Erie voters could see a crowded ballot in this year’s election, with at least two local measures and three seats on the Town Council in play.
The Nov. 3 election will decide a council seat in each of the town’s voting districts.
Councilmember John Mortellaro of District 1 and Councilmember Brian O’Connor of District 3 have terms expiring on Jan. 1. Both are eligible to run for another term to keep their seat for four more years. Mayor Pro Tem Brandon Bell of District 2 is term-limited and will give up his seat in January.
A map of the town’s voting districts is available on its home rule charter webpage.
To become a candidate for the Town Council, a nomination petition with at least 25 signatures from voters must be filed with the town clerk’s office by 5 p.m. Monday. Signatures will be counted only from voters who reside within the district where a candidate would run for office.
Town officials in July hosted an information session for potential candidates with more details on campaign deadlines and finance rules. A recording of that meeting is available on the town’s Youtube page.
The Erie Town Council — composed of a mayor, a mayor pro tem and five council members — serves as the legislative and governing body of the town. While a hired professional city manager handles daily administration and town staff, the council has the authority to adopt codes, ordinances and resolutions. Town Council members each receive $3,600 per year.
Ballot measures line up
Up to 15 questions, either referred by the state legislature initiated by outside groups through statewide petitions, could end up on this year’s ballot in Colorado. And Erie residents will also have a say on two local tax measures: A sales tax to fund the expansion and renovation of the Erie Community Center, and a lodging tax for short-term rentals and stays in the town.
The Erie Town Council voted on ballot language for those two items during their Aug. 11 meeting.
Still up in the air is whether a third local ballot measure — one that could overturn the Town Council’s approval of a mineral rights sale to oil and gas company SM Energy — will make it to the November ballot. The town clerk last month confirmed that a resident-led petition collected enough signatures to bring the deal to voters.
A 40-day challenge period, when any Erie voter may file a protest against the petition, will end on Sep. 2, so there is “a slight, slight chance,” the item could make the November ballot, said town spokesperson Gabi Rae in an email.
“We will know by Sept. 2 when the Petition Period ends. We aren’t counting on it and are getting things in place to be prepared for a Special Election,” she added.
According to Erie, Sept. 4 is the last day the town’s clerk can finalize the ballot and certify contents to the Boulder County and Weld County election offices.