Commissioners debate proposed IGA on library trustee reappointments; no action taken

Garfield County commissioners spent extensive time Monday discussing a draft intergovernmental agreement (IGA) that would formalize a process for county appointment of library district trustees and clarify how the library would handle reappointments.

County staff described the IGA as a compromise: the library would bring proposed reappointments to the commission and agree not to withhold reappointment without "good cause" (willful misconduct, refusal to follow presiding officer orders, or neglect of duty). In exchange, the county would accept a streamlined reappointment process for trustees the library wanted to retain. Commissioners expressed divided views: some said incumbents who have served well should be allowed reappointment without a full re‑interview while others said all vacancies should be opened to new applicants to promote turnover and community opportunity.

No vote was taken. Commissioners asked staff to add explicit timing requirements for notice and handling of applications (for example, a firm period for library notice to the county and a timeline for posting and interviewing applicants). Several commissioners requested that the library consider reducing five‑year terms to three years and to revise bylaws; staff will work with the library and return with a revised draft.