Dino Ross leads Ireland Stapleton’s Special Districts Practice Group. For more than 30 years, he has devoted his practice to representing Colorado’s fire protection districts, fire authorities, ambulance districts, and emergency dispatch agencies that provide critical, life saving services to communities throughout the state. Dino helps these agencies navigate complex federal, state, and local laws so they can effectively deliver essential public services and support thriving communities.
Dino advises boards and management on a wide range of governance, operational, and compliance matters. His work includes guidance on the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, the Colorado Open Records Act, and the Colorado Open Meetings Law, as well as budget, finance, and audit requirements. He regularly assists with financing mechanisms such as lease purchase agreements, bond issuances, and certificates of participation, TABOR compliance, and regular and special election procedures. Dino also handles the negotiation and drafting of contracts and intergovernmental agreements, construction contracts, and legal issues arising from the construction of fire stations and training or maintenance facilities. His experience further includes fire code enforcement, property inclusions and exclusions, boundary matters, board governance and meeting procedures, real estate transactions, procurement of fire apparatus and emergency vehicles, the organization, merger, and consolidation of fire protection districts, the creation of fire authorities, and comprehensive litigation support.
In addition, Dino advises emergency services agencies on public employment and labor law matters. He provides counsel on hiring and appointment of employees and volunteers, day to day employment and benefits issues, development and updating of employment related forms, job descriptions, manuals, and standard operating procedures, and the drafting of employment, nondisclosure, and severance agreements. His practice also includes supervisory counseling, disciplinary actions, labor management relations and collective bargaining, and representation in employment related litigation and administrative proceedings.
Dino also supports emergency services agencies statewide by providing pro bono legal services related to legislation considered or enacted by the Colorado Legislature that affects the delivery of emergency services in Colorado.
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