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RECENT STORIES

'08 Adams County budget up 13.7 percent
Contributed by: Adams County on 12/12/2007

The Adams County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted its 2008 budget in the Dec. 12 public hearing. The $421.3 million budget represents a 13.7 percent increase over the original 2007 budget.

"The budget process is complicated and this board has dedicated many hours to ensure a balanced and realistic budget provides necessary services to our residents," said Commissioner Chairman W. R. "Skip" Fischer.

The county added 27 full-time positions for 2008. Of these positions, 24 will be funded by the General Fund, two from the Social Services Fund and one by the Fleet Fund. Additionally, the county will be adding 4.5 project designated positions and three part-time positions.

The additional positions were approved to help the county meet growing service demands in public safety and enhance customer service to the citizens of the county. The Sheriff's Office received eight positions. Five of these positions were approved to staff the opening of a new pod in the Detention Facility to alleviate jail overcrowding.

The District Attorney's Office received eight new staff positions to address the impact of growing caseloads and additional judges in the courts. The commissioners also approved staffing increases in the Assessor's Office, Clerk & Recorder's Office, Coroner's Office, Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, Public Works Department-Fleet Division and Planning and Development Department. Other budgeted personnel increases include a 3.5 percent merit pool in conjunction with market adjustments.

Significant budgeted items include $20 million to begin the construction of the county courthouse expansion project and $10 million in preliminary funding for the new county government center. These two projects will be financed with sales tax revenues approved by voters last year. Other major capital projects include $4 million to remodel the Waymire Dome building at the regional park, $2 million to build a road connecting the Adams County Regional Park with 120th Avenue and $4 million to acquire land for a future shooting range and law enforcement training facility. The commissioners also approved $2.1 million in funding for drainage projects, including an additional $1.3 million for the Utah Junction-Clay Street Outfall, and another $800,000 for the Irondale/Kenwood Outfall project.

"The board began the budget process aware that initial budget requests were not sustainable for the long haul based on future revenue projections," said Commissioner Alice J. Nichol. "We had to balance the pressing needs of the county with our ability to adopt a budget the county can sustain."

Road and bridge projects for 2008 include over $6.9 million in regular maintenance of county roads, streets and bridges. The county also budgeted nearly $10.6 million in improvements and expansions of county roads and bridges, including an additional $7.8 million to fund a project on Pecos Street from 52nd Avenue to I-76 and $1.76 million for a joint project with Weld County to improve 168th Avenue between Harvest Mile Road and Hudson Mile Road. Other road and bridge projects include $600,000 to improve Lowell Boulevard in the Goat Hill neighborhood and $400,000 for improvements to Dahlia Street between 74th and 88th avenues.

"Thanks to the voters who approved the sales tax extension, the county can move forward on facility and transportation projects that enhance our ability to provide better services to our citizens," said Commissioner Larry W. Pace.

The county's 2008 budget is made up of 21 separate funds that pay for numerous public services. The county will also use voter-approved sales taxes for transportation and open space projects. Property tax revenues are expected to increase by nearly 7.9 percent due to increased assessed valuations resulting from higher property values and new construction in the county.

In accordance with state statutes, the budget is adopted in December for the upcoming calendar year. Budget books will be available for purchase by early March or may be viewed online at www.co.adams.co.us.

For additional information on policy questions related to the 2008 budget, please contact the Adams County Board of Commissioners at 303.654.6100.

Commissioner W. R. "Skip" Fischer, Chairman
Commissioner Alice J. Nichol
Commissioner Larry W. Pace


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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

John Eisel

Denver , COLORADO

John Eisel has posted 2865 stories and 12 comments since joining on 9/14/2005. John Eisel's average story rating is 4.39.
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