Jefferson County will cut $16.1 million from its 2020 budget after voters rejected Ballot Issue 1A. The measure would have allowed the county to reinvest revenue that exceeds the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) cap into essential county services. Jefferson County is only one of two counties in the state not to have modified TABOR in some manner.
“The citizens of Jefferson County have rendered their decision and we will execute accordingly. Our recommended 2020 budget includes $16.1 million in cuts, including to services such as law enforcement and transportation,” said County Manager Don Davis. “We will begin the process of identifying areas and services for reduction, or in some cases elimination, in 2021 and beyond. As such, we will continue to collaborate, prioritize and communicate with the community as we go forward.”
The 2020 budget reflects a 7% reduction – or $16.1 million in cuts for the General Fund. The majority of the General Fund goes to public safety, which includes the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Justice Services, the Coroner’s Office and some transportation projects. The largest cuts will be seen in these areas.
The County Commissioners will hold the budget hearing, which was continued from Oct. 29 due to inclement weather, on Nov. 12, to finalize the 2020 budget. Commissioners encourage community members to provide public testimony on how they would like to see the county address the budget shortfall. The hearing will begin at 8 a.m. in Hearing Room One, located on the first floor of the Administration and Courts Facility at 100 Jefferson County Parkway. The proceedings will also be available online at www.jeffco.us/751.