Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a tax increase?
No, this measure does not increase taxes. It simply allows Jefferson County to retain and use the money it already collects.
What happens if the measure fails?
If the measure fails, the county is poised to make $15-20 million in budget cuts next year. This is not the first time the county has faced budget cuts. To date, Jefferson County has cut $16.1 million in the 2020 budget and $8.7 million in 2021, placing us further behind including a $500 million+ backlog in transportation projects. Federal funding during and after the COVID pandemic staved off additional budget cuts at the county, but those federal dollars are no longer available.
How will the funds be used?
The funds will pay for critical county services like road and bridge repairs, wildfire mitigation, mental health services, crime prevention, and more. An annual audit will ensure the funds are used only for these purposes, ensuring transparency and accountability.
What happens to my state refund?
The measure does not impact your state refund check, but it will affect your county refund. Over the last three years, the county refund check has averaged $22 (the median refund check last year was $100), and if the measure passes, these funds will instead be invested in critical county services.
Will this get rid of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR)?
No, passing this measure will simply give Jefferson County an exception to the TABOR revenue cap that is imposed on the county by state law. TABOR allows counties to ask voters whether they want to remove the mandated cap for essential services.
Why is Jeffco making cuts when it’s collecting more in property taxes?
The influx of additional property tax funds does not significantly benefit Jeffco. Why? Under state law, Jeffco is limited in how much the county can collect and spend in property taxes. Dollars over the cap are returned to taxpayers in a refund check. We are asking to remove the cap.
How much money over the cap will the county collect this year?
In 2024, the county expects to collect and refund $30.5 million to taxpayers. Staff is still calculating what the average refund would be for taxpayers. Most counties reinvest those dollars above the cap in services and programs. For Jeffco, that’s more than $30 million dollars that could be invested in essential county services to help improve residents’ quality of life.