Financial Realities for Jefferson County

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, the county continues to face financial challenges. The county has already made cuts within the General Fund to slow the rate of spending and balance the county’s budget – totaling $16.1 million in 2020 and approximately $8.7 million in 2021. These reductions have impacted essential public services such as public safety, roads and more.

Beginning in 2023, the county is facing up to an additional $20 million in cuts in the General Fund. Without support from our voters for additional funding, these cuts will reduce programs and services and the county will not be able to deliver those programs and services in the way in which the community is accustomed.

There are more tough decisions ahead and the county is evaluating 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 regularly, so continue to check back for new information.

Check out our Budget Video page, to watch our newly posted Funding Challenges videos.

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?

financial realities tile - 2022 challenges

See more on the funding challenges for the county in 2022.

Select this image to connect to a form to provide an idea, question or comment about the Jeffco budgConnect to our online form to submit your idea, question or comment.

financial realities tile - feedbackVisit our Public Participation page to see how you can now provide your input on the county budget.

What is Tabor button.What is TABOR? Learn more about the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights and the recent TABOR refunds.

Select this image to connect to more information on the reductions that were built into the 2020 budSee more on the reductions and eliminations that were part of the 2020 Adopted Budget.

Select this image to connect to more information about what makes up the Jeffco budgetLearn more about the different funds the county operates from.

Select this image to connect to more information on how property taxes are collected and usedLearn more about how and where property taxes are allocated.

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 stakeholders, elected officials and county staff – to prioritize the safety and well-being of our community. We’re also listening closely to our community has to say. We want to know what services and programs matter most to you. What are your budget priorities? Let us know if you have an idea, comment or question about the funding challenges.

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.