The Dolores Public Library Board approved a revised intergovernmental agreement with the Town of Dolores in a special meeting Tuesday night.
The town board on Jan. 12 rescinded its participation in the 2024 IGA because language regarding removal of trustees on the library board didn’t align with state law. The town board and Dolores school board oversee the library district.
On Tuesday, the library board unanimously approved a new IGA that had been worked on by attorneys for the town and library district. The board first added language clarifying that if a trustee is to be removed, it can only be after the library board has recommended it and upon a finding of good cause.
Library executive director Sean Gantt said it was crucial to clarify that only the library board can initiate a removal, not the town or school boards.
Gantt said the idea is to make sure “there is no room for any kind of shenanigans. . . if the town board or school board get taken over by a hostile group.”
He said there have been incidents in other Western Slope counties where such removals have happened.
An article on the Western Slope Now website says that in December of last year, two trustees on the Mesa County Public Library District board were replaced by the county commissioners, a highly controversial move that prompted citizens to flood into a public forum.
Also on Tuesday, the Dolores library board approved recommendations for three new members: Lee Hallberg, Leah Burkett, and Belinda Platts. Their appointments will be sent to the town board and school board for their approval.
During public comment, four Dolores residents voiced support for the library and its programs. Some questioned why the board recently contracted with an attorney.
“I hate to see this dissension,” said Deanna Truelsen, adding, “I don’t see why there’s lawyers involved.”
There has been dissent on the library board recently, particularly when one trustee, Hassan Hourmanesh, was censured on a 4-2 vote in November for actions including sending emails to three or more trustees, which critics said violated state open meetings law. He remains on the board and President Sandy Jumper has said there is no interest at present in removing any of the current trustees.
The three new members on the seven-member body are to replace two people who are term-limited and another who has resigned.
