Mesa County Commissioners authorize legal filing to protect local law enforcement and uphold constitutional clarity

During the Aug. 5, 2025, public hearing, the Board of Mesa County Commissioners unanimously voted to approve the authorization to file a lawsuit against Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser to protect the constitutional rights of Mesa County employees and to approve the use of public funds for legal representation. You can watch the full discussion on our website under Public Hearing Information. 

Statement by Mesa County Commissioners Cody Davis, Bobbie Daniel and JJ Fletcher: 

"Today, our Board of County Commissioners voted to authorize the Mesa County Attorney’s Office to utilize funds for legal representation and file a federal lawsuit against Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser and Gov. Jared Polis, in their official capacities, in response to recent legal action taken by the Colorado Attorney General.

The filing of this complaint is intended to seek legal clarity regarding the role and responsibilities of local law enforcement under current state law, Senate Bill 25-276, and to protect Mesa County’s legal and financial interests.

As commissioners, although we do not oversee the personnel decisions of the Sheriff’s Office, we are responsible for Mesa County’s financial stewardship, legal exposure and position. The Attorney General’s lawsuit carries large fiscal implications, and we have an obligation to ensure that these are addressed transparently and through the proper legal channels, as we continue to support the men and women of the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff has conducted an internal administrative review and publicly communicated the process and findings. Yet, the Attorney General’s lawsuit is based entirely on information voluntarily and transparently provided by the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office. We believe this matter could have, and should have, been resolved through cooperation and communication rather than being turned into political theater.

As a result of today’s actions, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office will work with the Mesa County Attorney’s Office to gain clarity through this legal process. We have confidence and trust that these offices will use this lawsuit to protect Mesa County, its employees, and clarify the role of law enforcement in our community in a manner that prioritizes both public safety and the public’s trust."