During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the financial implications of a new state mandate requiring compliance with accessibility standards for county websites. The mandate, described as an unfunded requirement, has raised concerns among commissioners regarding its impact on transparency and the financial burden it places on local governments.

Commissioner Van der Woof highlighted that the ongoing costs associated with the mandate are significant, estimating that El Paso County will need approximately $650,000 over the next few years to achieve compliance. This figure includes an initial allocation of $400,000 for 2024 and an additional $125,000 requested annually thereafter. Van der Woof expressed frustration that the state did not provide funding to support the mandate, suggesting that smaller counties, particularly those with populations as low as 4,000, may struggle to comply and could even face the closure of their websites.

The discussion also revealed that compliance may necessitate the removal of substantial content from county websites, potentially reducing public access to information. Commissioner Williams shared her frustration with the state’s interpretation of the bill, noting that many records had already been removed from the Colorado Department of Transportation's website due to compliance fears, which she argued undermines transparency.

Commissioner Gonzales echoed these sentiments, recounting his own difficulties accessing historical data from local authorities, which has been drastically reduced to only current information. The commissioners collectively emphasized the need for better communication with state lawmakers to address the implications of such mandates and ensure that local governments can continue to serve their communities effectively.

The meeting underscored the ongoing tension between state legislation and local governance, particularly regarding the financial and operational challenges posed by unfunded mandates.