The Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted the 2021 Adams County budget at public hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 15. The 2021 budget is set at $574,484,273, a slight increase from 2020.
“We are fortunate to be on solid financial ground as COVID-19 continues to affect our community,” said County Manager Raymond H. Gonzales. “Although the pandemic is a factor in our budget, it is not stopping Adams County from planning and executing projects based on our goals for 2021. With proper management and planning, we were able to present a budget with no proposed layoffs or furloughs.”
When setting its priorities for the 2021 budget, the Board of County Commissioners 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 2021 budget include:
- Renovation of the Coroner’s facility – $4 million
- Construction of a new facility for the Fleet and Public Works departments – $9.5 million
- Design of a multi-use arena at Riverdale Regional Park – $1.5 million
- Installation of a new irrigation system at the Dunes Golf Course – $3 million
- New and replacement Fleet vehicles and equipment – $2.9 million
“As we planned for another unusual year, the board kept the county mission to responsibly serve our community with integrity and innovation at the forefront of the budget process,” said Emma Pinter, Board of County Commissioners Chair. “From renovation and construction of facilities to make sure our vital services are available to the start of a new arena at the regional park and everything in between, we are poised to make good on that promise in 2021.”
Based on these board priorities, the Budget Department, headed by Director Nancy Duncan, worked with Gonzales and his staff to plan and prepare the proposed 2021 budget with input from all elected officials and department directors. The 2021 adopted budget is available for review at adcogov.org/budget.
The mission of the Budget Department is to develop a financial plan that ensures 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 Board of County Commissioners, 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.
