BRIGHTON, Colo.—The Adams County commissioners have repealed a rule that limited public protests at county offices to a 945-square-foot area outside the building.
Commissioners reversed the restriction on Monday after criticism from the community and threats of lawsuits, The Denver Post reported ().
Commissioners imposed the rule last month because of angry protests prompted by a new storm water fee to fix drainage systems across the county. Opponents say the fee is a tax that requires voter approval, which was never given.
“They were basically disrupting people trying to go in for other business,” commission Chairwoman Eva Henry said at the time.
On Monday, Henry denied that the regulation was an attempt to limit First Amendment rights.
The repeal vote was taken outside the building in what Henry said was “a symbol of open government, transparency and the rights of the citizens to communicate with their county commissioners.”
“I think it’s outrageous they tried sticking us in a field out there,” Adams County resident Martha Favuzzi said after Monday’s meeting. “Our tax dollars built this building. We have a right to stand here and voice our opinions.”
Commissioner Chaz Tedesco conceded the rule was flawed.
When commissioners’ policies are not sound, “our commitment is to step back and make corrections as necessary,” he said.
The commissioners also passed rules last month limiting testimony at public hearings to 30 minutes and setting a minimum $10 charge for recordings of the commissioners’ study sessions. Those rules remain in place.
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Information from: The Denver Post,
