On the morning of April 12 Town of Monument councilmember Jim Romanello died on the scene of a motorcycle accident on State Highway 67 outside of Deckers, Colorado.

Romanello was riding a motorcycle on CO-67 when he failed to navigate a left turn and veered off the road, according to the Colorado State Patrol. He was thrown from the motorcycle and sustained fatal injuries. CSP confirmed he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The Tri-Lakes community at large responded to the news with sadness and tributes to the long-time public servant of the area.

​Romanello’s involvement with the Town of Monument local government began with his election as a trustee in a special election in November of 2018. He was re-elected in the regular election of April 2020, serving a four-year term. He was elected an at-large trustee in November 2024.

Beyond his roles on the Monumen Town Council, Romanello served as president of the Village Center Metro District Board of Directors. He was instrumental in negotiating an intergovernmental agreement that stabilized home values in the district. He was a large proponent of renewable water options for the town, which led to him to serve as a member of the Fountain Creek Watershed District Board.

In addition, Romanello was on the steering committee for the Monument 2040 Comprehensive Plan. He used his career experience in financial planning to steer the town’s path for investing the town’s assets.

Monument Mayor Mitch LaKind expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Council Member Romanello, and reflected on the man’s years of service since 2018.

“Jim Romanello was a dedicated public servant whose thoughtful leadership and deep commitment to our community helped shape Monument into the town it is today,” said LaKind. “He touched many lives, both personally and professionally, and he will be deeply missed — not just as a council member, but as a friend to so many.”

The mayor recalled Romanello’s recent 60th birthday celebration last month, attended by over 100 people, highlighting the personal impact Romanello had on those around him.

To honor Romanello’s legacy, LaKind announced that flags at municipal buildings would be flown at half-staff through April 17.

Monument Mayor Pro Tem Steve King acknowledged Romanello’s long service on the council since 2018, making him the town’s longest-serving council member. King praised Romanello’s dedication to public service.

King also recalled attending Romanello’s 60th birthday party, where Romanello performed on stage with Mayor Mitch LaKind on drums. King concluded by expressing his respect for Romanello and offering condolences to his family, friends, and fiancée.

“Over my tenure with Jim, we certainly had our disagreements as all councils do, but we learned to respect each other, and as our council started to come together as a team, we really started working well together,” King said. “I did very much appreciate his willingness to listen to my concerns, and I also appreciated his concerns. We ended up having a very good relationship, and I am grateful for that.”

Charlie Searle, frontman for the local band Ashtõnz and a community organizer, considered Romanello a friend as well as a fan, said he will remember the late trustee for his ability to set aside politics and simply be a friend and supporter of the community.

“We had the honor of helping Jim celebrate his 60th birthday in Monument last month, whipping out his favorite song, The Who’s ‘Join Together,’ for the occasion,” Searle said. “We got him to smack the cowbell a bit too, which didn’t require much arm-twisting.”

Romanello had a reputation as a pragmatic and principled leader who prioritized staffing, infrastructure, and respectful governance. He consistently advocated for smart growth and commercial development to strengthen the town’s financial foundation.

“When I ran for trustee the first time, I said I would bring honor and respect to it because there was very little of it at the time,” Romanello said in 2022. “And get the town staffed, which we did, and keep it that way.”

Romanello cited development, water, and staffing as the town’s three biggest priorities. He championed improvements to the town’s water infrastructure, including new tanks and renewable water projects, and took a lead role in addressing a permitting issue with Pueblo County to support future water needs.

He frequently emphasized a measured approach to land use decisions, stating that all development should be evaluated using “three lenses: property rights, needs of the town/community, and a fiduciary responsibility to our town,” he said.

Romanello was a vocal supporter of expanding commercial space to help fund town operations through sales tax.

“The town does need commercial so it pays the town money, which allows us to pay our people,” he said. “We need to balance all that very, very well.”

He also believed in fostering better partnerships with local entities and maintaining an open dialogue with the school board and business community, “to be aware of each other’s concerns.” 

Terri Hayes, President and CEO of the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce said Romanello cared about the community and demonstrated that over his years of service.

“He was a friend to many, and we were fortunate,” she said. “He was a great friend to me and the Tri-Lakes Chamber. He supported those who supported small business, and we along with the business community, will miss him beyond words.”

A Monument resident since 2007, Romanello previously served as president of his Home Owners Association and the Village Center Metro District, where he negotiated an intergovernmental agreement that he said “saved our district financially.” Reflecting on his service, he said, “I have what I feel is the most balanced approach to growth and understand best the needs of our staff and direction of our town, without taking us to a radical stalemate.

“I love Monument. … I enjoy giving back in this area.”

Memorial services for Romanello have not yet been announced.