The price tag of transparency

I care about local government working well, openly, accurately and with collaboration between jurisdictions. Lately, that hasn’t been my experience.

For three significant projects recently heard by the Town of Bayfield, I submitted written public comments weeks in advance. Yet the packet said “no public comments received,” and my emails were not visible to the public. I addressed this during public comment and was told the Town would correct it. Public participation only works if the record is complete.

I also requested basic records from La Plata County to understand what issues may already exist on a property proposed for annexation. My request was dispersed across departments, and the estimated research time was quoted at 9-16 hours at $41.37/hour. At a minimum, that would be $372.33. That price tag blocks concerned citizens from accessing information that should inform major decisions.

Annexation can increase taxes and shift regulatory oversight. At minimum, Bayfield should document “good faith” coordination with the County, request County comments as a referral entity and make sure public comments are included in packets before votes are taken.

We can do better and we should. Transparency shouldn’t be a luxury item.

– Kristin Dallison, former Town of Bayfield Trustee/Mayor Pro Tem and Deputy Town Clerk, Bayfield