I care about local government working well, openly, accurately and with collaboration between jurisdictions. As someone who served as a Bayfield town trustee and mayor pro tem for seven years and deputy town clerk for two years, I know firsthand how these systems are supposed to work. Lately, that hasn’t been my experience.
For three significant projects recently heard by the town of Bayfield, I submitted written public comments weeks in advance. Yet the packet said “no public comments received,” and my emails were not visible to the public. I addressed this during public comment and was told the town would correct it. Public participation only works if the record is complete.
I also requested basic records from La Plata County to understand what issues may already exist on a property proposed for annexation. My request was dispersed across departments, and the estimated research time was quoted at nine to 16 hours at $41.37 per hour – a minimum of $372.33. That price tag blocks concerned citizens from accessing information that should inform major decisions.
Annexation can increase taxes and shift regulatory oversight. At minimum, Bayfield should document good-faith coordination with the county, request county comments as a referral entity, and ensure public comments are included in packets before votes are taken.
We can do better – and we should. Transparency shouldn’t be a luxury item.
Kristin Dallison
Bayfield
