The Town of Westcliffe is facing a lawsuit alleging violations of the Colorado Open Meeting Law.
Attorney Matt Roane, representing Wet Mountain Tribune publisher Jordan Hedberg, filed the lawsuit claiming that Westcliffe Trustees and the Mayor violated the Open Meeting Law during a special meeting on December 12, 2024. The suit alleges that by doing so, the town and its board of trustees infringed on Hedberg’s rights under the law.
The lawsuit stems from a presentation by former Town Manager Caleb Patterson, who disclosed structural issues within the town government. During the meeting, the board went into executive session to discuss Patterson’s presentation with the town attorney. However, the suit claims that the board gave Patterson an ultimatum to resign or be fired on the spot—an action allegedly taken during the closed session.
According to Colorado law, public boards cannot make decisions during executive sessions. The lawsuit cites six violations of the Colorado Open Meetings Law.
The Town of Westcliffe has three weeks to file a response to the lawsuit.
