Cortez hosted a special information session Wednesday evening for residents interested in running for City Council, offering details about the council process, time commitments and rewards of service.
The event, attended by 15 people, aimed to inform residents who may be undecided about seeking a position, City Manager Drew Sanders said in his opening remarks.
“This is really geared for those who might be on the fence and aren’t sure if they want to run – maybe we can tempt you to come over to the dark side,” he joked.
Cortez City Council will have four open seats in the April 7 municipal election – three four-year terms and one two-year term.
The filing period to submit paperwork and gather at least 25 signatures is short and began earlier this week. Prospective candidates may complete and submit paperwork through Jan. 26.
Sanders opened the presentation at City Hall by explaining Cortez is a home-rule municipality operating under a charter. Under the charter, council members are elected, and the seven-member body selects the mayor and mayor pro tem from that group. A proposed charter amendment is under consideration to update portions of the document.
Current and former council members also spoke about the demands and rewards of serving.
Sanders said while council service offers leadership and impact, it also requires significant dedication.
“It is a pretty hot seat to sit up there,” he said. “There is a lot behind the scenes that people don’t see.”
He said council members routinely spend hours reviewing agenda packets ahead of meetings, sometimes two hours or more each week, and stressed the importance of working together.
“I have been super impressed with the councils I’ve worked for, because of the way they’ve worked together,” Sanders said, adding that the role requires broad knowledge across many issues. “Even I don’t understand everything.”
Candidate Election CalendarApril 7, 2026 Regular Municipal Election
Jan. 6: Begin circulating nomination petitions.
Jan. 7: Nomination petition informational class, 5:30 p.m.to 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 26: Turn in nomination petitions by 5 p.m.
Jan. 29: Candidate names drawn for placement on ballot at 5:30 p.m., City Hall, 123 Roger Smith Ave.
Feb. 2: Last day to withdraw nomination.
Feb. 6: First Fair Campaign Practices Act report due.
March 6: Second Fair Campaign Practices Act report due.
March 17: City staff/council candidate meet-and-greet, 6 p.m., City Hall, 123 Roger Smith Ave.
March 23: Third Fair Campaign Practices Act report due April 7.
ELECTION DAY
Ballots may be brought to Cortez City Hall, 123 Roger Smith Ave., Cortez, (970) 564-4008.
April 28: Oath of office administered at regular City Council meeting to newly elected council members. Appointment of mayor and mayor pro tem.
May 7: Final Fair Campaign Practices Act report due if all monies have been expended.
May 12: Council training with Sam Light from CIRSA; at workshop.
Time commitments include regular meetings, special meetings, advisory board assignments, daylong budget workshops, an annual council retreat and attendance at public events, presenters said.
Council member Robert Dobry said transparency is vital.
“Business needs to be done in public for the community rather than over email or behind closed doors. Sometimes you may disagree about it, and we have a vote. That is the process,” Dobry said.
Longtime council member Matthew Keefauver said accessibility to residents is also key, whether being approached at a local restaurant or gathering nomination signatures during a snowstorm.
“You have to be open to listening,” Keefauver said.
Former Councilor and Mayor Mike Lavey, who served from 2017 to 2022, encouraged candidates to consider the opportunity for impact.
“It’s a terrific opportunity to get to know the city and get to serve,” Lavey said, reflecting on his time on council during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We had to go with what was healthy for the city.”
Lavey recommended new council members meet with department leaders early to understand how the city operates.
“You’re the voice of the city,” he said. “You’re creating what’s going on.”
During a question-and-answer session, attendees asked about council responsibilities related to approving liquor and marijuana licenses, conflicts of interest, taxes, work-life balance and how issues reach the council agenda.
Sanders explained that liquor and marijuana licenses are reviewed through an application process and require council approval. Conflicts of interest are addressed by council members recusing themselves and leaving the room during a vote.
Council members may recuse themselves from votes, Sanders said, but there are attendance requirements.
“You can’t miss two council meetings in a row,” he said, noting that most meetings occur outside regular work hours and attendance at community events is encouraged but not mandatory.
Questions also touched on how the city addresses complex social issues, such as poverty and supporting unhoused residents.
Sanders said the city’s authority is limited by its structure and funding, but partnerships with local and outside agencies can help address community needs.
