How Can I Participate in the County Budget?

There are a number of ways you can learn more about the county budget and get involved in the development process. Look through the options below to find what works best for you.

Understanding the Funding Challenges

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. We want to be sure that the community understands the factors involved and how these pieces fit together to shape the county’s financial reality, so when you have a few moments, read through the information on our Funding Challenges page and watch the Funding Challenges video series and other budget video series for more background and to gain a better understanding of the issues.

Contact the Board of County Commissioners

If you have questions or comments, you can send those to the commissioners who will bring them to the budget staff during the budget development process. Email the commissioners or use the contact us online form on the Board of County Commissioners’ Contact Us web page.

Town Hall Meetings

Telephone town halls are one tool the county uses to provide updates to constituents on important county business, including the budget. This is a popular way for the commissioners to reach out and stay in touch with thousands of Jefferson County residents. See the Board of County Commissioners Town Hall page for more details on upcoming town hall meetings.

Community Budget Forums

It’s critical that your voice be heard. What are your needs and priorities? Which county services matter the most to you? As part of our community outreach on the budget, we hosted Community Budget Forums in April and May 2022. These meetings were in-person 90-minute sessions in which attendees were given information on our funding challenges and small-group discussions were held on problems and possible solutions. These forums also provided an excellent opportunity for the commissioners to listen to questions, feedback and input.

Baseline Budget Survey

Survey Results - Maintain or Improve Graph

As part of the community outreach on the Jefferson County budget in 2022, an online survey was published in January and closed in mid-June so that those that were not able to attend a meeting, or wanted to provide more feedback after having attended a meeting, could do so. See the full report of the Baseline Budget Survey (PDF).

Survey Results - Important county services graph

Strategic Plan for Jefferson County

A strategic plan serves to set priorities, focus energy and resources, and ensures we are working toward common goals for the betterment of the county. This plan also keeps the county accountable for measurable outcomes and results. We will track progress so we can adapt our direction in response to ever-changing environments. See more on our countywide strategic plan, which will help to inform the budget process. 

Budget Advisory Committee

The Budget Advisory Committee’s purpose is to review and make recommendations regarding:

  • County budgetary and fiscal goals as to whether they reflect the expectations and priorities of the Jefferson County community.
  • Budgetary planning documents, major capital project schedules, and ad hoc committee efforts, to ensure they align with the County's strategic planning process.

See the Budget Advisory Committee web page for a list of members and the meeting schedule.

Proposed Budget and Budget Adoption Hearings

The County Manager’s proposed annual budget is presented in public hearing, first in early or mid-October, then again in mid-November for adoption. The public is encouraged to attend these sessions to offer any comments or feedback on the proposed budget.

Now that the commissioners have been presented with the Proposed Budget, it’s now time for the community to weigh in. There are two key dates to know:

  • Tuesday, October 18 – Proposed Budget public hearing
  • Tuesday, November 15 - Proposed Budget presented at public hearing for final adoption

Members of the community are encouraged to attend in person or virtually and provide their public comment at both of those hearings. As those meeting dates get closer, find all the details on the meetings and how to attend on the County Public Meetings web page.

OpenGov Financial Transparency Portal

Take a look at the OpenGov Financial Transparency Portal, which provides you, the county’s stakeholders, a transparent view of how your funds are invested in the delivery of outstanding public programs and services. The OpenGov Financial Transparency Portal provides a one-stop shop for your financial data needs and includes data analysis/graphing functionality.

Do you have a question, comment or idea on the Jefferson County Budget?

Jeffco wants to hear from the community on what matters most to them and how they would like to see the county address the budget and funding challenges. If you have a question, comment or idea, please fill out our Financial Challenges Contact Form and we'll get back to you. Please be sure to provide your email address on your form submission if you'd like to receive an answer directly to the question you submitted.