Committee Weighs Abolishing Election Commission, Discusses Grounds and Process for Removing Board Members

The committee discussed two related governance topics: whether Littleton should abolish its Election Commission and how council may remove board and commission members. Staff recommended considering repeal of the city’s Election Commission because the city now coordinates elections with Arapahoe and Jefferson counties and no longer needs a standing local commission that rarely meets; staff said county coordination reduces cost and logistical burden for elections and cited recent examples where the county handled the bulk of election functions. The group discussed the burden on the city when running stand-alone elections, noting past special elections ranged from about $55,000 to nearly $150,000 versus much smaller coordinated-cost shares when using county services. On boards and commissions, the charter says members “shall be subject to removal by the appointing authority.” Committee members asked what constitutes grounds for removal, and staff explained routine processes: staff or liaisons typically try to resolve issues (for example absences or repeated disrespectful conduct), and if unresolved a staff report is presented to council, which as the appointing authority may remove members by council action. Members asked that the process be clarified in the charter or handbook so removals are public, follow consistent criteria, and provide affected appointees notice and an opportunity to resign or respond. No changes were adopted; staff agreed to add parking-lot items to propose clearer removal criteria and to draft recommended language on the election commission’s future role in the charter.