What is Home Rule government?
Municipal home rule is based upon the theory that the citizens of a municipality should have the right to decide how their local problems should be solved. The powers of home rule are limited by their charters, federal laws, the state constitution, court decisions and legislation enacted by the General Assembly. The primary goal of Silverthorne’s home rule charter is to allow Town government to operate more efficiently, to be successful in solving problems and to always act in the best interests of the Town and its residents. Silverthorne has a council-manager form of government: an elective Council enacts legislation, adopts budgets, determines policies and appoints the Town Manager, who executes the laws and administers Town government.

Who are the elected officials of the Town?
The Mayor and six Council members, which comprise the Town Council and the Board of Adjustments.

Who are the appointed officials of the Town?
The Planning Commissioners, the Citizens’ Advisory Committee, the SPORT Committee, etc.

Who hires Management?
The Town Manager hires all Department Directors.

What are the qualifications for Town officials?
Both elected and appointed officials must be registered voters in the Town and must have resided in Town for at least one year prior to election or appointment.

What are the terms for Council and Mayor?
These Town officials are elected to four-year, overlapping terms. As of January 1, 1996, elected officials may only serve two terms by state law.

What are the terms for the Planning Commission?
Council appoints Planning Commissioners for three-year, overlapping terms.