Ouray County commissioners agreed to temporarily waive their right to fill a vacancy on the Ridgway Fire Protection District board of directors after the district failed to do so in a timely fashion.

State law allows county commissioners to appoint special district board members if the district fails to fill a vacancy within 60 days. The district held an election May 6 but had more vacancies than qualified candidates.

In a letter to commissioners, district Administrator Katy LaSala wrote that the board was prepared to appoint a new board member at its June 16 meeting but canceled the meeting.

Commissioner Lynn Padgett said she appreciated the fire district’s due diligence.

“They’re paying attention to details,” she said.

LaSala’s letter did not state the reason for the meeting cancellation – it was canceled because the meeting was not properly noticed in accordance with state law. The Plaindealer raised concerns about the lack of public notice for the meeting on June 16, and the meeting was canceled.

State law requires public boards to publicly post an agenda for their meetings at least 24 hours in advance. This is required for any meeting where a majority of board members is expected to attend or the board is discussing public business, adopting a policy or taking formal action. For the June 16 meeting, no meeting notice was posted online or at the physical posting location at the fire station in Ridgway.

The district plans to appoint a new board member at its July 21 meeting.