Morgan County commissioners call March 10, 2026 special election on forming Home Rule Charter Commission

The Morgan County Board of County Commissioners voted 3-0 on Nov. 26, 2025 to approve Resolution 2025 BCC 47, calling a special election on March 10, 2026 to ask registered Morgan County voters whether to form a Home Rule Charter Commission.

Chairman Jon J. Becker said the measure would give county residents more local control over certain policies and described the process as “guided by statute.” Morgan County Attorney Kathryn Sellars told the board the special election would ask voters whether a charter commission should be formed and that, if approved, voters would then elect members of that commission representing three county districts and two at-large seats. Sellars said candidate filing information and petition forms will be posted on the county website and available at the County Clerk’s Office.

Commissioner Timothy A. Malone, who moved the resolution, and Commissioner Kelvin S. Bernhardt, who seconded it, both expressed support for referring the question to voters. Malone said he had been initially skeptical but cited Weld County’s experience as a reason the process could be completed relatively quickly. Bernhardt said he had spoken with Weld County commissioners and found strong support for participation in home rule.

The resolution directs the county to divide Morgan County into three compact districts for electing charter commissioners pursuant to C.R.S. § 30-11-502(2)(a). The posted resolution text specifies voting instructions and candidate slot counts for each district and for at-large seats. Attorney Sellars said the county will publish a second notice of election after nomination petitions have been received and signatures verified.

Sheriff Dave Martin spoke during the public comment period and asked for a description of the likely benefits of a home rule charter. Chairman Becker responded that potential benefits include greater local authority over land use and local energy siting decisions, and he said a home rule county could push back on state-level policy changes that commissioners view as encroaching on local control. Attorney Sellars clarified that a charter commission would continue to exist until a charter is adopted or the commission is dissolved, and she reiterated filing deadlines and notice dates.

The board recorded an estimated cost range for pursuing a home rule charter of about $80,000 to $130,000, according to comments made by commissioners during discussion. Attorney Sellars said candidates have until Jan. 5, 2026 to submit nomination paperwork to the County Clerk’s Office and that the notice of election will be published Dec. 4, 2025.

With no further business, Commissioner Malone made the motion to approve Resolution 2025 BCC 47; Commissioner Bernhardt seconded. The motion carried 3-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m.; minutes were later ratified Dec. 16, 2025.