Public Hearing Regarding Commissioner Redistricting on November 10
Public Feedback Encouraged During the Online Meeting
Media Contact: Mike Bordogna, County Manager, 970.728.3844, mikeb@sanmiguelcountyco.gov
Kiera Skinner, Public Information Consultant, kieras@sanmiguelcountyco.gov
(October 27, 2021) -- San Miguel County, CO – The Board of County Commissioners will hold an online Public Hearing on Wednesday, November 10, at 11:30 a.m. to discuss the redrawing of Commissioner districts. Redistricting occurs every 10 years based on census data. The Decennial Census is mandated by Congress and the data collected must be used to redraw Congressional districts. At the county level, the three County Commissioner districts will be reapportioned to balance the districts based on new population data.
Per State Statute, redistricting must normally be completed by September 30 of the odd-numbered year following the census. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused data delays for the 2020 Census, making it impossible for counties to conduct the mandated review by the 2021 deadline. Due to the exceptional circumstances, the Colorado legislature adopted House Bill 21-1047 which included a timeline adjustment for redistricting, with an updated deadline of September 30, 2023. The County plans to adopt new districting plans on December 15, 2021, and must hold the Public Hearing 30 days before the adoption, on November 10.
To provide information to the public in a comprehensive, digestible manner, the San Miguel County GIS Department used special software tools and created a website with redistricting options and interactive maps: www.sanmiguelcountyco.gov/redistricting2021. There are three different options available for the County Commissioners and public to consider.
“We encourage people to review the redistricting website and participate in the Public Hearing with comments and questions,” said County Manager Mike Bordogna. “Public input is essential as we redraw Commissioner districts, and we value our community’s feedback.”
Section CRS 30-10-306(4) of the bill states that a Commissioner remains eligible to serve out their term even if they reside in a different district after redistricting.
The public can join the meeting via Zoom on November 10 at 11:30 a.m.: Meeting ID # 534 180 495 Passcode: 014764. Written comments of more than one page may not receive complete consideration if not received by noon on Monday, November 8, 2021. Written comments should be sent to: San Miguel Board of County Commissioners, P.O. Box 1170, Telluride, CO 81435 or to BOCC@sanmiguelcountyco.gov. Comments can also be submitted online at https://tinyurl.com/uhppm9p4.
The complete House Bill 21-1047 and further information about 2021 redistricting can be found at www.sanmiguelcountyco.gov/redistricting2021.
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