november’s ballot.

On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Firestone voters will receive mailed ballots through Weld County. Three items on the ballot are directly connected to ongoing concerns about Town Board accountability and should be carefully considered by residents as the election approaches:

  1. Resolution 25-74: A ballot measure asking whether Firestone should move its regular municipal elections from April to November of even-numbered years.

  2. FDDA / TABOR Question: A ballot item regarding the Firestone Downtown Development Authority’s taxing and revenue authority.

  3. Trustee Vacancy Election: Voters will select one new trustee to fill a vacant seat on the Firestone Board of Trustees.

  • The Town currently holds its regular municipal elections on the first Tuesday of April in even-numbered years, for Mayor (2-year term) and staggered Trustee seats (4-year terms).

    The upcoming November 4, 2025 election is designated as a “Special Election” on the Town’s Election Information page, because it is not part of the scheduled April cycle and is being held to ask a referendum question on permanently changing the regular election date, redirect tax dollars without voter approval, and to address a vacancy.

  • On November 4, 2025, Firestone voters will see the following question on the ballot:

    “Shall the Town of Firestone change the regular municipal election date from the first Tuesday in April of even-numbered years to the first Tuesday in November of even-numbered years?”

    At its July 9, 2025 meeting, the Firestone Board of Trustees approved Resolution 25-74, placing a question on the special election ballot asking voters whether municipal elections should move from the first Tuesday in April to the first Tuesday in November, aligning with Weld County’s coordinated elections. The Board stated the change would increase voter turnout, reduce administrative costs, and improve election efficiency. However, the resolution does not disclose that it also extends the current trustees’ terms by seven months, allowing the sitting Board to remain in office longer than scheduled. This extra time lets the Board continue advancing major initiatives—such as litigation with the Central Weld County Water District, Downtown Development Authority projects, and the proposed soccer stadium—without new voter oversight.

    Many residents are concerned that these initiatives prioritize the agenda of the Board over the community’s interests. The November election gives voters a direct opportunity to weigh in on this extension and the proposed election timing change.

    A “Yes” vote approves moving the election to November 2026 and extends the current Board’s term by seven months; a “No” vote keeps elections in April and ends the current terms as originally scheduled.

  • On November 4, 2025, Firestone voters will see the following question on the ballot:

    “Shall the Firestone Downtown Development Authority (FDDA) be authorized to collect, retain, and expend revenues generated within the district, without regard to the revenue and spending limits of the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR)?”

    This measure asks voters to approve the FDDA's authority to collect, retain, and spend tax revenues generated within the district without being subject to TABOR’s revenue and spending limits. If approved, the FDDA can spend these revenues without additional voter approval or TABOR restrictions, giving the Board and developers direct control over how the funds are used.

    These funds could be directed toward projects that some residents feel do not align with community priorities, such as stadium construction, rather than other pressing local needs. Approving this measure means residents would have less direct oversight over FDDA spending, limiting the role of voters in future decisions about these funds.

    In short, a “Yes” vote allows the FDDA to manage and spend revenues within the district under TABOR exemptions, while a “No” vote preserves stricter voter oversight and spending limits.

  • In May 2025, Trustee Linda Haney stepped down, and the Board declared the seat vacant at its June 11, 2025 meeting. On July 9, 2025, the Board approved a resolution specifying that the vacancy would be filled through the November 4 special election rather than by appointment.

    The winner will serve until the next regular municipal election, which could occur in April 2026 or November 2026, depending on the outcome of Resolution 25-74. This election is a critical opportunity for residents to start making change on the Board of Trustees. The candidate elected can bring a fresh perspective and make their voice heard on issues that matter to the community, including oversight of spending, development projects, and other decisions affecting Firestone.

    The official candidates on the ballot for the trustee vacancy are:

    • John Damsma

    • Samantha Meiring

    • Michael Malek

    Each candidate has submitted a profile and disclosure materials, available through the Town Clerk’s office or on the Town’s official election/candidate webpage.

    Take action: Review the candidates, understand their positions, and make sure your voice is heard by voting in the November 4 special election. Contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 303-531-6264 for information on how to reach out to candidates or inquire about any upcoming public events where candidates will be present.

  • Each of these measures has significant implications for Firestone's governance and development. By participating in the November 4 special election, you have the opportunity to shape the future of your community. Review the candidates, understand the ballot measures, and make your voice heard.

    Confirm your voter registration: https://www.sos.state.co.us/voter/pages/pub/olvr/findVoterReg.xhtml?utm_source=chatgpt.com

    Ensuring your voter registration is current is crucial for participating in the upcoming election and having your voice heard on important local issues.