Coffman grants Douglas County’s application for town abandonments

Ten towns determined to be abandoned

Denver, November 14, 2007 – Today Secretary of State Mike Coffman issued a written decision granting Douglas County Attorney’s application for a determination that ten town governments are abandoned. The decision follows a statutory process in addition to a public hearing conducted by Secretary Coffman last month. The towns determined to be abandoned are: Acequia, Deckers, Douglas, Frankstown, Greenland, Huntsville, Lehigh, Louviers, Russelville, and Westcreek.

Under the town abandonment statute, the Secretary of State is required to determine that a town is abandoned if the evidence shows that the town “failed, for a period of five years or longer immediately prior to the filing of the application . . . to hold any regular or special election or to elect officers and to maintain any town government.”

“As part of the Secretary of State duties, I’m tasked with making a determination in these matters,” said Coffman. “After reviewing the application, listening to public comment, and considering all of the evidence and arguments received, I have concluded these towns failed to meet the threshold established in state law.”

Opponents may appeal the decision by filing with the Denver District Court within 30 days.

To view the Final Agency Decision, please visit http://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/info_center/townAbandon.html.