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County attorney reports on Western Slope COCA litigation and explains home-rule process and risks
Summary
Rio Blanco County Attorney Don Stearman updated commissioners on the county's involvement with Western Slope COCA litigation, a pending motion to dismiss and a staff review of home-rule charter options, noting potential costs, legal uncertainties and limited benefits for a small rural county.
Rio Blanco County Attorney Don Stearman told the Board of County Commissioners that the county has joined a lawsuit filed by Western Slope COCA and that the state filed a motion to dismiss counties from the case; the county must respond to the motion within 21 days.
Stearman said the courts historically have removed counties from similar suits quickly but the Western Slope organization and its white paper provide groundwork that could support the counties’ continued involvement. He said the county will coordinate with other counties on a joint response but has not yet secured commitments for joint filings.
The commissioners then received an extended staff briefing on the mechanics, advantages and disadvantages of pursuing…
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