HomeMy WebLinkAbout20252444.tiffAugust 25, 2025
Colorado Governor Jared Polis
136 State Capitol
Denver, CO 80203
Julie McCluskie, Speaker
Colorado House of Representatives
200 E. Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80203
OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
(970) 400-4200
1150 O St., P.O. Box 758
Greeley, CO 80632
James Coleman President
Colorado Senate
200 E. Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80203
Re: Bipartisan Opposition to Unfunded State Mandates
Dear Governor Polis, President Coleman, and Speaker McCluskie:
The Board of County Commissioners of Weld County joins with many of our fellow
county commissioners to voice our shared concern about the increasing number of
unfunded mandates imposed by the State of Colorado upon counties.
These unfunded mandates, issued without the financial support required to implement
them, place an unsustainable burden on local governments and the citizens we serve
and undermine both fiscal responsibility and the principle of local control.
Colorado Revised Statutes § 29-1-304.5 states that when the State increases the level of
service required by law, it must also provide adequate funding. If it does not, such
mandates are not binding - they are optional. As elected officials representing
communities of diverse political perspectives, we are united in our commitment to
uphold this statutory protection and exercise it with discretion.
These unfunded mandates require counties to dedicate staff time, upgrade systems,
and/or implement new procedures —none of which come with state funding.
We respectfully urge the General Assembly to reconsider the volume and scope of
unfunded mandates. Additionally, we urge Governor Polis to exercise his veto power
over unfunded mandates. We join our colleagues in asking for an open dialogue on
solutions, including funding Letter, Polis, Coleman, and McCluskie mechanisms or
revisions to the statutory frameworks requiring compliance.
CoMwlvn ; coy.-} ,ans
oq /03/ 25
2025-2444
August 25, 2025
Page 2
Counties continue to be indispensable partners in delivering essential services across
Colorado. We invite you to join us in a candid conversation about the true cost of
these mandates —and the path forward. We are ready to coordinate a meeting at
your convenience.
Sincerely,
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Perry, . Buck, Chair
S ott K. James, Pro Tem Lyn tt pler
D
Jason S. Maxey Kevin D. Ross
Hello