Douglas County evaluates Home Rule Charter to tackle education funding and taxpayer rights

Douglas County officials are exploring the implications of adopting a Home Rule Charter, which could grant the county greater control over local taxation and governance. During a recent meeting, discussions highlighted the limitations of Home Rule in addressing significant financial issues, particularly the $33 billion pension liability associated with the Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) for retired teachers.

Commissioners clarified that while Home Rule would allow Douglas County to establish local tax limits and potentially exempt itself from certain state taxes, it would not provide the authority to directly influence education funding or financial matters related to local school districts. The focus of Home Rule is primarily on taxation and revenue management for county operations.

One key proposal discussed was the potential reinstatement of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) within the county's charter. This move aims to enhance taxpayer protections and ensure that local governance aligns with community interests. The county had previously "debruced" in the 1990s, which removed certain TABOR restrictions, leading to misconceptions about the county's current tax status.

As the Home Rule Charter Commission prepares to convene, officials are eager to engage the community in discussions about these financial matters and the future of local governance. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact how Douglas County manages its finances and addresses the pressing challenges posed by its pension liabilities.