The Special District Act (1981) constitutes Article 1 of Title 32 of Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.), which is the general source of most of the statutory authorization, as well as limitations, upon the formation of the North Fork Mosquito Abatement District.

Special districts organized pursuant to the Title 32 are political subdivisions of the State of Colorado organized for specific functions.  As such, their activities are subject to strict statutory guidelines.

The District is an independent special district (local government entity) which is funded through a portion of the local property tax. The District was organized September 12, 1980 by action of the Paonia residents after collection of petitions. 

 The District was formed to provide relief from the nuisance of biting mosquitoes and to protect the public from the threat of mosquito-borne diseases, such as encephalitis and meningitis.    Within three years, and following additional petitions, the District was expanded through approved inclusions of portions of the Town of Hotchkiss, to later including all of Hotchkiss and adjacent areas.  Resulting in approximately fifty miles (32000 acres) in the North Fork Valley Area.  Legal authority for the formation and powers of the District and its function can be found in the  Guide to Special District which can be downloaded below.