Dolores Library Board censures member after contested open meetings allegations

The Dolores Public Library District Board voted 4 to 2 at a special meeting on November 25 to censure board member Hassan Hourmanesh after a resolution accused him of violating the Colorado Open Meetings Law, acting without board authorization, and publicly criticizing the board at a November 10 Dolores Town Board meeting. The meeting drew about a dozen members of the public and featured raised voices and frequent interruptions as trustees debated the matter.

Board president Sandy Jumper read the resolution and lawmakers in favor of the censure cited concerns the actions undermined board efficiency and integrity. Trustees who supported the censure were Sandy Jumper, Virginia Hernandez, Correen Becher, and Tamara Woodbury. Hourmanesh and Emily Wisner Meyers voted against the resolution.

Jumper told the board that Hourmanesh had sent emails to state agencies and the Colorado Library Consortium asking them to investigate the director and the board president for alleged 'concealment of records' and said such outside communications amounted to action taken outside a publicly noticed meeting. Hourmanesh maintained he was fulfilling oversight duties and raised concerns about legal compliance, transparency, and staff grievance handling. He framed escalation to outside agencies as appropriate after internal channels did not respond.

Library Director Sean Gantt and other trustees discussed a staff document from 2023 related to grievance procedures. Gantt described the matter as an internal personnel issue and said he had handled it accordingly. Separately the board voted unanimously to authorize the president to retain an attorney to advise on governance and policy issues and to consider whether the director may have been defamed. The attorney hire will proceed under a statement of work process.

For Dolores County residents the dispute carries practical consequences. Legal consultation and any potential litigation could create unforeseen costs for the library district. Ongoing public contention may affect staff morale and the board s ability to focus on services such as programming, collections, and community outreach. The meeting s turnout and tone also signaled heightened local interest in how elected or appointed trustees interpret transparency rules and respond to internal concerns.

The board s move to obtain legal guidance could clarify governance practices and Open Meetings Law obligations, but it may also prolong internal tensions. Residents who rely on the library for information and civic space will likely watch forthcoming board meetings closely for changes in policy, transparency, and leadership conduct.