Congratulations on joining your district's board. As a director, you and your fellow board members are the district's decision makers: you set its budget and mill levy, approve contracts and policies, and oversee its finances. Your district manager, attorney and accountant carry out the day-to-day work and advise the board.
Before your first meeting
Colorado requires each new director to take an oath of office and be covered by a surety bond before serving. The oath and bond are filed with the district court clerk and the Colorado Division of Local Government, generally within 30 days of the election. Your district manager prepares the paperwork, and the district pays for the bond.
It also helps to review:
- The district's service plan: what the district may build, operate and borrow
- The current budget and most recent audit
- Recent board minutes and any open projects
- The district's website, which must list the board, meeting dates, budget and audit
Open meeting rules
Metro districts follow the Colorado Open Meetings Law. In practice:
- Board business happens at public meetings. Notice, including the agenda, must be posted at least 24 hours in advance.
- When three or more directors discuss district business, including by email or text, that can count as a meeting. Keep district discussions in meetings.
- Executive sessions are allowed only for specific purposes, such as legal advice or negotiations, and must follow the required steps. Your district attorney will guide these.
- Minutes are kept for every meeting and become public records.
Conflicts of interest
Many directors own property in the district or work in related fields, and that is expected. What matters is disclosure. A director with a potential conflict must file a written disclosure with the board and the Colorado Secretary of State before the meeting where the matter is decided, generally at least 72 hours ahead. When in doubt, ask the district attorney before the meeting.
Records and public requests
District emails, documents and records may be requested by anyone under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). Use a separate email address for district business, and assume what you write may be read by the public.
Your first year
- Spring: the annual audit is completed and filed.
- Summer: the board reviews operations, projects and next year's priorities.
- Fall: a proposed budget is presented by October 15, followed by a public hearing.
- December: the board adopts the budget and certifies the mill levy by December 15.
See The annual compliance calendar for every deadline.
Questions to ask your manager
- What are the district's biggest upcoming decisions or projects?
- Where do we stand on debt, reserves and the budget?
- Which contracts renew this year?
- What do residents contact us about most?
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. For questions about a specific district, contact that district’s manager or attorney. Board members can find training and resources through the Special District Association of Colorado.