Park City, Utah — Legal battles are brewing in Summit County as five residents challenge Clerk Eve Furse’s ruling on the invalidation of thousands of signatures collected for a proposed development by Dakota Pacific Real Estate. The contention arises from Furse’s assertion that some standalone signature pages were submitted outside of the appropriate packets, leading to her decision to reject numerous signatures.
The dispute has temporarily halted the development from reaching the ballot for a countywide vote, and without a judicial intervention, this ruling will remain in effect. A court hearing is scheduled for August 19, where the ongoing legal intricacies will be further examined.
Petitioner Reed Galen expressed his concerns to state lawmakers on July 22, arguing that the law in question is “ambiguous” and that Furse’s interpretation appears to be subjective. He urged the Interim Rules Review and General Oversight Committee to lean towards the intention of the law, emphasizing that the residents who signed the petition should have their voices heard. “The tie should go to the people,” Galen stated, advocating for the validation of the signatures and a spot on the ballot for the autumn vote.
Supporting Galen’s perspective, Riverton Republican Senator Dan McCay endorsed the idea that the legislative focus should ensure favorable outcomes for civic engagement. “The tie should go to the runner,” he stated, noting the need for reforms in the current signature validation process.
The committee responded positively, unanimously deciding to draft proposed changes to state referendum laws. Among the potential alterations is a clarification regarding the binding of signature pages to their packets—essentially determining if signature pages must be permanently attached to the documents to be valid. In Summit County, these packets included a development agreement approved by the county council last December.
Furse defended her stance, citing adherence to state statute under guidance from legal counsel and the lieutenant governor’s office. She highlighted that photographic evidence indicated some signature pages were detached from their proper three-ring-bound packets.
Former Park City Mayor Dana Williams, who was referenced in Furse’s evidence, pointed out discrepancies in the portrayal of the situation. He asserted that while the photos showed him with certain documents, they also indicated that he had the necessary development agreement on a nearby table—central to the legality of the signature collection process.
In their court filing, petitioners emphasized that among 30 packets that were questioned, only five had signature pages that were removed during the signing process. GOP Senator John Johnson, also representing Summit County, along with McCay raised valid concerns regarding petition signers’ understanding of the lengthy documents they were endorsing. “Let’s be honest; how many actually read the entire development agreement?” McCay questioned, alluding to the challenge of ensuring informed consent among residents who sign such petitions.
As lawmakers deliberate potential law changes, including opportunities for residents to review packets without obligation, Summit County is simultaneously considering a new development agreement with Dakota Pacific. Under a new state law enacted in 2025, this fresh agreement would bypass the referendum process altogether.
This ongoing situation continues to unfold as local officials, residents, and lawmakers seek resolutions amid concerns for both development and democratic participation.
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