Back to News

Colorado Supreme Court Allows Ruling in Favor of HPLD to Stand

(Greeley– April 27, 2016) – On Monday the Colorado Supreme Court denied the Weld County Commissioners’ petition asking the Supreme Court to hear arguments seeking to reverse the Colorado Court of Appeals decision about the High Plains Library District Trustees (HPLD). By this action, the Supreme Court allows the Court of Appeals’ unanimous decision in HPLD’s favor to stand.

“This is good news,” said Janine Reid, Executive Director for High Plains. “This ruling along with previous court opinions affirm that the High Plains Library District Board of Trustees operates in accordance with the established governing policies and should remain seated.”

This ruling comes after months of being in the hands of the Colorado Supreme Court, but stems all the way back to 2014. HPLD is made up of two different types of libraries: branch libraries, governed by the HPLD Board, and member libraries, each governed by their own local boards and policies. This dual governance structure gave rise to policy disagreements in 2013, ultimately resulting in an attempt by the Weld County Commissioners and several local leaders of member libraries to unseat the entire HPLD Board. In 2014-2015 the Weld County District Court ruled in HPLD’s favor, finding that the HPLD Board was acting in accordance with established bylaws and there was no good cause to remove all of HPLD’s trustees. Last July, the Court of Appeals ruled that the Weld County District Court acted corrected to enjoin the removal.

“While we are delighted with the Supreme Court’s ruling we are also eager to move forward,” said Reid. “I am hopeful that all parties in this case are eager to find resolution. Ideally we can work swiftly now to discuss settlement options and/or determine how we can resolve this situation.”

The case has now been returned to the Weld County District Court for further proceedings to resolve the case on its merits.

-30-

The High Plains Library District connects communities to information, inspiration and entertainment for life. HPLD includes libraries in Greeley, Evans, Firestone, Erie, Kersey, Ault, Eaton, Johnstown, Platteville, Hudson and Fort Lupton.