Financial Realities for Jeffco

Jefferson County has a reputation as a wonderful place to live, visit, and conduct business. However, the quality services the county provides to residents and local businesses come at a cost. Taxpayer dollars allow the county to deliver vital services but continued increasing demand for services has created a significant financial challenge. 

As we’ve been discussing with our community over the last year, the county had to make budget cuts within the General Fund to balance the county’s 2020 budget. These cuts totaled $16.1 million and affect essential public services such as public safety, roads and more. There are more tough decisions ahead. More cuts will need to be made in 2021 within the General Fund and the county is investigating all areas for opportunities for efficiencies, reductions or eliminations. We will continue to work to prioritize the safety and well-being of our community and those things only government can do.

Select from the tiles below to find out more of what you want to know about the Jefferson County budget and to let us know what is services and programs matter most to you. This page will be updated throughout the year and budget cycle, so continue to check back for new information.

Budget Basics

Before you dive into the specifics, it might be helpful to learn more about some of the basics of the county’s budget or how your property taxes are calculated by watching these informational videos. 

Budget-101-VideoSelect this image to view the Budget 101 Video (YouTube). 

news-image-property-taxes-101 Opens in new windowSelect this image to view the Property Taxes 101 video series (YouTube). 

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What Do You Want to Know More About?

Select this image to connect to a form to provide an idea, question or comment about the Jeffco budg

Connect to our online form to submit your idea, question or comment.

Select this image to connect to more information on the reductions that were built into the 2020 bud

See more on the reductions and eliminations that were part of the 2020 Adopted Budget.

Select this image to connect to more information about how we got here with the budget shortfall

Read more about why these budget cuts to the General Fund are happening now.

Select this image to connect to more information about what makes up the Jeffco budget

Learn more about the
33 separate funds the county operates out of which
work together to achieve a balanced budget and overall
mission set forth by the BCC.

financial realities tile - Gallagher Amendment

Learn more about the Gallagher Amendment and see the information provided in the State of Colorado Blue Book.

Select this image to connect to more information on how the Taxpayer Bill of Rights affects the Jeff

Learn more about the Taxpayer Bill of Rights and how it affects the
Jefferson  County budget.

Select this image to connect to more information on how property taxes are collected and used

Learn more about how and where property taxes are allocated.

Select this image to connect to more information on the General Fund

Learn more about the
county’s major operating fund,
the General Fund.

Select this image to connect to the Jefferson County financial transparency tool to see all aspects

Connect to OpenGov portal to take a deeper dive into specific
county budget items.

Contact Us

We have been – and we will continue to – work together with our community, elected officials and county staff – to prioritize the safety and well-being of our community. We’re also listening closely to our community. We want to know what services and programs matter most to you. What are your budget priorities? We’re facing tough choices ahead and we want to work through them together.

You can also always reach out to your county commissioner – find your commissioner’s contact information on the Board of County Commissioner’s website.