Strong Economic Recovery, Unemployment Down 2%
The Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) unanimously adopted the 2023 Adams County budget at public hearing on Tuesday, Nov. 22. The 2023 budget is set at $719,282,203, which is a 9% increase from 2022.
Adams County’s collective and collaborative efforts were focused on building a structurally balanced and sustainable budget, especially considering the milestone accomplishment of funding a new Public Health Department to better serve the community in a post-pandemic environment.
“This year’s budget includes investments reflecting the values of our community,” said County Manager Noel Bernal. “We maintained organizational balance while standing up a new 150-plus staffed Public Health Department to strategically deploy critical services into our communities, made employee investments maintaining our status as an employer of choice, and invested in capital improvements benefiting the county for many years to come.”
When setting its priorities for the 2023 budget, the BoCC used five main criteria: education and economic prosperity, a high-performing and fiscally sustainable government, quality of life, safe and reliable infrastructure, and community enrichment.
Some specific projects and costs in the 2023 budget include:
- $10.9 million in increased allocations in several areas to help our most vulnerable residents, including but not limited to homelessness programs, investments in the Head Start program, and a scholarship program for deserving students.
- $20.3 million in new and ongoing road and bridge projects.
- $6 million in new and replacement fleet needs throughout the county, including public safety, highway, and Colorado Air & Space Port equipment.
- $32.9 million in facility projects, including continuing construction on the Fleet & Public Works building.
- $8.6 million in Parks, Open Space & Cultural Arts projects, including acquisitions to enhance an already robust system.
“I’m proud to present the 2023 budget to the people of Adams – a fiscally sound and responsible plan rooted in equity and inclusion,” said Lynn Baca, BoCC Chair. “We must continue pushing forward and address the challenges facing residents in Adams County. I am proud this balanced budget focuses on securing today and investing in tomorrow.”
Based on these board priorities, the Budget & Finance Department, headed by Director Nancy Duncan, worked with Bernal and his staff to plan and prepare the proposed 2023 budget with input from all elected officials and department directors. The 2023 adopted budget is available for review at adcogov.org/annual-budget.
The mission of the Budget & Finance Department is to develop a financial plan ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of county residents. Adams County is committed to adopting a budget that facilitates the orderly and efficient delivery of county government services, as directed by the Local Government Budget Law of Colorado, other governmental mandates, policy directives developed by the BoCC, and resident feedback.
Board of Commissioners Support Gov. Polis Statewide Mask Order
On behalf of the Adams County Board of Commissioners, I want to extend our support to Governor Polis for the statewide mandatory mask order. Incidents have increased 109% in Adams County over the past month, as well as across the state. It’s important to support this initiative to keep ourselves and our neighbors healthy and our businesses open. This is a necessary step to halt the spread of this virus that has already disrupted so much of our lives.
Adams County Reopens Mini-Grant Applications to Benefit Small Businesses
As part of its COVID-19 emergency response and recovery strategy, Adams County is again accepting applications for its mini-grant program to support small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 situation. Businesses can apply for mini-grants at adamscountycovid19.org/minigrants starting today at noon.
Tri-County Health Department Issues Public Health Order Requiring Face Coverings
July 10, 2020 - Today, Tri-County Health Department (TCHD) issued the Public Health Order Requiring Facial Coverings in Public Where Social Distancing Cannot be Maintained that was approved by its Board of Health on July 8.
Adams County Will Soon Be Under Mandatory Face Covering Order
Tri-County Health Department (TCHD) recently put in place a mandatory face covering order at an online board meeting, citing concerns over the steady increase of coronavirus cases over the past few weeks in the tri-county area, and the effectiveness of face coverings to help prevent the spread. The order will be put in place soon for Adams County for 90 days, with the option to amend, rescind, or extend.
County Updates Small Business Stabilization Program to Expand Pool of Applicants
As part of its COVID-19 emergency response and recovery strategy, Adams County, through its Community & Economic Development Department, established the Small Business Stabilization Program in May to provide local businesses with grants up to $35,000 to retain jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Suncor to Conduct Fire Extinguisher Training
Suncor’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) will conduct fire extinguisher training Wednesday, July 8, 2020, from approximately 1-3 p.m. The fire extinguisher training will take place at the Plant 1 fire training grounds on the western edge of the Commerce City refinery property. During the training there will likely be flames and smoke produced. Local stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and local government officials have been notified.
RTD set to open N Line for passenger service on Sept. 21
DENVER (June 23, 2020) – The Regional Transportation District (RTD) today announced that it will open its newest commuter rail corridor, the N Line, on Sept. 21. The rail line will serve Denver, Commerce City, Northglenn and Thornton and include a stop at the National Western Complex.
The N Line includes six new stations, with a total of 2,480 new parking spaces. As part of a promotional pilot program, RTD will offer a local fare for travel on the entirety of the line during its first six months of operation.
Adams County wins Judgement for Violations of an Intergovernmental Agreement with City and County of Denver
A Jefferson County judge ordered the City and County of Denver to pay Adams County more than $33 million for violations of an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) regarding noise levels at Denver International Airport (DIA) during the years of 2014, 2015, and 2016. DIA was found in violation of 67 Class II noise exposure performance standards (NEPS) during the aforementioned years.
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) Extended
Typically, the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) ends on April 30 each year. This year, it’s being extended through July 31 due to COVID-19. Residents can apply for LEAP through Colorado PEAK or over the phone through the Health Helpline: 1.866.432.8435. Paper applications are also available in front of the Human Services Center, 11860 Pecos St., Westminster, and completed applications can be placed in the HSC drop-box located in front of the building.
Building Safety Division Transitions to New Schedule
NEW! Beginning Tuesday, June 23, 2020, Adams County Building Safety Division will transition to a 4-10 schedule for building inspections. Building inspection scheduling will be available Tuesday-Friday, and inspection hours will be 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Electrical inspections will continue to be offered Monday-Friday and inspections will be performed between 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
