In 1980, Colorado determined that any municipality with a population of greater than 2,000 may call itself a city. The cities determined as such prior to that time, did not have to rescind their status, even if they had fallen to below 2,000 residents. Thus, Victor and Cripple Creek may maintain their city status even though their population has plunged over the years.
Teller County is comprised of two kinds of municipalities: statutory and home rule.
Statutory municipalities are governed by the state and offices are filled by election. Victor, Cripple Creek and Green Mountain Falls use the mayor-council, or trustee form of government while Woodland Park has a council-city manager form of government. Woodland also chose home rule in 1975. They are one of 84 other cities in the state under home rule.
Article XX of the state constitution gives cities meeting the 2,000+ rule the right and power to govern themselves in all matters that are of “local and municipal concern.” Voters create a governing charter that sets out almost everything to do with running the city to include zoning, local elections and term limits, police and municipal courts, penalties and fines, and personnel issues. Any amendments must be approved by the voters.
To learn more information about this incredible city and all of Teller County, contact Miranda Price, Your Woodland Park Realtor at www.YourWoodlandParkRealtor.com
*Information for this blog has been taken from “The Looking Glass” and written by Pat Hill for the March 28, 2007 issue.
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