual budget, a five year capital improvements program and budget. Such
program shall include recommended projects, construction schedule, estimate of costs, anticipated
revenue sources, methods of financing, and such other information as may be required.
Section 14-4 -- Audits.
The Board shall provide for an independent annual audit of all county accounts and funds,
and more frequent audits as deemed necessary. Such audits shall be made by a certified public
accountant selected by the Board. The same auditor or auditing firm shall not be retained for more
than five consecutive years. The audit shall be available for inspection by the public in the office
of the Clerk to the Board.
Section 14-5 -- Funds.
Funds shall be established as directed by the Board, pursuant to the provisions of State law.
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Section 14-6 -- Long -Term Financing.
The incurring of indebtedness by the County and the issuance of evidences of such
indebtedness shall be authorized, made and executed in accordance with the laws of the State,
including the borrowing of money to fund county projects, the pledging of project revenues in
repayment thereof, and the issuance of revenue warrants, revenue bonds or other forms of
evidence of such obligations.
Section 14-7 -- Limitation on Annual Tax Levy.
(1) Limitation. Except as otherwise provided herein, all ad valorem tax levies for county
purposes, when applied to the total valuation for assessment of the County, shall
be reduced so as to prohibit the levying of a greater amount of tax revenue than
was levied from ad valorem taxation in the preceding year plus five percent (5%)
except to provide for the payment of bonds and interest thereon.
(2) Increased levy -- procedure.
(a) If the Board be of the opinion, the amount of tax limited by the preceding
Section will be insufficient for the County needs for the current year, it may
submit the question of an increased levy to the County Council, and the
County Council shall examine the needs of the County and ascertain from
such examination the financial condition thereof, and if in the opinion of a
majority of the County Council that the County is in need of additional funds,
the Council may grant an increased levy for the County in such amount as
it deems appropriate, and the County is authorized to make such increased
levy. However, no such excess levy shall be granted which will allow a
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greater revenue than would be produced by applying the previous year mill
levy to the current year's assessed valuation.
(b) In case the County Council refuses or fails within fifteen (15) days after
submission to it of an adopted budget to grant such increased levy, or all of
it, or in the event an increase beyond that which the Council is authorized
to grant is sought, the question may be submitted to the qualified electors
of the County at a general or special election called for that purpose.
(c) Due notice of submission of the question of whether to grant the increased
levy shall be given by the County Clerk for at least thirty (30) days in
advance of the date set for the general or special election by giving a public
notice as provided herein. If a majority of the votes cast at any such
election is in favor of the increased levy as named in said election notice,
then the County may make such increased levy.
(d) In the event such increase shall be voted by the electors under the
preceding subsections, the increased revenue resulting therefrom shall be
included in determining the five percent (5%) limitation in the following year.
Section 14-8 -- Limitation of Capital Expenditures.
Any one project, except hospital projects, requiring a capital expenditure out of funds
procured by ad valorem taxation equal to a three mill levy for three years, or a hospital project
requiring a capital expenditure from ad valorem tax funds equal to a three mill levy for three years,
shall be prohibited until such time as the question of expenditure of said funds shall have been first
submitted to a vote of the qualified electors at a general or special election and shall have received
a majority vote approving such expenditure.
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Section 14-9 -- Bidding -- Procedure.
(1) The Board of County Commissioners shall adopt bidding procedures for county
purchases which shall assure open and competitive bidding on all county
purchases, and the Central Purchasing Division shall follow the procedures adopted
in all county purchases.
(2) Bid specifications shall be prepared in such a manner as to invite and encourage
bidding from all suppliers of the goods and equipment being purchased by the
County. No specifications shall be submitted to bidders so restrictive in detail as to
eliminate any line of competitive equipment.
(3) The County Commissioners shall give preference to resident Weld County bidders
in all cases where the bids are competitive in price and quality.
(4) The County Commissioners shall enter in the minutes of the meeting, at which a
purchase is made for other than a low bid, the reason for not accepting the low bid.
(5) All purchases in excess of an amount to be set annually by the Board of County
Commissioners by ordinance shall be by written, sealed bid and bids over the
amount set annually by ordinance by the Board of County Commissioners shall be
followed by a ten-day period for consideration and investigation of the bids
submitted to determine comparisons of quality and price. The ten-day waiting
period may be waived by resolution of the Board for emergency purchases. The
Commissioners shall accept the bid they find to be most beneficial to the County.
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ARTICLE XV
ELECTIONS
Section 15-1 -- General Elections.
Except as otherwise provided in this Charter, elected officers of the County shall be
nominated and elected pursuant to State law at general elections.
Section 15-2 -- Special Elections.
Special elections shall be called by resolution of the Board and conducted in accordance
with the provisions of State law.
Section 15-3 -- Recall.
Any elected officer may be recalled from office at any time. Once an election on recall has
been held, no other election on recall of that same officer may be held for at least one year. The
procedure for recall shall be as follows:
(1) One or more qualified electors shall file with the Clerk an affidavit of not more than
two hundred words stating the reasons for requesting the recall. The Clerk shall,
within forty-eight hours after the filing of said affidavit, mail a copy of the affidavit by
certified mail to the officer sought to be recalled who may, within five days of receipt
of said affidavit, file with the Clerk, a sworn statement of not more than two hundred
words in justification of his course in office. After receipt of the statement in
defense, if any, but in no event later than ten days after filing a copy of the affidavit
to the officer, the Clerk shall issue a petition for recall.
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(2) Said petition shall include the statement of reasons for requesting recall and the
officer's statement of justification if there be such a statement. Said petition must
be signed by qualified electors numbering at least fifteen percent (15%) of the total
number of votes cast for that particular office in the last preceding election within the
district from which the officer was elected or within the County in the case of an
office elected at large.
(3) Each signer of a petition shall sign his name, and after his name, the date and his
place of residence by street and number, rural route and box number, or other
customary designation, except that a post office box number shall be insufficient.
(4) The signed recall petition shall be filed with the Clerk within sixty days after
issuance. If said petition is filed within the time specified and appears to be
sufficient, the Board shall set a date for a recall election to be held within sixty days,
unless a general election or a special election will be held within one hundred twenty
(120) days following the filing of the petition, in which event the recall election may
be held at the time of the general or special election. To each petition paper shall
be attached an affidavit by the circulator thereof, stating the number of signers and
affirming that each signature is the genuine signature of the person whose name
it purports to be, and that it was made in the presence of the affiant and that each
signer has stated to the circulator that he is a qualified elector of the County.
(5) All petitions shall be deemed and held to be sufficient if they appear to be signed
by the requisite number of signers, and such signer shall be deemed and held to be
a qualified elector, unless a protest in writing under oath shall be filed in the office
of the Clerk by some qualified elector, within fifteen days after such petition is filed,
setting forth specifically the grounds of such protest. In the event of such protest,
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the Clerk shall forthwith mail a copy to the person or persons named in such petition
as representing the signers thereof, together with a notice fixing a time for hearing
such protest which hearing shall not be less than five nor more than ten days after
such notice is mailed. All hearings shall be before the Clerk, and all testimony shall
be under oath. Such hearings shall be summary and not subject to delay, and must
be concluded within thirty (30) days after such petition is filed, and the results
thereof shall be forthwith certified to the person or persons representing the signers
of such petition.
(6) In case the petition is not sufficient it may be withdrawn by the persons or a majority
of the persons representing the signers of such petition, and may, within fifteen (15)
days thereafter, be amended and refiled as an original petition. The finding as to
the sufficiency of any petition may be reviewed by the District Court of Weld County,
upon application of any person signing such petition, but such review shall be had
and determined forthwith.
(7) There shall be printed on the official ballot, as to every officer whose recall is to be
voted on, the words, "Shall (name of the person against whom recall petition is filed)
be retained in the office of (title of office)." The ballot shall provide for a "yes" or
"no" vote.
(8) If a majority of those voting on said question of the recall of any incumbent from
office shall vote "yes", said incumbent shall continue in said office; if a majority shall
vote "no", such incumbent shall thereupon be deemed removed and the vacancy
shall be filled as provided in this Charter.
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Section 15-4 -- Initiative and Referendum.
The people of Weld County reserve to themselves the powers of initiative and referendum,
by petition, to have a law, proposed law, or amendment of a law, submitted for the registered voters
of the County to approve or reject at the polls. An ordinance or resolution may be initiated by
petition, or a referendum on an enacted ordinance or resolution may be had by petition, or the
Board on its own motion in enacting an ordinance or resolution may provide for a referendum
thereon.
The referendum shall apply to all ordinances and resolutions, passed by the Board, except
ordinances making the tax levy, making the annual appropriation, calling a special election or
ordering improvements initiated by petition and to be paid for by special assessments. Measures
passed as emergency measures shall be subject to referendum like other measures, except that
they shall not be suspended from going into effect while referendum proceedings are pending. If,
when submitted to a vote of the electors, an emergency measure be not approved by a majority
of those voting thereon, it shall be considered repealed, as regards any further action thereunder
and all rights and privileges conferred by it shall be null and void; provided, however, that such
measure so repealed shall be deemed sufficient authority for any payment made or expense
incurred in accordance with the measure previous to the referendum vote thereon.
(1) Procedure.
(a) An initiative or referendum petition shall be signed by qualified electors
numbering at least five percent (5%) of the total vote at the last general
election, and all signatures on said petition shall be obtained within 45 days
prior to the date of filing of the petition with the Clerk. Any such petition shall
be addressed to the Board and may be an aggregate of two or more petition
papers identical as to content and simultaneously filed by one person.
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(b) An initiative petition shall set forth, in full, the ordinance or resolution it
proposes to initiate and no petition shall propose to initiate more than one
ordinance or resolution. A referendum petition shall identify the ordinance
or resolution, or part thereof, it proposes to be submitted to the voters for
approval.
(c) Each signer of a petition shall sign his name, and after his name, the date
and his place of residence by street and number, rural route and box
number, or by other customary designation, except that a post office box
number shall be insufficient.
(d) To each petition paper shall be attached an affidavit by the circulator
thereof, stating the number of signers and affirming that each signature is
the genuine signature of the person whose name it purports to be, and that
it was made in the presence of the affiant. Such petition shall be filed with
the Clerk who shall, within fifteen (15) days, canvass the signatures thereon.
If the petition does not contain a sufficient number of signatures of qualified
electors, the Clerk shall notify forthwith by certified mail the person filing
such petition and fifteen (15) days from such notification shall be allowed for
the filing of supplemental petition papers.
(e) A referendum petition shall be void unless filed in the first instance with the
Clerk within thirty (30) days after the effective date of the ordinance or
resolution to which such petition refers. The time for review of the petition
papers, if necessary, shall not render the petition void because of the
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aforesaid time limit. When a petition with sufficient signatures is filed within
the time allowed, the Clerk shall present the petition to the Board at its next
regular meeting.
(2) Board Action.
Upon presentation to the Board of an initiative or referendum petition, the
Board shall, within thirty (30) days, either:
(a) Adopt the ordinance or resolution as submitted by an initiative petition;
(b) Repeal the ordinance or resolution, or part thereof, referred to by a
referendum petition;
(c) Submit the proposal provided for in the petition to the electors.
(3) Submission to Electors.
Should the Board decide to submit the proposal to the electors, it shall be
submitted at the next general election held in the County or, at the discretion of the
Board, at a special election; provided, however, that if no general or special election
is to be held in the County within 120 days after presentation thereof, the Board
shall call a special election to be held within sixty (60) days.
(a) The presentation to the Board of a valid and sufficient referendum petition
shall automatically suspend the operation of the ordinance or resolution in
question pending repeal by the Board or final determination by the electors,
except as heretofore provided with regard to emergency measures.
(b) The result of all elections held under the provisions of this Section shall be
determined by a majority vote of the electors voting thereon.
(c) An ordinance or resolution adopted by the electorate through initiatory
proceedings may not be amended or repealed by the Board for a period of
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two years and a resolution or ordinance repealed by the electorate may not
be re-enacted by the Board for a period of two years.
(d) If two or more ordinances or resolutions adopted at the same election shall
have conflicting provisions, the provisions in the ordinance or resolution
receiving the highest number of affirmative votes shall prevail as to such
conflict and the adopted ordinance or resolution receiving the lesser number
of votes, to the extent it is severable, shall nevertheless be effective except
as to the matters of conflict or inconsistency.
(e) The Board shall not refer more than five measures to the people at any
general election. The number of measures to be submitted at a special
election shall not be limited.
Section 15-5 -- Election Required Regarding Siting of Correctional or Detention Facilities.
Effective as of the date of adoption by the electors of Weld County of this Article XV,
Section 15-5, no Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued by Weld County, or any department,
employee or agent thereof, for the occupancy or operation of any building or other structure which
will be occupied, used or operated as, and no person, corporation or entity shall occupy, use or
operate any building or structure as a correctional facility, pre -parole facility, jail, prison or other
place of incarceration, whether or not said building or structure is privately owned and/or operated,
or is owned and/or operated by Weld County or, to the extent permitted by law, the State of
Colorado, unless and until the location and siting thereof has been approved by a majority of the
registered electors of Weld County voting at a regular or special election held on the question of
said location and siting. This Section 15-5 is adopted in order to implement the provision of CRS
Section 17-2-401(d) relating to the authority of Weld County to maintain zoning and siting control
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over correctional facilities within the County, and this Section 15-5 shall survive any amendment
or repeal of said Section 17-2-401(d), CRS.
The provisions of this Section 15-5 shall be self-executing, shall take effect immediately
upon adoption by the electors of Weld County, Colorado, and shall be applicable to any structure,
building or facility which is not on the date of such adoption by the electors, occupied and in use
as a detention facility, correctional facility, pre -parole facility, jail, prison or place of incarceration
pursuant to a certificate of occupancy lawfully issued by Weld County, Colorado.
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60.1
ARTICLE XVI
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 16-1 -- Continuity of Government.
The Board shall provide for continuity of government in the event of a disaster. It shall
prescribe procedures which will preserve representative government and provide an orderly line
of succession of authority when disaster makes such measures necessary. In no case will such
temporary occupancy of elective offices extend beyond the next scheduled general election.
Section 16-2 -- Eminent Domain.
The County shall have the powers of eminent domain to the fullest extent authorized by
State law.
Section 16-3 -- Bonding of Officers.
Members of the Board and such other officers or employees as the Board may require and
as required by this Charter shall give bond in an amount and with surety prescribed by the Board,
or as required by law. The premiums on such bonds shall be paid by the County, and the bonds
shall be filed with the County Clerk. The amount of each bond shall be re-established prior to each
election.
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Section 16-4 -- Invalidity of Part -- Severability.
If a court of competent jurisdiction shall, by final judgment, hold any part or provision of this
Charter to be invalid or unconstitutional, all other provisions of this Charter shall be considered to
be severable and shall not be affected thereby and the effect of such decision shall not extend
beyond that required by the court's ruling.
Section 16-5 -- Article and Section Titles.
The Article and Section Titles of this Charter are inserted for reference and convenience
only and shall not be construed to limit, prescribe, or in any way control the scope or intent of any
provision therein.
Section 16-6 -- Public Notice.
Notice to the public of ordinances and of certain official acts, events, determinations,
proceedings or meetings shall be given. Unless defined otherwise in the ordinances, rules or laws
pertaining to the procedure to which the public notice relates, public notice may be by publication
in a newspaper of general circulation in the County or by such other media and in such form as
may be prescribed by the Board. When the notice informs the public of some event to take place
in the future, it shall be published at least five days prior to such event.
Section 16-7 -- Vacancy.
Every elective county office shall become vacant, on the happening of any one of the
following events, before the expiration of the term of office:
(1) The death of the officer.
(2) The resignation of the officer.
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(3) The removal of the officer, by recall or otherwise.
(4) The officer ceasing to be a resident of Weld County, or in the case of an officer
required to live in a district, ceasing to be a resident of the district from which
elected.
(5) The officer's refusal or neglect to take his oath of office, or renew his official bond,
or to deposit such oath and bond within the time prescribed by law.
(6) The final decision of a competent tribunal, declaring void an officer's election or
appointment.
(7) The final decision of a competent tribunal finding an officer guilty of a crime.
Section 16-8 -- Boards -- Composition.
The members of all appointive boards and commissions shall be broadly representative of
the community and geographic area served.
(1) The members of all appointed boards and commissions shall be appointed for three
(3) year terms.
(2) No person shall serve more than two consecutive terms on any one appointive
board or commission.
(3) No person who has been an elected officer of the County shall be appointed to an
appointive board or commission until one year after leaving office.
(4) Policy recommendations of advisory boards shall be considered by the Board and
either accepted or rejected. If rejected in whole or in part, the reasons for such
rejection shall be stated and made a part of the Board's records, open to the public.
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Section 16-9 -- Conflict of Interest.
(1) General: No county officer, member of an appointed board, or employee shall have
any interest in any enterprise or organization doing business with Weld County
which might interfere with the unbiased discharge of his duty to the public and the
best interest of the County. This restriction shall not apply where the officer,
member of an appointed board, or employee's department has no direct contact nor
business transaction with any such enterprise or organization.
(2) Specific:
(a) No employee of the Central Purchasing Division shall have any interest in
any enterprise or organization doing business with Weld County.
(b) Neither the Treasurer nor employees of the Treasurer's Office shall have
any proprietary interest in any financial institution in which the County
maintains deposits.
(3) Question referred to Council:
In the event a question arises as to possible conflict of interest between any
county officer, member of an appointed board, or employee, and any enterprise or
organization doing business with Weld County, the question will be presented to the
County Council for review, investigation, decision and resolution. The judgment and
decision of the Council shall be considered final and shall be made a matter of
public record.
Section 16-10 -- Definitions.
Unless the context otherwise requires, the words or phrases defined herein shall be given
the meaning set forth in this Section.
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(1) Affidavit -- A statement verifying the truth of the matters stated, and sworn to before
a person authorized by law to administer oaths.
(2) Administrative Code -- A compilation of Board policies, directives and administrative
procedures which relate primarily to internal functioning and to the conduct of
county government, in regard to the public at large.
Agency -- Any board, bureau, commission, department, division, or other
organizational unit in the administrative branch of county government.
(4) Appropriation -- An authorization by the Board to expend from public funds a
specific maximum sum for a specified purpose and during a specified time.
(5) Board -- The Board of County Commissioners.
(6) Candidate -- Any person seeking nomination or election to any public office.
(7) Chairman -- The Chairman of the Board.
(8) Classification plan -- As related to the Personnel system, the assignment of
positions into occupational groups and series of classes determined by description
of a class of positions which defines the class title and distinguishes one class of
positions from other classes. It gives examples of typical duties and responsibilities
found at its grade level, and defines minimum skills, knowledges, abilities, and
education required.
(9) Clerk -- The County Clerk.
(10) Commissioner -- A member of the Board.
(11) Council -- The County Council.
(12) Councilman -- A member of the Council.
(13) County -- Weld County, Colorado.
(3)
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(14) Crime -- A felony or a Class 1 or 2 misdemeanor as defined by State law, or a
comparable federal crime or crime in some other state. Does not include petty or
traffic offenses.
(15) Department -- One of the major organizational units of the County.
(16) Division -- A primary subdivision of a department.
(17) Emergency Ordinance -- An ordinance, the passage of which shall be necessary to
the preservation or protection of public health, property, or safety.
(18) Employees -- All persons in county service who are not officers.
(19) Initiative -- The provision whereby legislation may be initiated by petition and
submitted to the voters for approval or rejection at the polls.
(20) Law -- State law.
(21) Masculine gender -- Includes feminine gender.
(22) May -- Is considered permissive.
(23) Officer -- An elected official of the County.
(24) Person -- An individual, firm, association or corporation.
(25) Personnel Policies -- As related to the Personnel system, statements relative to the
general management and procedure of the Personnel system.
(26) Personnel rules -- As related to the Personnel system, regulations and guidelines
covering and concerning all, or most, relations between employee and employer.
(27) Personnel system -- The County Personnel Policies, rules and regulations, job
classifications and compensation plans.
(28) Primary Employment -- Availability at all times to conduct county business without
interference of other occupational activities.
(29) Public Notice -- Notice as defined in this Charter.
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(30) Qualified elector -- A person registered to vote in Weld County, State of Colorado,
and otherwise qualified to vote in a general election under the laws of the State of
Colorado. The term is synonymous with registered voter, registered elector, elector
or voter.
(31) Recall -- The provision whereby a group of electors may, by petition, require that an
election be held to allow the voters to determine if a county officer should be
removed from office.
(32) Referendum -- The provision whereby any ordinance or resolution, or part thereof,
enacted by the Board may be referred to the voters of the County to approve or
reject at the polls.
(33) Shall -- Is considered mandatory.
(34) State -- State of Colorado.
(35) State law, laws of the State, or laws -- All legislation governing Colorado, including
the provisions of the State Constitution. References to State laws shall be
construed as continuing references to them as they may be amended from time to
time.
Section 16-11 -- Solid Waste Disposal Sites -- Surcharge.
(1) The Board of County Commissioners shall have the authority to promulgate, by
Ordinance, pursuant to Article Ill, Section 3-14, of the Weld County Home Rule
Charter, regulations imposing a service charge on the users, in the form of a
surcharge, to be added to all fees received by any operator of a solid waste disposal
site and facility or transfer station located within any portion of Weld County,
Colorado. "Solid waste disposal site and facility" shall mean any facility which is
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required, pursuant to applicable provisions of state law, to obtain a Certificate of
Designation from the Weld County Board of County Commissioners or approval by
a city, city or county, or town (collectively known as "municipalities") prior to its
operation.
(2) Should the solid waste site and facility be one at which no fee is collected for the
reason that the facility serves an individual user, the fee shall be computed based
upon the cost within the market for similar disposal services.
(3) The rate of the surcharge may be adjusted by Ordinance in accordance with the
impacts to Weld County and its residents resulting from the disposal of various
classes of waste, but must be uniform within said classes. However, higher rates
may be imposed on users who generate the wastes outside of Weld County for the
following reasons:
(a) in order that landfill capacity be preserved for Weld County users; and
(b) in order to mitigate the impacts on infrastructure and services provided by
Weld County towards which out -of -county generators of waste have not
contributed through ad valorem taxes.
(4) No portion of this section shall require the collection of the surcharge as against
users of a solid waste site and facility or transfer station owned and operated by a
municipality provided the solid waste is generated within the municipality.
(5) The surcharge collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Weld
County Solid Waste Disposal Site and Facility Fund to be used for the purposes of
financing any operations conducted by Weld County with respect to solid waste
disposal including, but not limited to, costs of health inspections; removal of litter
and debris from roadsides; establishment, construction, and maintenance of roads
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providing access to solid waste sites and facilities and transfer stations within Weld
county; financing the landfill management program, equalizing costs for transfer
sites in Weld County, Colorado; capital outlay associated with a transfer site
system; insurance costs; Weld County staff support costs; financing the
requirements for compliance with the Resource Conservation Recovery Act; costs
of designation of future site locations; and remedying environmental problems
created by past and future solid waste sites and facilities and other solid waste
disposal sites.
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ARTICLE XVII
AMENDMENTS TO CHARTER
Section 17-1 -- Procedure to Amend or Repeal Charter.
(1) Action to amend this Charter shall be initiated by:
(a) A petition or petitions signed by at least five percent of the total number of
votes cast at the last general election; or
(b) A resolution adopted by the Board submitting the proposed amendment or
amendments to the qualified electors.
(2) Action to repeal this Charter or to form a new charter commission may be initiated
by a petition signed by at least fifteen percent of the qualified electors of the County.
(3) Within thirty days of initiation of a proposed amendment, repeal, or charter
convention measure, the Board shall publish notice of and call an election to be held
not less than thirty nor more than one hundred twenty days after said publication.
The text of any proposed amendment shall be published with said notice.
(4) If the proposal is for a charter commission, the election shall be scheduled at least
sixty days after publication of the notice. The procedure for the forming and
functioning of a new charter commission shall comply as nearly as practicable with
provisions relating to formation and functioning of an initial charter commission.
(5) If a majority of the electors voting thereon vote for a proposed amendment, the
amendment shall be deemed approved. If a majority of the electors voting thereon
vote for repeal of the charter, the charter shall be deemed repealed and the County
shall proceed to organize and operate pursuant to the statutes applicable to
statutory counties.
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(6) A proposed amendment to the Charter shall be confined to a single subject which
shall be clearly expressed in its title.
(7) No proposal for a charter commission, charter amendment, or repeal of a charter
shall be initiated within twelve months after rejection of a substantially similar
proposal. No proceeding contesting the adoption of a Charter amendment shall be
brought unless commenced within one hundred eighty days after the election
adopting the measure.
Section 17-2 -- Conflicting Amendments.
If there is any conflict or inconsistency between amendments voted upon at the same
election and more than one of said amendments is adopted, then the amendment receiving the
largest number of votes shall prevail as to such conflict or inconsistency and the adopted
amendments receiving the lesser number of votes shall, if severable, be nevertheless effective
except as to the matters of conflict or inconsistency.
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ARTICLE XVIII
TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
Section 18-1 -- Purpose of Article.
The provisions of this Article relate to the transition from the existing form of government
to the form of government established by this Charter. Where inconsistent with the foregoing
Articles in this Charter, the provisions of this Article shall constitute exceptions thereto.
Section 18-2 -- Effective Date of Charter.
Upon its adoption, this Charter shall become effective on the first day of January, 1976,
except as these transitional provisions require earlier or later implementation.
Section 18-3 -- Transition of Elective County Offices.
After adoption of this Charter, the status of elective officers shall be as follows:
(1) Incumbent County Commissioners shall continue to serve as Commissioners of
districts numbered one, two and three until such time as their terms of office would
have expired if this Charter had not been adopted.
(2) All other existing elective officers, as provided for in this Charter, shall continue to
serve in their respective offices until such time as their term of office would have
expired if this Charter had not been adopted.
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Section 18-4 -- Elections to Fill New Commissioner Positions.
A special election shall be held following adoption of this Charter and prior to December 15,
1975, at which Commissioners shall be elected as follows:
(1) One Commissioner at large shall be elected for a one-year term beginning January
1, 1976. At the next general election in November, 1976, two Commissioners, one
each from geographic districts numbered one and three and one Commissioner
elected at large shall be elected for four-year terms.
(2) One Commissioner at large shall be elected for a three-year term beginning January
1, 1976. At the general election in November, 1978, one Commissioner from
geographic district numbered two and one Commissioner at large shall be elected
for four-year terms.
(3) In subsequent elections, Commissioners shall be elected for four-year terms,
pursuant to Section 3-4 of this Charter.
Section 18-5 -- Elections to Fill New County Councilman Positions.
At the special election to be held, as provided in Section 4 of this Article, Councilmen shall
be elected as follows:
(1) One Councilman from geographic district numbered two and one Councilman at
large shall be elected for a one-year term beginning January 1, 1976. At the next
general election in November, 1976, they shall be elected for four-year terms.
(2) Two Councilmen, one each from geographic districts numbered one and three and
one Councilman at large shall be elected for a three-year term beginning January
1, 1976. At the general election in November, 1978, they shall be elected for four-
year terms.
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(3)
In subsequent elections, Councilmen shall be elected for four-year terms as
provided in Section 13-3 of this Charter.
Section 18-6 -- Salaries.
Until otherwise established as provided by this Charter, the salaries of all elective officials
shall remain the same as they existed on the effective date of this Charter.
Section 18-7 -- Prior Legislation and Policies.
All resolutions, motions, rules and regulations which are not inconsistent with the terms of
this Charter, and which are in force on the effective date of this Charter, shall continue in force until
repealed or amended. Existing resolutions which enact legislative measures shall be considered
to be ordinances under this Charter.
Section 18-8 -- Existing Contracts.
(1) All rights, claims, actions, orders, contracts and legal or administrative proceedings
shall continue except as modified pursuant to the provisions of this Charter, and in
each case shall be maintained, carried on or dealt with by the County department,
office or agency appropriate under this Charter.
(2) Nothing in this Charter shall abridge the rights, duties, or obligations heretofore
obtained or incurred by contract or ordinance and legally entered into or passed by
the County.
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Section 18-9 -- Continuation of Employment.
All appointed employees of the County holding office on the effective date of this Charter
shall continue to be employed at their existing salaries, subject to the provisions of this Charter and
of the Personnel system regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
Section 18-10 -- Appointive Boards and Commissions.
All appointive boards and commissions whose functions have not been transferred by this
Charter to another agency or department, or otherwise dealt with by this Charter, shall continue
to function until otherwise determined by the Board.
Section 18-11 -- Continuation of Programs.
All functions, operations, and programs now being conducted by the County may continue
until otherwise provided by the Board.
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