A bill currently in front of the Colorado House of Representatives aims to address the issue of oversight and transparency in special districts, such as metro districts and school boards. This bill comes in the wake of a CBS investigation into the debt of a Castle Rock neighborhood’s metro district, revealing significant financial burdens on residents.
State lawmakers, including Senator Lisa Frizell and Representative Tammy Story, are advocating for stricter regulations and oversight of metro districts to prevent financial abuses. The proposed bill, HB 25-1079, would expand the jurisdiction of the Independent Ethics Commission to include special districts, allowing for ethics complaints and investigations into potential violations.
The bill has faced opposition from lobbyists representing Denver Public Schools and other organizations, but lawmakers are hopeful that it will pass and provide much-needed transparency and accountability in special districts. Additionally, Senator Michael Weissman will request a performance audit to further examine the oversight of metro districts in Colorado.
Residents in The Meadows neighborhood in Castle Rock are actively seeking to gain control of their metro district board, with support from local lawmakers. Public town halls and discussions are being held to address the issues surrounding metro districts and property taxes in the state. The proposed bill, if passed, could have significant implications for the governance and financial practices of special districts in Colorado.
