A citizens group has launched a campaign opposing proposed changes to Greeley's city charter that would require the city to put certain water decisions to a citywide vote.

Initiatives 2G and 2H on this year's ballot asks voters to amend the city's home rule charter to require the city to put certain water transactions under engineering studies before putting them to a citywide vote. The first includes water sales, exchanges, subrogations, trades or leases of more than five years, and the second covers the purchase or leasing, as well as providing of, any groundwater and recycled wastewater.

City officials expressed concerns the charter amendments would hinder the city's ability to acquire and use water resources — concerns also expressed by the newly formed group, Citizens for Securing Greeley's Charter. A news release from the group alleges the initiatives could "double water rates, endanger Greeley's economy and cripple the city's ability to utilize its water supply and secure additional water for future generations."

A screenshot of the website for Citizens for Securing Greeley's Charter, a group opposing ballot initiatives 2G and 2H, which would require certain water decisions to go to a citywide vote. (Courtesy photo/Citizens for Securing Greeley's Charter)

The proposed charter amendments were put on the ballot after citizens group Save Greeley's Water petitioned for the changes. The group formed in opposition to Terry Ranch, an aquifer the city acquired following a unanimous vote by city council earlier this year, expressing safety and feasibility concerns about the project. The city attempted to answer those concerns through the publication of several independent studies commissioned by the city.

Securing Greeley's Charter citizen committee member Cheri Witt-Brown said in the release the campaign slogan is, "Vote no on 2G and 2H — Costly, Unnecessary and Risky."

"If these initiatives pass, Greeley will be the only city in Colorado to require a special election to approve routine water-related decisions like purchasing, leasing and distributing existing and future water supplies," Witt-Brown said in the release. "This places Greeley at a significant competitive disadvantage when buying water rights."

Save Greeley's Water has denied that the amendments would raise water rates or require special elections — which the city has projected to cost $200,000 per election — arguing the decisions could be voted on in the regular municipal election every two years.

Greeley Water and Sewer Board Chairman Harold Evans, a committee member for Securing Greeley's Charter, said the initiatives could put the city at a competitive disadvantage in acquiring new water supplies.

"Greeley is recognized statewide as a leader in water management, acquisition and conservation, and our water portfolio is one of the best among Front Range municipalities," he said in the release. "This could all change with the passage of 2G and 2H."

Save Greeley's Water argues the amendments would help maintain the city's drinking water quality, emphasizing its concerns about groundwater contamination in a post to its website.

Securing Greeley's Charter campaign leader Tom Norton, who served four terms as the city's mayor, questioned the motives of Save Greeley's Water leadership, describing them as "a special interest group, led by two former employees who are politically motivated."

"One former employee who is running for Mayor, is attempting to change Greeley's Charter to advance his personal political agenda," Norton said in the release, referring to John Gauthiere, who has led Save Greeley's Water. "We need to keep politics out of Greeley Water."

Save Greeley's Water said in a post to its website sales of the city's water rights "should not be done lightly or as a routine Water Department management function."

"This water belongs to all citizens who should have a voice when their assets are sold, especially something as important and personal as their water," a statement from the group reads.

Norton said the city is staying "ahead of the curve" with a diverse water portfolio, instead of putting all its eggs in one basket.

"Technology has evolved and so has our climate," he said in the release. "Drought and wildfires have become the new normal and instead of being stuck in the past, we must ensure Greeley has a safe and reliable supply for future generations."

Save Greeley's Water posts updates to savegreeleyswater.com. Securing Greeley's Charter has launched its own website, defendgreeleywater.com, where it has more information on how to take action against the ballot initiatives.