Douglas County commissioners on Friday approved revised ballot language for a voter-led initiative that would expand the board from three members to five. 

Following a contentious public comment period, commissioners approved additional language that included the estimated ongoing expense to add two additional commissioners and language referencing the funding source of those expenses.

“Voters deserve full economic transparency at the ballot box,” Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle said in support of the changes.

Under Colorado law, the legislative body is responsible for setting the ballot language. The board must consider the true intent and meaning of the measure and avoid public confusion. 

The board approved language stating the expansion would result in “an ongoing estimated annual expense of $760,000 to $1,300,000 from county revenues” and that those revenues currently “support public safety, transportation, and essential county services.”

Commissioners defended the language, citing a similar state requirement that a fiscal impact be included in state policy measures. 

Van Winkle pointed to state law that requires the board to “consider the public confusion that might be caused by misleading titles.”

“Omitting the cost of creating two brand-new constitutional offices, complete with their salaries, benefits and administrative staffing, constitutes … a material omission that misleads voters into believing the structural expansion is cost-free or leaves it out of the question entirely,” Van Winkle said.

During public comment, speakers noted that the county’s failed 2025 Home Rule ballot initiative, implemented by the board, did not reference the $500,000 election cost or potential expenses associated with a county charter.

Commissioner George Teal acknowledged that criticism.

“I accept that as a failure of that measure,” Commissioner George Teal said. “Lesson learned. We are going to apply that here.”

During public comment, a number of speakers spoke in support of the board’s language, highlighting the need for a fiscal note. They also spoke broadly against the expansion, citing increased bureaucracy and costs to the county.

Others spoke against the changes, arguing the board should not modify ballot language that would directly affect the structure of their office. 

“You have every right to oppose our measures. You have every right to campaign against them, but the power of your office should not give you a special advantage over the citizens you represent,” petition organizer Angela Thomas told commissioners.

Any protest to the ballot title must be filed within 72 hours of Friday’s approval.

On Aug. 31, commissioners will discuss their own ballot initiative that would allow voters to select an alternative proposal to elect all five commissioners at large if the initiative is approved.