Jefferson County unanimously approved a $605.3 million budget that includes $16.1 million in reductions due to the failure of the county’s “de-Brucing” initiative in the Nov. 5 election.
The measure would’ve allowed Jeffco to retain property tax funds that exceed the Taxpayer Bill of Rights limit.
As compared to the approved budget for 2020, last year’s financial plan was a bit lower at $603.8 million. Property taxes remain the largest source of revenue for Jefferson County at 40 percent or $241.8 million. Likewise, salaries and benefits for county employees remain the highest expenditure at 45 percent or $274.1 million.
Developing the county’s budget is a complex process because it is comprised of 35 separate funds. For example, departments such as Jeffco Open Space, Jeffco Road and Bridge, and Jeffco Public Libraries each have separate resources and a distinct budget. While these entities’ spending plans together create Jeffco’s full annual budget, Jeffco cannot take from an organization such as Jeffco Open Space to pay deputies at the Jeffco Sheriff’s Office.
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