Castle Rock’s clerk on Monday determined that enough valid signatures have been gathered to proceed with the effort to recall the town’s mayor, Paul Donahue.

Clerk Sally Misare validated that 242 signatures had been submitted to her office by petitioners — more than the 147 signatures needed.

Donahue is one of three council members who have been targeted for recall in Douglas County’s largest town. The others are Councilman Mark Heath and Councilwoman Renee Valentine. The clerk has not verified signatures yet in the case of the latter two council members.

Disputes over how Castle Rock is managing growth has spurred dissent in town. A separate effort emerged earlier this year attempting to get on the ballot a measure that would restrict the town’s annexation powers.

Any Castle Rock voter has until April 21 to protest the recall petition, after which a date for an election would be set.

Donahue was first elected in 2008, re-elected in 2012 and must step down this November due to term limits.

John Aguilar: 303-954-1695, jaguilar@denverpost.com or @abuvthefold