The Recycling of Montrose City Council

Montrose suffers from a damaging cycle in our City Council. The same ineffective individuals keep cycling back into office, perpetuating stagnation and self-interest. Term limits exist, but they allow council members to serve up to eight consecutive years (typically two four-year terms for district seats) before a required break, after which they can run again. This loophole enables endless recycling of familiar faces, undermining fresh ideas and accountability.

Our five-member council is dominated by those with prolonged or repeated service. District seats carry four-year terms, the at-large position a two-year term. The mayor and mayor pro tem are selected from among council members, while a City Manager handles daily operations. This structure requires vigilant council oversight of the City Manager and City Attorney, the roles they hire. However, based on the record of the current City Council, this vigilant oversight is completely absent.

Current Council Members and Service History

• J. David Reed (District III): Reed previously served 2000 to 2004 (4 years), appointed in 2021, elected in 2022 to finish a term, re-elected in 2024. This current stint approaches five years, Cumulative service: 9 years, blocking new voices.

• Judy Ann Files (At-Large, Mayor Pro Tem): Served 2012–2020 (eight years); returned in 2024, after being elected unopposed after a four-year break. Cumulative service: 10 years.

• Ed Ulibarri (District II): Served 1998–2002 and 2004–2008 (eight years); rejoined in 2022. Cumulative service: 12 years.

• Dave Frank (District IV): Elected initially in 2020 (4 years), re-elected in 2024, elected unopposed. Total Service: 6 years.

• Doug Glaspell (District I): Elected initially in 2018, re-elected in 2022.  Total Service: 8 years

The Purpose of Term Limits

This pattern of returns after short breaks defeats the spirit of term limits.  So, it begs the question, why do we not have true term limits for City Council?

Term limits for county commissioners, state representatives, and senators in Colorado curb corruption risks and encourage broader civic engagement. Rotating officials reduces undue influence, cronyism, and complacency  while inviting new candidates and diverse ideas.

In Montrose, weak enforcement yields the opposite: sustained dominance by a few, fewer opportunities for newcomers, and governance that favors insiders over residents.

Signs of Ineffective Governance

The council’s near-unanimous voting record reveals the problem. In recent meetings, decisions frequently pass without meaningful dissent, turning the council into a rubber stamp for administrative proposals rather than an independent overseer. Meaningful debate vanishes, producing policies that protect the status quo instead of citizen interests.

The Role of Long-Term Administration

These issues worsen under City Manager William Bell, in his position since 2011, reaching 15 years,  DOUBLE  the national average. His long tenure has prioritized major legacy projects at taxpayer expense, often favoring grand visions over fiscal restraint. A clear example is the decision to relocate and renovate City Hall in a former bank building, with interior work and facade improvements costing millions (including over $2.8 million approved for facade alone in recent phases), when renovating the historic City Hall would have offered a more cost-effective path.

Montrose’s combined sales tax rate of 8.53% ranks as one of the highest among rural Colorado communities (2.9% state, 1% county, 3.88% city, 0.75% special district). When looking at tax rates for restaurant and lodging it reaches up to 14%. Grand Junction (8.52%), Durango (8.4%), and Alamosa (7.9%) show lower rates with more robust services. Elevated taxation with minimal council pushback squeezes residents unnecessarily.

The structure fosters potential corruption concerns. In 2025, municipal judge Erin Maxwell was fired weeks after ruling against the city in a case involving a church’s homeless encampment. Critics called the timing suggestive of retaliation. Bell acknowledged “bad optics” but predictably denies any link.

Further entrenching his power, Bell has influenced shifts where positions like the Chief of Police and city clerk, who previously were appointed by the council, now they are appointed by and report directly to him. This concentrates authority, reduces independent oversight, and heightens risks of unchecked decisions.

Long tenures like Bell’s, combined with recycled council members, create an environment prone to corruption, favoritism, wasted funds, and eroded trust. The result costs taxpayers through higher expenses, unfair governance, and diminished accountability.

Moving Forward

The combination of recycled council members and an entrenched manager produces stagnant, self-serving governance. Citizens face steep taxes, oppressive regulations, and corruption risks that drain resources and fairness. Montrose needs stricter term limits to prevent quick returns after brief absences. Without reform, this harmful cycle will continue, further damaging confidence in local leadership.

Michael J Badagliacco, “MJB”

Michael is a father of five, grandfather of three, United States Air Force veteran, international recording artist, and Editor-in-Chief of the Colorado DOGE Report. He is passionate about the United States of America and the founders’ genius in crafting the Constitution.