Jefferson County recently mailed 2023 TABOR refund checks in accordance with the state’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) Amendment.

TABOR requires governments in Colorado to refund revenue collected above the TABOR limit for a given fiscal year or seek voter approval to retain the revenue. In 2023, Jefferson County received approximately $30.5 million in revenue above the TABOR revenue limit. As a result, the county sent checks to approximately 211,000 property owners in 2024.

• All Jefferson County property owners on file as of Aug. 15, 2024, including homeowners and business owners, received an equitable share of the $30.5 million refund.
• The average check amount was about $145 and 93% of property taxpayers will receive a check for $200 or less.
• The median check amount was about $86 (50% of checks are for $86 or less).

The 2023 TABOR refund checks are not affected in any way by the recent passage of measure 1A. Additionally, county TABOR refunds are separate and apart from any TABOR refund checks issued by the State of Colorado.

Adorned with approximately 300 tags, Jefferson County's Giving Tree will be up on Nov. 22 in the atrium of the Administration and Courts Facility, 100 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden. The Giving Tree continues the tradition of including gift tags with holiday gift wishes from some of Jeffco's less fortunate children. Don't wait too long to grab a tag or two, they normally don't last long. Unwrapped gifts must be returned by Thursday, Dec. 5.

Jefferson County is known statewide for its big voter turnout, and the November General Election was no exception. While numbers are still being finalized, about 84% of voters returned their ballot. This is one of the highest percentages of all metro area counties, and a record number of voters voted in-person. See all election results for Jefferson County.

As severe weather events become more frequent and intense, it’s vital to provide support for those in the Jeffco community who may be affected, particularly those experiencing homelessness. Access a variety of resources for shelter, safety, and essential services during severe cold weather conditions.

Service through Jefferson County’s volunteer boards and commissions is a great way for Jeffco residents to provide valuable input and make a positive impact in our community. The Board of County Commissioners appoints more than 300 citizens to serve on boards and commissions covering a wide variety of issues. View vacancies and apply by Nov 25.

In April 2024, Jefferson County Treasurer Jerry DiTullio closed the property tax payment drop box located on the outside of the Jefferson County Administration and Court Facility after it was tampered with. The new property tax payment drop box features enhanced security, using the same technology and design as the ballot drop boxes.

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) helps cover heating and energy costs for families and individuals that qualify. LEAP accepts applications every year beginning Nov. 1 and running through April 30. LEAP is not intended to pay the entire cost of home heating, but rather it helps alleviate some of the burden associated with the colder months. Learn about eligibility and apply for LEAP.

Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) is excited to continue the design phase for the new Conifer Library location. There are many ways for the community to get involved, including through various naming opportunities. Check out the Conifer Library Donor Book for information on how to create a living legacy through a gift.

Have fun at Jefferson County Public Library over Thanksgiving Break with creative activities. There are many fun activities to choose from, including fall crafting, autumn bean mosaics, acoustics, building, spin science, and more.

Twice a year the Jefferson County Clerk & Recorder's Office provides passport processing with no appointment necessary. If you are filing for a new passport, your passport has expired by more than five years, or are getting passports for your children, this is the event for you. From 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., stop by with all of your documents, a checkbook, and your application. We will get you ready for summer 2025 travel. RSVP today.

Standley Lake Library's Yarn & Needle Arts Group is partnering with the American Red Cross for this year's Annual Community Drive to support unhoused veterans in Jeffco. Make a difference by contributing hand-made and store-bought donations at the Standley Lake Library through Nov. 30.

Do you have professional or lived experience with intellectual and developmental disabilities or developmental delays? Are you interested in supporting community members with disabilities? Join Jefferson County’s Case Management Agency as a member of the Family Support Council to provide guidance and feedback.

I want to share my gratitude to Jefferson County voters for again selecting me to represent District 2 as County Commissioner. I also want to take a moment to acknowledge some additional positive news, and to highlight the exceptional efforts of election workers and volunteers.

On Nov. 5, Jeffco voters decided to allow the county to retain revenue to help fund public safety as well as transportation and infrastructure needs. This is a big deal for the county and will have a positive impact on our community for decades to come. Read the full article.

Jefferson County utilizes virtual town halls as a tool to provide updates and to interact with community members regarding important county business. On Dec. 10 from 6-7 p.m., Commissioners Lesley Dahlkemper, Andy Kerr and Tracy Kraft-Tharp will be joined by County Manager Joe Kerby and county subject matter experts to provide updates and answer your questions. The discussion topic will be severe weather.

In the latest edition of Get To Know Jeffco, inmates within the Jefferson County Jail cast their ballots recently for the 2024 general election.

Only those currently serving a term of confinement for a felony cannot vote in Colorado, meaning many of the inmates — from those serving a term of confinement for a misdemeanor conviction to those legally innocent and awaiting trial — are eligible to vote. Learn more about Get To Know Jeffco.

Simms Street was realigned between 112th Avenue and Colorado Highway 128 to enhance street connectivity and facilitate development as part of the Verve Innovation Park development. The new alignment includes a three-lane roadway, enhanced streetscape, sidewalks and additional intersection capacity at Highway 128 and Eldorado Boulevard.

On Oct. 16, the Jefferson County Historical Commission (JCHC) and History Jeffco held the 46th Annual Hall of Fame Celebration. This annual celebration is an opportunity to recognize Hall of Fame inductees, award landmark designations, present the Meyer Award for Historic Preservation, and unveil this year’s edition of Historically Jeffco magazine. Read more on the JCHC Happenings web page.

Commemorate our veterans as we pay tribute to their incredible service. Throughout November, the Lakewood Library’s walls will come alive with stunning artworks created by local veterans.

Tree of Heaven is native to Asia and was introduced to North America in the 1780s as an ornamental. It has escaped and is now also found infesting waste places, abandoned property, riparian areas, rights-of-way, and more commonly in urban areas.

Control includes herbicide treatment of stems (basal bark or hack) and foliar treatment of small plants. The time for control is mid-summer through fall. Removal and cut stump treatments often result in resprouting and are not recommended.

Colorado Gives Day season is here. This year, more than 4,000 Colorado nonprofits are participating in our state’s most impactful 24-hour giving movement, Colorado Gives Day. Early giving is open and all donations made through ColoradoGivesDay.org are eligible for incentive matches and prizes, culminating with the big day on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

On Saturday, Nov. 23 from 2-5 p.m the City of Arvada, Jeffco Public Schools, and Apex Park and Recreation will host the grand opening of the new, state-of-the-art Arvada Aquatics Center. The celebration will include a ribbon-cutting, facility tours, and more to officially unveil this exciting new addition to our community.

Celebrate the holiday season during a lighting ceremony and festivities at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5. Lakewood Lights features free entertainment and family friendly activities, including holiday carols, hot cocoa and holiday treats, ornament crafting station, free visits with Santa Claus, and holiday shopping in the museum store.

On Nov. 5, 68% of Wheat Ridge voters approved a ballot measure that lowers the maximum building height for residential structures to 30 feet (two-and-a-half stories) near neighborhoods adjacent to the east, west, and south of the Lutheran Legacy Campus while limiting building heights to 70 feet (five stories), in the interior of the campus, which is significantly shorter than the now-vacant hospital structure.

It’s that time of year, we are kicking off our Holiday Wishes Program (formerly known as Giving Tree). Each year, CASA partners with Jeffco Human Services to match community donors to families in need for the holiday season. Donors are sent the family’s wish list and have until early December to drop off the items. Find out how to participate.

Early giving is open for Colorado Gives Day. Now through Dec. 10, your gift to Jeffco Prosperity Partners (JPP) will go twice as far. Thanks to a generous $10,000 matching donation from Jeffco supporters, every dollar doubles hope and opportunity for families in our community. Visit JPP’s donation page to make a difference today.

Apex is slashing the price of Tier 1 and Tier 2 annual passes for three days only. Receive 20% off any Tier 1 or Tier 2 annual pass from Nov. 29 through Dec. 1. The pass start date must be no later than Jan. 2, 2025. Purchase in-person or online. Get your holiday shopping done early and get a great deal while you are at it.

Gift cards are valid at any Foothills Park & Recreation District recreation facility for classes, daily admissions, pass purchases, or massage services. Purchase gift cards at Peak Community & Wellness Center, Ridge Recreation Center, Lilley Gulch Recreation Center and Edge Ice Arena. ⛳ Golf gift cards can be purchased at Meadows Golf Club and at Foothills Golf Course. Find our facility locations.

The Colorado Gives Foundation will light up the skies in Arvada on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. The drone show will highlight Colorado Gives Day and the various causes you can support. Enjoy a free hot chocolate, while supplies last. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.