Want to help guide the future of the Town? Apply for the Home Rule Charter Commission by Aug. 21!
The Town of Superior is considering moving to a municipal "home rule" form of government based on a charter written by residents instead of one that derives power from state statutes.
This change would allow the Town and its residents greater local control, but voters must approve it. Before that happens, the Town needs to form a nine-member commission to guide the process and write the draft charter. Superior voters will choose members in the November 2023 election.
What will service on the commission look like?
The Home Rule Charter Commission will conduct weekly public meetings with members contributing approximately five to 10 hours of work per week.
However, it's important to note that service on the Commission is short-term. The Commission will disband once the Town Board accepts the proposed charter and moves the document to the ballot.
Elected Home Rule Charter Commission members meet for the first time within 20 days of certification of the election results. At the first meeting, the Commission will elect a chair and may establish procedures.
The Commission is required to hold one public hearing between its first and last meeting. The Charter Commission must present the proposed charter to the Superior Board of Trustees within 180 days of the election. May 5 is the last day for the Commission to finalize the draft charter and submit it to the Town Board.
Residents will ultimately vote on the charter in the November 2024 election.
Interested in applying?
Stop by Superior Town Hall, 124 E. Coal Creek Drive, to pick up a nomination petition packet. Town Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Petitioners must pick up and return packets in person.
There are two weeks left! Petitions must be returned to Town Hall by 4 p.m. on Aug. 21. At least 25 registered electors residing within the Town of Superior must sign each candidate's nomination petition. Registered electors may sign petitions for up to nine candidates.
Successful petitioners will be placed on the ballot this fall, and voters will elect nine people to serve.
Have additional questions? Contact Town Clerk Lydia Yecke at LydiaY@superiorcolorado.gov or 303-499-3675, ext. 105.
What are the pros and cons of Home Rule?
Becoming a home rule municipality gives Superior greater local control and flexibility in many areas, including zoning and land use, elections, finances and the form of government under which the Town would like to operate.
Generally, the concept is based on the idea that residents within a community know best how to solve local issues. Most neighboring communities are home rule, including Louisville, Lafayette, Broomfield, Boulder and Longmont. Erie is working toward becoming a home rule municipality.
On the flip side, charters are not easily or readily amended. Restrictive charters may limit the flexibility of home rule municipalities. Further, costs related to the process, including attorney and consultant fees and election costs, can be burdensome.
In addition to the information on the Town website, the Colorado Municipal League has created a presentation detailing municipal home rule that includes arguments for and against it.
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