As we’ve been discussing with our community, the county is facing financial challenges. The county has already made cuts within the General Fund to slow spending and balance the county’s budget – totaling $16.1 million in 2020 and approximately $8.7 million in 2021. These reductions have impacted essential public services such as public safety, roads and more.

Beginning in 2023, the county is facing up to an additional $20 million in cuts in the General Fund. Without support from our voters for additional funding, these cuts will reduce programs and services and the county will not be able to deliver those programs and services in the way in which the community is accustomed.

Most importantly, it’s critical that your voice be heard. What are your needs and priorities? Which county services matter the most to you?

Part of a group or organization interested in learning more about Jeffco's funding challenges? Let us know and we'll come to you!

Each year Jeffco Open Space uses seasonal wildlife closures at the parks to protect species at sensitive times in their life cycles. This year’s seasonal wildlife closures affect numerous Jeffco Open Space parks and trails. Protect the wildlife you love. Respect seasonal wildlife closures.

Career transition can be a daunting task to overcome. Jefferson County's Business & Workforce Center can assist in getting you back into the workforce and overcome today’s challenges effectively through the Survive and Thrive – Securing Employment in 2022 accelerated coaching series.

The series begins Feb. 17 and meets every Thursday from 9 a.m.-noon. Topics include Letting Go & Moving On, Job Search Techniques 2022, Resumes & Cover Letters With Impact, The Art of Interviewing, and Get Out of Your Own Way.

Interested in working for Jeffco Open Space? Boettcher Mansion? CSU Extension? Jeffco Fairgrounds?

Take a look at ALL the positions currently posted here.

The 2021 payable 2022 property tax notifications have been mailed. If you have not received one or need to know what you paid last year, please visit our Property Tax Records and Payment Site. Taxes can be paid in either two equal half payments, with the first half due February 28, 2022, and the second half due by June 15, 2022, OR one full payment due by May 2, 2022.

Please visit the Treasurer’s Payment Options Page to learn the available ways to pay property taxes.

The South Kipling Parkway Sidewalk and Intersection Improvements project includes construction of a missing section of 8-foot-wide sidewalk from W. Geddes Ave. to W. Coal Mine Ave. along the east side of S. Kipling PKWY. A connection to Dutch Creek Regional Trail will be installed near the intersection of S. Kipling Parkway and W. Meadows Drive. These improvements include new traffic signals, pedestrian crossings at the south of each intersection, and upgraded pedestrian curb ramps.

Each quarter Sheriff Jeff Shrader presents the Law Enforcement Authority Report to the Board of County Commissioners. The report includes Sheriff’s Office events, news, statistics, and notable activities during the previous quarter for the Patrol and Criminal Investigations Divisions.

You can read the 4th quarter 2021 report here.

With COVID-19 cases beginning to decline in our community, Jefferson County Public Health and the Jefferson County Board of Health recently made changes to the county’s public health orders. After hearing updated data from Jefferson County Public Health, the Board of Health on Feb. 10 voted to rescind Public Health Order 21-006, the public health order requiring the use of masks in all public, indoor settings, including school and childcare settings, effective Feb. 11, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.

Any state or federal mask requirements will remain in place in the county – such as the federal requirement for all individuals to wear a mask when using public transportation and CDPHE’s Public Health Order 20-38, which requires unvaccinated individuals to wear masks in specific settings, including medical facilities (including long term care facilities), homeless shelters, prisons and jails.

On Jan. 28, the Jefferson County Board of Health voted to rescind PHO 21-005, which required routine testing of unvaccinated local government employees.

There are many ways to get a COVID-19 vaccine, and vaccines are widely available at many locations and times across the county. COVID-19 vaccines are free, and no insurance or ID is required. You can visit a JCPH COVID-19 vaccination clinic near you. Appointments are required at this time. You can go to a local vaccine provider like a healthcare partners or a retail pharmacy location. See our COVID-19 Vaccine page for more details.

Wearing a mask and getting vaccinated are two of the most important tools to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The state is offering free KN95 and surgical-grade masks at participating locations across the state. You may receive five free masks per month. To find a distribution site near you, visit covid19.colorado.gov/freemasks

Show your love for that special someone – and the environment – by skipping the celebratory balloons. Balloons that accidentally get set free often end up in our parks, lakes and rivers. They endanger wildlife, livestock and pets, which can get injured or be killed from eating balloon fragments, getting tangled in long balloon ribbons or strings. So, reduce excess waste and stick to thoughtful gifts and romantic gestures.

Visit the Sustainability Commission website for more sustainability tips.

You can help break the cycle of generational poverty when you register to run for Jeffco Human Services Foundation at the Colfax Marathon happening May 14-15! There is NO additional cost for choosing a nonprofit, and there is a race for everyone: Marathon, Half Marathon, Urban 10, 5K or Marathon Relay. Register now before prices increase March 9th . We can’t wait to see you there!

For additional information contact Roxanne Dunaway at [email protected].

The next TRIAD meeting will be on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 1:30 p.m. in the District Attorney’s Training Room. AARP will be presenting a program

on social media and scams. All are welcome.

TRIAD of Jefferson County is built on a cooperative relationship between community members, the DA's Office, local law enforcement agencies, and senior service providers.

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, an issue that impacts everyone – not just teens – but their parents, teachers, friends and communities as well.

Talk to your teen about creating healthy and safe relationships, whether or not they are involved with a significant other.

Learn more about building connectedness through strong communication during interactive and engaging sessions for teens and their trusted adults at the FREE Helping Teens Thrive...Together virtual conference. The event will take place on Saturday, March 12; 10am-12pm.

Have you heard recently that the SLASH program has been cut and the Fairgrounds is closing? The answer is NO! These are just two myths circulating right now about Jefferson County.

This month, I’d like to set the record straight about these and a few other myths about county government and provide a reality check on what is actually happening at your county. Read the full article.

Quick links to Commissioner Information:

The winters in Colorado can change quickly from warm days to icy - it's good to be prepared. Jefferson County Public Health has put together some tips for preparing your vehicle and home, and how to handle snowstorms before and after they come your way.

Visit JCPH's Winter Preparedness page for helpful information on what to include in your vehicle survival kit and home supply kit.

Many Colorado families and working people are eligible to get thousands in cash-back payments through the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Visit GetAheadColorado.org to share resources, including ways for families to file taxes for free, free tax help, and other resources that can help make taxes easier.

Unfortunately, Colorado weather in the Front Range has been very testing and unpredictable this winter. From bone dry conditions to heavy snows.

For protection of your structure and to help prevent potential foundation repairs, Jeffco Building Safety reminds you to please make sure that the established final grade falls a minimum of 6 inches in the first 10 feet.

Parents, guardians and caregivers can better support the youth in their lives by learning practical skills for having difficult conversations about alcohol, marijuana, vaping and other substances. Register today for free parenting workshops being offered monthly through April in English and Spanish. Workshops are sponsored by Jefferson County Communities that Care, Jeffco Public Schools and Jefferson County Public Health's Tobacco Prevention Initiative.

Foothills Animal Shelter offers low-cost vaccine clinics for owned pets every Friday from 3-4:30 p.m. at its Shelter, 580 McIntyre St, Golden, CO 80401. Microchips and Jefferson County pet licenses are also available.

Learn more at FoothillsAnimalShelter.org/vaccinations.

Foothills Park & Recreation District is hiring! We’re in the business of fun. Want to work somewhere with unique benefits, a great atmosphere and lots of flexibility? Foothills has immediate openings for Full-Time, Part-Time and Seasonal positions in a variety of departments.

Join us for a Job Fair on Sunday, Feb. 27 to learn about all the park and recreation career opportunities we offer. View jobs currently available and apply today at ifoothills.org/employment/.

Jefferson County Boys & Girls Club at Emory Elementary School provides a full range of activities and programs for members ages 6-12! We are an employer that invests in its team, promoting internally and offering professional development opportunities!

We’re currently hiring a part-time Adult Staff and Reading Specialist and a full-time STEM Specialist. All positions develop programs and work with kids to help them achieve their fullest potential. Visit bgcmd.org/careers to learn more and apply!