MEEKER I The Eastern Rio Blanco County Health Service District — the special taxing district established in 2006 through which Pioneers Medical Center receives funding — will continue to operate with a five-member board following a court hearing on Tuesday, April 19.
The district was initially established with a seven-member board of directors. A state statute provides a path for a district to increase the number of members on a board, but is silent about reducing the number of members. Such a change requires a court hearing and approval. The case was heard in district court on Tuesday by Judge Anne Norrdin.
In 2021, two of seven board members resigned and the remaining board and administration approved amending the organization’s bylaws to change from a seven-person to a five-person board, citing difficulty in finding new board members. The change was approved by resolution, and unanimously approved.
Outgoing board president Kim Brown, who is term-limited after eight years, testified on behalf of the board’s decision, stating the reduction in number has had “no negative impact on the board or organization.” Board member Todd Shults who is running for reelection as an incumbent, concerned. “We’re very effective,” he said of the current board. CEO Liz Sellers concurred, saying the change has been “very positive” and has “allowed us to accomplish a lot more goals.”
Judge Norrdin asked the hospital’s legal counsel how they reconciled the statutory rule that allows for an increase in representation by elected board members, but not a reduction in that representation.
The attorney described a “unique situation” that was perhaps not considered when the statutes were written. Because the district serves a small geographical area with a small population, finding board members can be difficult, and “anyone nominated gets on the board” when there should be an election, “not just anyone walking in.”
When there are no contested seats, elections are canceled. Vacancies created when a member resigns or cannot complete their terms are filled by appointment, generally by a citizen who submits a letter of interest.
The attorney also told the court the board has been operating under the adopted change to the bylaws for almost a year with “no public comment” and asking the court to officially recognize the change in members.
Judge Norrdin expressed concern about giving “judicial blessing” to the change in members, saying she was “wary” of extending the court’s role by taking an active role in oversight of a district’s board. She denied the motion without prejudice, meaning the court has no opinion on the matter, and that the case would remain open with the option to take additional action to provide finality.
The Eastern Rio Blanco County Health Services District receives a 7.280 mill levy on property taxes in its service district, with 2021 revenue listed at $3,472,954. (see maphttps://gis.dola.colorado.gov/CO_SpecialDistrict/)
There are three open seats on the current five-person board for the May 3, 2022 election. Kim Brown is term-limited, and incumbents Shults and Kai Turner are running for reelection. Other candidates on the ballot are Wade Bradfield, Jeff Eskelson, Bobby Gutierrez, Mike Hoke and J.H. Sheridan.
A print Q&A with the candidates is planned for the April 28 edition of the HT.
By NIKI TURNER – editor@editorht1885.com
