Ouray Homerule

Home Rule gains election victory

Posted by Erin Eddy

www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com

Voters endorse Charter

Plaindealer staff report

Voters in Ouray approved converting municipal government structure to Home Rule on Tuesday by an overwhelming margin of 165-58.
"I regret not being in town for the election but am delighted with the results. The solid support is an indicator of the trust and confidence the community has in the team that put the Charter together. Thank you and congratulations to all of you," said Mayor Bob Risch.
City Administrator Patrick Rondinelli expressed thanks to everyone for their hard work, dedication, and support. Rondinelli noted that Ouray becomes the state’s 99th Home Rule municipality.
Tuesday’s voting tally was 91 in favor to 33 against in Ward 1, east of Main Street, and 74 to 25 in Ward 2, west of Main. Under the approved Home Rule Charter, council members will no longer be elected to represent a ward.
The May 5 election follows the process of establishing home rule in Ouray, which began last November when city voters approved a home rule ballot question by a margin of 392 ballots in favor to 235 against.
That referendum also determined the election of nine candidates to the Charter Commission: Pam Larson, who served as chairman, Matt Genuit, Mike Fedel, Rick Spaulding, Dee Williams, Betty Wolfe, Joe Kersen, Lora Slawitschka and Gary Hansen.
“This is truly a celebratory and historic day for the City of Ouray, its citizens, and the community as a whole,” said Genuit. “The most sincere gratitude and accolades to everyone who was a part of this process. I am proud to have contributed to it. Congratulations to the home rule municipality of Ouray.”
Home rule, in its simplest terms, allows the City of Ouray and its citizenship to self-govern and be free of state-enabled legislation.
The Charter sets forth the form of government under the direction of City Council and City Administrator. The administrator is accountable to the council and responsible for the effect and enforcement of any and all regular city business.
As it is now, the City Council will consist of five members, including the mayor, and will be elected at-large without term limits. All current ordinances, referendums, contracts and initiatives remain in effect.
Also as before, any changes in city tax rates must go to the vote of the citizens of Ouray and a vote will still be required even if TABOR is changed or overturned.
The Charter is made up of 12 articles: General Provisions; City Council; Council Procedures; Elections; Administration; Initiatives and Referendums; Municipal Court; Utilities, Franchises and City Property; Finance; Borrowing; Improvement Districts, Authorities, and Assessments; and Effective Date and Transitions Provisions. A copy is available at the city website (www.ci.ouray.co.us).
Ten years ago, Ouray voters declined a home rule measure, 191-154, on the 1998 ballot. In 2001, voters rejected home rule for Ouray County, 780-731. Ridgway converted to home rule in 1993. Other neighboring municipalities operating under Home Rule Charters include Montrose, Delta and Telluride.