Gov. John Hickenlooper on Monday signed into law a bill that makes the public trustees of 10 of the state’s largest counties — all appointees of the governor — more accountable for their office.
“This bill brings common sense to the office,” said Rep. Ray Scott, R-Grand Junction, who sponsored the legislation that initially looked to have trustees answer directly to the counties they serve.
Instead, trustees need only have their budgets reviewed by county commissioners rather than approved, an amendment that met with unanimous approval in both houses of the legislature.
The trustees must also use the state’s procurement process for purchases of more than $20,000 and must undergo a biannual audit.
The governor appoints trustees for Adams, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Larimer, Mesa, Douglas, Pueblo, El Paso, Boulder and Weld counties. Elected treasurers in other counties double as trustees and have budgets approved by county government. David Migoya, The Denver Post
