Home Rule facts, timelines and election information
What is home rule?
Home rule is a form of government that derives its authority from a charter written by residents rather than state statutes. It is based on the theory that the residents in the community know best how to solve local issues. If the community votes to move to home rule, the charter the Town uses to govern the community will be created by residents for residents.
Who makes the charter?
The home rule charter is drafted by the Home Rule Commission (Commission). The Commission is a group of nine (9) elected Superior residents. These residents are elected during the Nov. 7 election. Residents should have received their Boulder County Coordinated Election ballots for this election through mail, and can submit them to the secure ballot drop box outside Town Hall anytime on or before Nov. 7 (124 E Coal Creek Drive).
What will you see on the November 2023 Election ballot?
Superior's two ballot questions are as follows:
- Shall the Town of Superior form a home rule charter commission for the purpose of drafting a home rule charter?
- Vote for not more than nine (9) candidates to serve on the Town of Superior's Home Rule Charter Commission: (followed by a list of 11 names)
In the first question, you will be asked to vote "YES/FOR" or "NO/AGAINST". If residents vote for the creation of a home rule charter commission, then question two will decide who sits on that Commission. If a "no" vote gathers more support, the home rule charter commission will not be formed and the process will be discontinued.
In the second question, residents will choose up to nine (9) of the 11 available candidates to make up the Commission, who will ultimately draft the home rule charter. Please note that these are two separate questions, so we encourage residents to fill both out in their entirety to have their voices heard on both issues.
Who is running to be on the Charter Commission?
The home rule charter commission candidates are the following residents of Superior listed in the order in which they will appear on the ballot:
- Dalton Valette
- Heather Cracraft
- Ryan Hitchler
- Claire Dixon
- Ryan Welch
- Jeff Chu
- Sean Maday
- Clint Folsom
- Chris Hanson
- Stephanie Schader
- Mike Foster
Take a look at our "Meet the Candidates" document to read about why each candidate is running and learn a bit about their qualifications.
 Click this image to find more infomation about the home rule charter commission candidates.
What happens after the Commission is elected?
The Commission will have 180 days to prepare a draft charter. Once the draft charter is completed, the Town Board (Board) will review the charter and refer it to the voters for the November 2024 election.
If you are interested in reading more about the charter draft and adoption timeline, you can find all dates and the statutes establishing the timeline in the charter timeline document.
What impact would adopting a home rule charter have on:
Land use
- Have greater control over zoning issues.
- Modify the composition and powers of the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment.
Finance and taxation
- Broader and more flexible taxing powers.
- Within limits, establish a tax base that is not uniform with the State of Colorado tax base.
- Simplify or otherwise revise procedures for budget and appropriation adoption, amendment, and transfer of funds.
- Establish maximum debt limitations.
- Establish limitations for the repayment of municipal bonds.
Elections
- Establish procedures and dates for municipal elections differing from those established by State statute, including such matters as regular and special election dates and the dates when elected officials will take office.
- Modify local procedures for initiative, referendum, and recall.
- Modify procedures for filling vacancies in elected offices.
- Specify a minimum age for elected officials or other requirements.
Administration/governance
- Determine the form of government and administrative structure.
- Establish procedures for the adoption of ordinances and resolutions.
- Modify procedures pertaining to regular and special meetings and executive sessions.
- Expand the jurisdiction of municipal courts.
- Establish procedures for the sale or disposal of public property and the awarding of contracts.
- Determine the qualifications of municipal officers and employees.
- Establish maximum terms for public utility franchises.
It is important to note that these are only some areas that may be explored. It is ultimately up to Superior residents to establish what course home rule should take through the Commission and the home rule charter.
Please find a more detailed explanation of the points on Superior's Home Rule Information webpage.
What are the potential disadvantages of home rule?
- The possibility of a restrictive Charter that could make completing Town business more difficult.
- The drafting and adoption of a Home Rule Charter will require Town funds to support the project.
- Some residents may see the possibility of a Home Rule Charter to provide expanded municipal authority over certain matters as a disadvantage.
- Some potential changes (local tax collection, election changes, etc.) may require adding multiple additional staff to Town government. This comes with budgetary considerations for salary, benefits, physical space expansion, etc.
How much will the process of becoming a home rule municipality cost the Town?
While the exact cost will vary, the estimated cost based on other jurisdictions’ experiences is:
- Attorney fees - $15,000 to $20,000
- Coordination with Boulder County for two elections - $20,000
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Note: The Town’s Home Rule calendar calls for two Home Rule elections that will occur in November 2023 and November 2024. As such, they will be included in Boulder County’s general election process. This means this is a regular expense the Town would pay regardless of whether we have this or any items on each ballot.
- Publication of draft charter - $2,500
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