Public comments sought on proposed changes to commissioner district boundaries

By JR Krueger

For The Holyoke Enterprise

The Phillips County Clerk and Recorder’s office has made available six different scenarios for redrawing the three county commissioner district boundaries. Referred to as redistricting, adjustments are required after each decennial federal census that provides updated population figures.

The State statutes that govern county commissioner districts includes a new requirement from a 2021 legislative amendment that “In no event shall there be more than five percent deviation between the most populous and the least populous district in each county, at the time such district boundaries are adopted.” The six scenarios ensure that no district differs by no more than five percent from the other two districts which also meets that same statute’s requirement that “each district must be as nearly equal in population as possible.”

Although the Commissioner’s hearing for public comments was concluded at their Aug. 29 board meeting, members of the public may still submit comments prior to or during the Sept. 29 Board of County Commissioners meeting. The Commissioners will adopt the new district boundary lines and associated map at their Sept. 29 meeting to meet the statutory deadline of Sept. 30.

Redistricting does not change the fact that Phillips County electors vote for each commissioner regardless of district. Candidates running for an open district seat must still reside in that district. If redistricting results in a currently seated commissioner no longer residing in the district in which elected, the statute allows for the commissioner to continue serving until that term expires.

Although not required, it’s preferred that citizens wishing to bring matters to the attention of the commissioners begin with the commissioner elected to represent the district where that citizen resides. This better acquaints the commissioner with issues pertinent to the district and citizens who they are elected to represent. For some citizens, the redistricting will change which commissioner is their primary point of contact.

Redistricting of the three commissioner districts does not change the county’s three Road and Bridge district boundaries.

Maps of the six scenarios can be viewed and downloaded at the Phillips County homepage: https://phillipscounty.colorado.gov/. Enlarged wall maps posted across from the elevators in the courthouse near the county clerk and recorder’s office can be studied between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

In-person comments can be made during the county commissioner meetings in their meeting room at the courthouse on Sept. 8, 15 and 29. This can either be during the public comment period at 8 a.m. or if the matter is given its own specific time on the agenda. Agendas are available one day prior to the meeting and are posted at the courthouse and at the county’s homepage.

Non in-person comments must be in writing. They may be dropped off at, or mailed to, the County Administrator’s office at the courthouse, 221 S. Interocean Avenue, Holyoke, CO 80734. Comments can also be e-mailed to [email protected]. Individual commissioners can also be contacted via contact information provided at the County’s homepage.