SDA

Supporting Community-Based Government

June 2010

SDA Now on Twitter

SDA is now on Twitter! Tweets will include breaking news, reminders for upcoming events and information districts need to know. Our Twitter name is @sdacolorado, so be sure to follow us. If you have not signed up for a Twitter account but would like to, please go to http://www.twitter.com

Online Registration for SDA Conference Opening Soon

Online registration for the SDA Annual Conference is right around the corner! The conference will be held at the Keystone Resort and Conference Center September 22-24, 2010. This year’s theme is “Creating the Future, Leading the Way.” SDA knows that districts are successful because of the hard work and dedication of district board members, managers and staff members. The goal of this conference is to supply the tools needed to prepare for the challenges and successes ahead.

Joint Seminar on November Ballot Initiatives - June 29

SDA Executive Director Ann Terry and City of Centennial Mayor Cathy Noon, will be holding an educational session on the potential impact of Amendments 60, 61 and Proposition 101 for Special District Directors, Fire Chiefs, and Chairs of each Board of Directors/Trustees serving the Centennial Community.

The session will be held:

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

10:30 AM

Centennial City Council Chambers

13133 East Arapahoe Rd.

SDA Board Adopts Resolution Opposing Amendments 60, 61 and Proposition 101

The SDA Board of Directors today unanimously adopted a resolution opposing Amendments 60, 61 and Proposition 101. These three ballot issues would prevent Colorado’s special districts, and state and local governments from providing the essential services citizens want and need.

 SDA is actively working with our partners in local government and the business community to educate the public on the damage these initiatives will cause if they pass in November.

Doug Bruce Contempt of Court

A Denver District Court Judge found Douglas Bruce in contempt, for failing to appear in court to discuss his involvement in the creation of Amendments 60, 61 and Proposition 101. For news coverage on the court hearing, please see the articles below.

http://www.gazette.com/articles/court-100679-bruce-judge.html

http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_15362368

Research Project: History of Special Districts

SDA is currently working on an in-depth research project, examining the history of special districts in Colorado. The research will be finalized and published in September 2010. The report will include information about:

June Economic Forecast for Colorado

The Joint Budget Committee met yesterday to discuss the latest revenue forecast. According to the report, the Colorado economy continues to recover from the recession, with real estate and banking being slower to recover.

A copy of the full revenue forecast can be found HERE and select “Economic and Revenue Forecast, June 2010.”

Update on U.S. Senate Bill 3194 Concerning Mandatory Collective Bargaining

The Denver Post published an Opinion piece discussing U.S. Senate Bill 3194 which would essentially create mandatory collective bargaining, and negatively impact local government. SDA has actively opposed S. 3194.  

Senate Bill 3194, also known as the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, was re-introduced by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. S. 3194 is identical to S. 1611, which was introduced last year, and closely mirrors H.R. 413, which is the House version of the bill.

Amendments 60, 61 and Proposition 101

The Campaign Opposing Amendments 60, 61 and Proposition 101 continues to educate Coloradans about the damage these ballot initiatives will cause if passed. As part of that education and outreach, the campaign is compiling important data about the potential statewide impact of 60, 61 and 101.

The data so far reveals the three initiatives have the potential to:

Updated SDA Board Member Manual

The updated SDA Board Member Manual has been mailed to all SDA member districts. Your district should have received enough copies for each board member, and one for the district office. These manuals are provided as part of your SDA membership, and are a valuable resource for districts.

The manual has been drafted to help Board Members and other key personnel in their efforts to govern and manage special districts. Added to this revised version are cross-references to relevant cases and statutory citations, along with a new table of contents and updated index.