Collaborating with Counties Can’t We All Just Get Along? John (Chip) Taylor, Executive Director, Colorado Counties, Inc.

Like Peas and Carrots Symbiotic relationship Special district constituents are county constituents Common interest in a dependable property tax base Common concerns about compliance with open meetings and open records laws

Colorado Local Gov’ts in Context Local Gov’t Type PurposePowersService Area CountyGeneralLimited (statutory and constitutional) State Subdivision School DistrictLimited (statutory and constitutional) State Subdivision MunicipalityGeneralPlenary (statutory and constitutional) Community of Interest Special DistrictLimitedLimited (statutory) Community of Interest

Colorado Counties Colorado Counties Map Courtesy of Trent Pingenot -

Colorado School Districts Colorado School Districts Map Courtesy of Colorado Department of Education -

Colorado Municipalities Colorado Municipalities Map Courtesy of Colorado State Demographer’s Office, Department of Local Affairs - base/sites/dola.colorado.gov.gis-cms/files/projects/muniproj/index.html

Colorado Metropolitan Districts Colorado Metropolitan Districts Map Courtesy of Colorado State Demographer’s Office, Department of Local Affairs - base/sites/dola.colorado.gov.gis-cms/files/projects/specdist/sd.html

County Commissioners’ World “County government exists for the convenient administration of the state government” “Counties possess only those powers expressly delegated by statute and necessarily implied powers”

County Elected Officials Commissioners Sheriff Clerk Treasurer Assessor Coroner Surveyor District Attorney

Roles of the County Commissioner

County Revenues Property tax is the main revenue source Sales tax authority Grants and other intergovernmental funds

County Mandates Elections Property assessment and taxation Social services and public health Law enforcement and public safety Courthouses and district attorneys MV license plates and registration

Communication and Cooperation County survey consistent themes Schedule regular visits Meet each other’s new members Avoid surprises Special interest in financial information Recognize opportunities for cooperation

Thank you John (Chip) Taylor (303)