The Adams County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted its 2009 budget in the Dec. 10, 2008 public hearing. The $426.2 million budget represents a 1.2 percent increase over the original 2008 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 Alice J. Nichol, board chairman.

The county added 24 positions for 2009. Of these positions, 17.5 will be funded by the social services fund to address growing caseloads and 6.5 from the general fund. Three of the general fund positions were approved in 2008, but budgeted for the first time in 2009. Two positions were added to address mandates and 1.5 of the general fund positions are funded by a direct source of revenue.

The additional positions were approved to help the county meet growing service demands in social services, public safety and enhance customer service to the citizens of the county. The Sheriff's Office received four positions. Three positions were approved to staff the growing operations at the Justice Center. A forensic DNA detective was added to expedite court cases involving complicated genetic material evidence.

The District Attorney's Office received 1.5 new staff positions to help address the impact of growing caseloads and additional judges in the courts. The half time District Attorney's position will be funded by the City and County of Broomfield. The commissioners also approved new staff in Facility Operations to maintain the 100,000 square foot addition to the Justice Center. Funding for this position will come from the sales tax authorized to be spent for construction of the county's new facilities and any operating costs directly related to such construction. Other budgeted personnel increases include a three percent merit pool in conjunction with market adjustments.

Significant budgeted items include an additional $11 million to finish construction of the county courthouse expansion. This project will be financed with sales tax revenues approved by voters. Other major capital projects include $9.7 million in additional funding for the Pecos Street grade separation improvement project in the road and bridge fund, over $4 million in drainage projects out of the general fund and over $17.3 million on potential open space projects should such opportunities occur.

"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 W. R. "Skip" Fischer. "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 2009 include nearly $5.1 million in regular maintenance of county roads, streets and bridges. The county also budgeted nearly $9.7 million in additional funding for Pecos Street from 52nd Avenue to I-76 mentioned above and $260,000 thousand for a joint project with Westminster to improve 144th Avenue between Huron and Zuni.

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

The county's 2009 budget is made up of 20 separate funds that pay for numerous public services. The county will also use voter-approved sales tax revenues for transportation and open space projects. Property tax revenues are expected to increase by nearly 2.5 percent due to 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.