About the District
The purpose of Durango West Metropolitan District No. 1 is to provide our community with a reliable, safe supply of water that meets or exceeds state and federal drinking water standards, maintain the paved road system and common areas, and to provide proper disposal and processing of wastewater according to state guidelines. The District strives to provide services at the most reasonable costs possible by taking a fiscally responsible approach towards repairs and maintenance of our infrastructure.
Durango West Metropolitan District No. 1 is a local government, independent entity, established in 1978 under Title 32 Colorado State Statutes. Special Districts in Colorado were first started to pay for new growth without adding new financial burdens to an entire county or city. Special districts ensure "growth pays its own way" by bringing much-needed municipal services to new developments. Residents within a special district pay off bond debt for new infrastructure and are solely responsible for future maintenance and services.
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Our District is governed by five elected board of directors and currently employs two full time staff. Additional services are provided with contract personnel and seasonal employees. The District owns water rights and wells, but we purchase the majority of our potable water from Lake Durango Water Authority (LDWA). LDWA became a public entity in 2009 when an Intergovernmental Agreement between 3 government entities purchased the Lake: Durango West #1, Durango West #2, and La Plata County. LDWA services most of the subdivisions in western La Plata county. LDWA water comes from the La Plata mountains and from Lake Nighthorse. Durango West #1 and #2 are both special districts that were formed to provide similar services, but we are independent separate entities, with separate board of directors and management. Our two districts jointly own a wastewater treatment plant to process sewage for disposal. The treatment plant is a separate financial fund and operates under an Intergovernmental Agreement between our two Districts. ​
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Please see dropdown menus for more information about our services, fees, financials, board members, meetings, policies, governmental filings, how to contact us, and frequently asked questions.
THE TEAM
Our district is made up of two full time staff members, and a 5 person elected Board of Directors who serve as volunteers. Special Districts have elections every May in odd numbered years, and directors are elected for four year terms based on staggered positions, meaning 3 seats or 2 seats every cycle. Directors must be eligible Colorado voters and own property within the District. Rules and self-nomination forms and can be obtained from our District's manager or the state of Colorado, and must be received no later than 63 days prior to each election date (late Feb).
Janet Anderson
Brian Davies
District Manager
119 Holly Hock Trail (office)
(970) 259-4267 (office)
(970) 946-2310 (cell)
Operations Manager
& Water Operator
119 Holly Hock Trail (office)
(970) 259-4267 (office)
(970) 560- 0007 (cell)
Karín Romero
Brian Pisani
Chris Downing
Tucker Smith
Alan Dickens
History
Durango West Metropolitan District No. 1, located in La Plata County, was organized in 1978 for the purpose of providing street improvements, a water system, and a sewage system for the District and its inhabitants pursuant to Title 32, Article 3, Colorado Revised Statutes 1973 as amended. Pursuant to an approving election within the District on September 8, 1981, District Court entered a Supplemental Order and Decree that allows the District to exercise the additional power for establishing and maintaining our open space, trails and recreation facilities.
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What is the difference between an HOA and a Metro District?
A Metro District is a local government entity that provides public services and infrastructure to a community. A homeowner’s association (HOA) is a private organization that manages and enforces rules and regulations within a particular residential community.
A Metro District is a quasi-municipal corporation and political subdivision of the State of Colorado formed pursuant to Sections 32-1-101, et seq., C.R.S. As a governmental entity, the District is bound by similar rules as city governments. Durango West Metro District No. 1 was established to help fund the infrastructure of the community and to maintain that infrastructure after installation.
A Homeowners Association is a not-for-profit corporation in the State of Colorado. HOAs are governed by the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act (CCIOA). The funds for HOAs are collected through dues or assessments.
Is DW1 and HOA?
No. We are a Special District political subdivision of the State of Colorado. The District collects fees for water, sewer, wastewater services and maintenance of roads and open space. It does not collect dues. As it is not an HOA, the District does not provide typical HOA functions such as enforcing covenants; managing disputes between neighbors; managing residential mailboxes or keys; handling dog complaints; providing residential fire mitigation or trash/yard waste removal.