With a slight increase of expenditures and revenues compared to 2016, the county's balanced budget of $541.3 million proposed for 2017 is "sound and responsible," said Daniel Conway, the county's budget manager.
A public hearing on the 2017 Adopted Budget will take place during a regular meeting of the Board of County Commisssioners, beginning at 8 a.m. Dec. 6 in Hearing Room One in the Jefferson County government building, 100 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden.
Daniel Conway, the county's budget manager, described it as "very sound and reasonable."
A public hearing on the proposed budget will take place during a regular meeting of the Board of County Commisssioners, beginning at 8 a.m. Dec. 6 in Hearing Room One in the Jefferson County government building, 100 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden.
According to the budget, the county expects revenues to increase by $2.3 million over last year.
Taxes make up about $290 million of the county's revenue. Just about 50 percent of the county's revenue comes from property taxes. Eight percent comes from auto ownership and fuel tax,and 12 percent from sales tax.
The remaining revenue comes from various areas, including licenses and permits, fines and forfeitures, contributions and donations and charges for services, for example.
Expenditures are expected to increase in 2017 by about 5 percent.
By department, the sheriff has the highest expenditure fund at about 18 percent, followed by development and transportation at 15.5 percent and human services at 15.2 percent.
The county's 2017 proposed operating budget is $441.7 million. Almost 45 percent of the county's operating budget is used for salaries and benefits for its 3,000 employees. This category amounts to $242.3 million for the 2017 fiscal year. The county expects to add some 18 full-and-part time employees to staff in 2017.
Countywide capital projects total about $58.9 million. About $29.3 million will be used for one-time capital expenditures. Examples of some one-time capital projects for 2017 come from the facilities department for roof audits on county buildings, and the IT department for internet fiber replacement.
The county budget also has funds for certain amenities or services. For example, these include the airport, Head Start, public health and human services funds --; used mostly to pay for capital improvement projects.
The Jefferson County Public Library fund is about $6.4 million, which comes from the mill levy that was passed by voters last year. The largest project for the library in 2017 is the remodel of the Columbine Library, which is budgeted at $4.25 million.
But the library will also focus on providing access to more books and materials, and expanding its technology offerings, said Brian DeLaet, chairman of the library board.
"We're excited to be restoring and expanding library services in Jefferson County," he said. "Our mission is to help build an educated and vibrant community by providing equal access to information and opportunities to every resident in the county."
The Jefferson County Open Space fund is $9.8 million, and the parks system has a few projects planned for 2017.
There will be some land acquisitions totaling about $2 million.
About $220,000 is expected to be spent on park design development, primarily for trail development around the Rocky Flats area. Some park upgrades are expected to cost about $100,000. Upgrades include installing closure gates at Pine Valley Ranch Park, White Ranch Park and South Valley Park.
Jeffco Open Space's mission is to preserve parklands, protect park resources and provide nature-based experiences for all, said Matt Robbins, Jeffco Open Space's community connections manager. Concerning the budget, Open Space is appreciative of the county commissioners' consideration and collaborative work to ensure Open Space can be well-enjoyed by all residents, Robbins said.
"The people of Jefferson County have said, repeatedly, how important open space is," he said. "That's why we're all invested in this."
from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Jefferson-County-budget-increases-slightly,238562
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