GOLDEN — Despite a tough economy, Jefferson County forecasts slightly higher revenues will boost the 2009 budget by 3.3 percent to nearly $395 million.
County employees, who last year took the biggest budget hit, will be eligible for a 3 percent performance-based pay hike.
“It is not a cost-of-living increase,” budget director Jon Johnson told commissioners Tuesday. “A portion of the merit increase is funded with more property taxes collected in 2008 than we expected.”
Paying off the administration and courts facility will free up $7.6 million annually starting in 2009.
Johnson said about $5 million of the freed-up moneys will be used to build new courtrooms to accommodate two additional judges who will take the bench in July.
Commissioner Kevin McCasky said money previously earmarked for the county structure will be used for other capital improvement projects.
About 50 percent of the county’s budget comes from property taxes, which Johnson projected will increase less than 1 percent next year.
Other revenues, such as auto ownership taxes and fees for services, are expected to drop.
Johnson said elected officials and department heads were asked to “spend within means” by meeting set targets based on available revenues.
The county has set aside $14.7 million to upgrade and replace election equipment, depending on state requirements.
Only one person spoke at Tuesday’s hearing. Paddy Correia, the library’s administrative services director, told commissioners they should appropriate 3.5 mills to support library operations.
For several years, the county has provided the library system with 3.425 mills, arguing the 1986 ballot question approved by voters allows “up to” 3.5 mills.
The difference of about $500,000 would be used for additional materials, Correia said.
A second public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Dec. 9.
Ann Schrader: 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com
