Montrose City Charter: Citizen Input
Posted By:
LWV-UV Reporter
Posted On: 2026-09-21T01:31:46Z
Do 3 minutes of non-interactive public comment qualify as public engagement?
City Charter amendments play a crucial role in shaping the governance of local communities. Amendments to the City Charter change the system of governance.
A city charter occupies a unique position in the hierarchy of local governance. Ordinary ordinances—laws passed by city councils in regular sessions—can address zoning, parking regulations, or noise restrictions. Charter amendments operate at a higher level, establishing the structure of government itself.
When citizens are included from the beginning in proposing amendments to the City Charter, there is greater public understanding, which boosts trust in local government and the legitimacy of the ultimate decisions.
Montrose Mayor Badagliacco offers “Public meetings on the proposals were held July 29, August 3, August 4, and August 18” as a claim that public engagement occurred in proposing amendments to the City Charter.
On the dates listed by the mayor, the following took place:
- July 29 Special City Council on Proposed Charter Changes
- August 03 City Council Work Session
- August 04 City Council meeting
- August 18 City Council meeting
Members of the Montrose community who participate in City Council sessions know that the public is limited to 3 minutes of public comment. Response from a member of the City Council to the public comment occurs infrequently.
Do 3 minutes of non-interactive public comment qualify as public engagement?
The citizens of Montrose were excluded from active participation in proposing amendments to the City Charter.
Excluding citizens from proposing city charter amendments creates a system where only the local government controls its foundational rules.
Public trust in local leadership drops when citizens feel locked out of fundamental governance processes.