In a tense late-August meeting, the Erie Town Council narrowly voted to restrict which flags can fly on town-owned poles — a decision that effectively bars the Pride and Juneteenth flags from returning next year.
The 4-3 vote followed controversy in June this year, when Pride flags were removed from town poles then raised again days later.
Under the newly adopted policy, only the U.S., Colorado, town of Erie and POW/MIA flags may be displayed on the town’s six flagpoles, which are at Town Hall, the police station, two water treatment plants, the service center and the cemetery. Street banners, such as those currently recognizing veterans along Briggs Street, will remain governed by a separate set of rules, though amendments were added to clarify banner oversight going forward…