RBC | Term limits are back on the agenda this year, with commissioners receiving public comment over several recent meetings. It will be up to the board to determine whether the topic goes to the November ballot again in 2026.
In 1994 a statewide vote that limited state officials to two terms provoked similar county level ballot initiatives. In Rio Blanco County a vote to waive term limits for all county level officials failed in 1996 and then passed in 1999. The issue was brought to the commissioners in 2018 by a citizen, and then again in 2020, when commissioners opted to place each elected county position on the ballot separately.
In the 2020 election, voters determined that all county positions — with the exception of the coroner and the sheriff — should be term-limited.
Several Rangely residents spoke in favor of removing term limits during a public hearing in Rangely last week, arguing the restrictions discourage qualified candidates from seeking office in a small county.
“You’re not going to get the best and brightest people … knowing that in eight years they’re going to be out looking for another job,” commented Rangely resident Sam Tolley. He added that elections themselves provide accountability, suggesting voters already have the power to remove ineffective officials. “We have term limits every election … if you don’t like the job they’re doing, vote them out.”
Former Rangely mayor Frank Huitt echoed that view, saying local governments often struggle to recruit candidates. “We couldn’t get people to run … I would like to see term limits for county positions done away with.”
Rangely business owner Rodger Polley disagreed, particularly when it comes to commissioner seats. “Term limits create regular opportunities for new leadership and ideas.” He argued that eliminating limits could lead to entrenched leadership and reduced public trust. “No one holds power forever, and accountability is real.”
Commissioners were set to hear more public comment during their Meeker meeting on Tuesday, May 5, before considering a decision.
