Larimer County Seeks Residents for Board and Commission Openings
Larimer County is accepting applications through October 13 for residents interested in serving on various boards and commissions that advise county commissioners on important community matters.
The application period for fall recruitment opened September 19, offering opportunities on 10 different boards and commissions including the Agricultural Advisory Board, Rodeo Board, Behavioral Health committees, Community Advisory Board, Fair Board, Board of Adjustment, Flood Review Board, and various General and Public Improvement Districts.
"County Boards and Commissions are crucial to making recommendations to the Board of Larimer County Commissioners on a variety of important matters," county officials stated in announcing the openings.
The volunteer positions represent diverse areas of county governance and community oversight. The Board of Adjustment holds quasi-judicial authority to hear appeals and variance requests regarding zoning and land use regulations, while the Agricultural Advisory Board advises commissioners on issues affecting local agriculture. The Behavioral Health committees review policy and resource allocation for county behavioral health initiatives.
Most board positions involve three-year terms with monthly or quarterly meetings, requiring members to dedicate several hours per month for meeting preparation and attendance. According to Larimer County policies, members generally cannot serve more than two consecutive terms or six consecutive years.
Larimer County's board and commission system was established to ensure broad citizen participation in county governance, with authority stemming from Colorado Revised Statutes that enable counties to create advisory and decision-making bodies. The county maintains over 30 active boards and commissions, distinguishing it among larger Colorado counties for the diversity and volume of citizen engagement opportunities.
The county has demonstrated consistently strong community participation, often receiving more applications than available positions for key committees. Application volume typically ranges from 2-5 applicants per open position for higher-profile boards such as the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment.
Qualification requirements include legal residency in Larimer County, and applicants cannot be serving current sentences for felonies. The Board of County Commissioners aims for diversity in gender, culture, geography, viewpoint, and expertise when making appointments. Some specialized boards may require specific professional experience or technical credentials.
The appointment process involves application review by commissioner liaisons, potential candidate interviews, and final approval by the full Board of County Commissioners in a public meeting. All board and commission service is voluntary with no compensation, though reimbursement for official travel or training may be available in rare cases.
Residents can apply online at www.larimer.gov/boards. Those without internet access can pick up applications at the Larimer County Commissioners' Office on the second floor of the Administrative Services Building at 200 W. Oak St. in Fort Collins.
The county conducts regular sunset reviews at least every five years for all ongoing boards to evaluate their continued effectiveness and community need.