A. Within forty (40) days after an initiative or referendum petition is filed, a protest in writing under oath may be filed in the office of the town clerk by any registered elector who resides in the town, setting forth specifically the grounds for such protest. The grounds for protest may include, but shall not be limited to, the failure of any portion of a petition or circulator affidavit to meet the requirements of this chapter. No signature may be challenged that is not identified in the protest by section and line number. The town clerk shall forthwith mail a copy of such protest to the persons designated as representing the petition proponents pursuant to subsection 1-21-7B of this chapter and to the protester, together with a notice fixing a time for hearing such protest that is not less than five (5) nor more than ten (10) days after such notice is mailed.

B. Every hearing shall be held before the town clerk with whom such protest is filed. The town clerk shall serve as hearing officer unless some other person is designated by the town council as the hearing officer, and the testimony in every such hearing shall be under oath. The hearing officer shall have the power to issue subpoenas and compel the attendance of witnesses. The hearing shall be summary and not subject to delay and shall be concluded within sixty (60) days after the petition is filed. No later than five (5) days after the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer shall issue a written determination of whether the petition is sufficient or not sufficient. If the hearing officer determines that a petition is not sufficient, the officer shall identify those portions of the petition that are not sufficient and the reasons therefor. The result of the hearing shall be forthwith certified to the protester and to the persons designated as representing the petition proponents pursuant to subsection 1-21-7B of this chapter. The determination as to petition sufficiency may be reviewed by the Summit County, Colorado district court upon application of the protester, the persons designated as representing the petition proponents pursuant to subsection 1-21-7B of this chapter, or the town, but such review shall be had and determined forthwith. (Ord. 12, Series 2010)