𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸: 𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗹𝗮𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀’ 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿: As Douglas County heads toward a June special election on whether to adopt a Home Rule Charter, county commissioners have ramped up messaging promising tax relief, better governance, and greater local control. But does the evidence back those claims?

Let’s examine their statements and the reality — particularly around taxes, special districts, public input, and the long-term impact on residents.

CLAIM 1: “Home Rule will lower taxes.” Commissioner George Teal:“We want to preserve and protect what we have in Douglas County.”“Home Rule gives us tools to lower taxes and protect property owners.”

(Source: Colorado Community Media)

FACT CHECK: MisleadingWhile Home Rule might offer structural flexibility, there’s no guarantee of lower taxes. Under Colorado law and TABOR (Taxpayer Bill of Rights), counties still face limits on how taxes are raised or lowered. The charter doesn’t override state fiscal constraints. Even though Douglas County cut its mill levy in 2024, rising property values still resulted in higher tax bills for many homeowners (CBS News Colorado). Meanwhile, the county has continued to promote the formation of new special districts — which do raise taxes.

CLAIM 2: “Home Rule gives us more control over local issues.” Commissioner Abe Laydon:“We have a remarkable opportunity to empower our citizens with the ability to shape their own futures.”

(Source: Castle Pines Connection)

FACT CHECK: Contradicted by Actions

The claim of empowering citizens rings hollow when recent county meetings have denied residents the opportunity to speak or ask critical questions about Home Rule. At Wednesday's town hall, Commissioner Abe Laydon threatened attendees with arrest when tensions rose over the lack of transparency and public input. Residents are calling out the process as “disingenuous.” The charter commission itself was appointed with little public notice, and many feel its composition does not reflect the political and ideological diversity of Douglas County (Colorado Community Media).

CLAIM 3: “We’re protecting taxpayers.”

Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle:“This is about giving residents more control and protecting taxpayers.”

(Source: Hoodline)

FACT CHECK: Undermined by Special District Debt and Fees

Douglas County actively supports special taxing districts such as Zebulon, Pine Canyon, and RWR — even as these districts drive up property taxes. These entities operate with limited resident control and can issue debt, often with long-term consequences for homeowners.In The Meadows, residents are still paying off a 1989 bond of $70 million that has ballooned to $434 million by 2023 due to refinancing and interest. Final repayment could exceed $1 billion over the next century (CBS News Colorado). Only 1 of 7 boards is resident-controlled; most remain tied to developers.Moreover, auto registration fees that should fund road maintenance are diverted to these same metro districts, not public infrastructure (CBS News Colorado).

CLAIM 4: “This process is transparent and resident-driven.” County Website:“Douglas County is committed to open government and public engagement.”

FACT CHECK: Refuted by Public Outcry

Residents have criticized the speed and secrecy with which the Home Rule initiative was launched. One letter to the Parker Chronicle asked why there was no meeting in each district to explain the charter process or take questions before the commission was formed.The commissioners’ town hall events have done little to dispel these concerns. Attendees have reported a lack of real dialogue, with carefully controlled formats and limited space for opposing views.

Conclusion: A Pattern of Power Consolidation, Not Public Empowerment

The pattern is clear: the commissioners promote Home Rule as a path to local empowerment, but the evidence shows a history of pushing financial burdens onto residents through special districts, while curbing public input and consolidating authority.Far from being a grassroots reform, this effort appears to serve:Developers over residents,Insiders over taxpayers, andPolitical power over democratic transparency. Voter Alert: Know

Before You Vote

Before supporting Home Rule, Douglas County residents should ask:

Why is this process being rushed?

Why are public funds being redirected to special districts?

And most importantly: Why should we trust the same leaders who’ve created these problems to now “fix” them by giving themselves even more power?

Sources:CBS News Colorado: “Meadows Metro District Debt”

Colorado Community Media: “Douglas County Home Rule Coverage”

Rocky Mountain Voice: “Home Rule Proposal Catches Residents Off Guard”

Douglas County Government: Home Rule Info Page

Stay informed. Stay skeptical. And vote with your eyes open.