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A CALL FOR ACTION
Presented to the Board of Weld County Commissioners by the Citizens Coalition
May 12, 1971
Ben Franklin believed that time is money, and we do too, because the
longer you postpone responsible, business like action on the proposals of the
Citizens Coalition, Weld County, the more you cost taxpayers who have bled too
long. On April 16, this non-partisan Coalition, after 6 months of research,
called for the resignation of Commissioners Marshall Anderson and Glen Billings.
Our research revealed that in 1970 alone, inefficient fiscal practices probably
cost the taxpayers of Weld County over one quarter of a million dollars.
Now we all know how important it is to restore respect for authority in
our country, and we all lament the lack of discipline so evident on our
country's streets and campuses. And we, the members of the Citizens Coalition
think it scandalous that public officials like you should have to be asked to
take actions so fundamental to sound business like government. And like that
prophet old we also ask, "How long, oh Lord, how long?"
Therefore, as we continue to discuss with our legal counsel the possibil-
itier of future legal action, and because of the urgency to reform our county
government in line with citizens' needs and sound business practices, we submit
the following proposals for your immediate implementation.
I. WELD COUNTY LANDFILL; EVANS
Is a man's word no longer his bond? (I W h you make
for the people of Weld County to be breached A
/G/, ring to
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the Sanitary Landfill Contract made and enter ll tch states.
in paragraph 10 as follows;
10. So long as Landfill shall operate its certified dumps in
accordance with this agreement. County shall guarantee a gross revenue
of Five Thousand ($5,000.00) Dollars per dump so certified; however,
only after a complete audit of the books of Landfill by the County Auditor.
Any such payment, or payments, made by the County shall be done
immediately after July 1st of each anniversary year of operation of
each dump so certified, or as soon thereafter as is practicable.
710517
The Citizens Coalition therefore demands an immediate Audit by the
County Auditor to ascertain what you gentlemen should have been certain of before
passing $12,000 of the taxpayers money to Weld County Landfill; that is, whether
or rot the Landfill was entitled to this $12,000 payment under the terms of
this contract.
The Citizens Coalition also suggests an immediate review of current rates
at the dump, because Weld County Taxpayers are paying higher dump rates than
citizens are in such places as Boulder or Ft. Collins.
Inasmuch as this Landfill is certified by the County the County should
supervise its operations. Therefore we request immediate implementations of
State Health Department Guidelines regarding Solid Waste disposal sites such as:
a) daily cover
b) fencing
c) proper drainage by-passing dump area
d) prompt construction of adequate drainage through dump area in case of
back flooding of Evans area
:_ . DECISION-MAKING
The Citizens Coalition proposes immediate action on the following:
1) that at least 24 hours prior to a County Commissioners meeting a
complete working agenda be published in a County newspaper with a wide
circulation
2) that all County Commissioners meetings be held at a time leading
to better citizen participation, preferably evenings.
3) that the County Budget be published in its entirety and that
public hearings be held on the proposed budget
4) that sufficient time during each meeting be alloted for the presen-
tation of public petitions of requests which are not on the agenda
5) that a manual of Standard Operation Procedures be drawn up and put
into effect immediately, thereby, hopefully, putting an end to government
operated by seat-of-the-pants instinct.
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6) that on matters affecting taxpayers residing a considerable dis-
tance from the Greeley area, the County Commissioners hold meetings in town-
halls closer to those taxpayers (i.e. Fort Lupton, Briggsdale, etc.)
7) that complete printed records of minutes of all meetings be kept
on file and be readily accessible to taxpayers.
8) th't tte Commissioners appoint a newspaper with wider circulation
as official coun t paper to publish County business so that information about
County business and decisions will be more readily available to all citizens.
III. PURCHASING PROCEDURES The Citizens Coalition proposes:
1) that a complete file be kept on all purchases for the County and
ct least tV 'ee quotations in writing be obtained on all purchases over $100.
2) that all construction and equipment contracts over $1,000 should
have published public notice and sealed bids published after opening.
3) that all records be more readily accessible to the taxpayer.
4) that the County use the State Purchasing Office on all items where
„tr.te prices are cheaper than bids secured locally.
5) that no County employer be allowed to accept gratuities in any
form from any County supplier. We request
that the above polieies be formalized in official resolutions
adopted by the Commissioners as soon as possible.
Tv. LA*m PURCWA.SFB
The Citizens Coalition proposes the following:
1) that no purchase be made without appraisal by a licensed appraiser,
2) that the County pay for only one appraisal unless that appraisal
is deemed too high.
3) that the County negotiate land purchases from the lowest possible
appraisal.
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4) that studies be made for land needs prior to land purchases.
5) that condemnation proceedings be used when negotiations fail to
purchase land at or near the appraised price.
We, the Citizens' Coalition, know that State law does not require
County Commissioners in Colorado to do many of the things we are demanding be
done, but State laws are minimum restraints not standards for total policy.
To once again restore the faith of the Citizens of Weld County in their County
Government it is essential that you, their elected representatives, begin
immediately to implement all of the above sound business procedures. In addi-
tion, this action would enhance communication with the people so that they
may actively share with you the decision making so vitally affecting their
1° -s and their pocket books. We ask no more of you than a government which
truly involves and serves the people.
Do not delay! Do it now!
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