A historic 1.25 temporary mill levy reduction, crediting $10 million back to Douglas County property owners, as well as one of the most significant local government transportation investments in the Front Range, are central outcomes of the Board of Douglas County Commissioners’ budget process concluding with the adoption of the 2022 Budget during a public hearing 0n Dec. 14.
“The budget for 2022 reflects the Board’s values – fiscal responsibility while funding public safety and transportation needs,” said Commissioner Lora Thomas, Chair. “We hear our citizens want to be safe. They want us to only take the taxes we need and to let them live their lives as they choose. This budget accomplishes these desires.”
The Board’s Core Priorities, community input and fiscally conservative guiding principles were foundational to the $511 million budget, which features a $190 million investment in transportation improvements. This total includes re-appropriated capital funding of $101 million for road projects occurring over multiple years.
“This year, the County is able to announce the largest tax cut in County history and return $10 million to our citizens. In addition, after April of next year when we pay off our open space bond, the County will be debt-free,” said Commissioner Abe Laydon.
More than $90 million of the transportation funding is dedicated to new transportation projects to reduce congestion and enhance safety, as defined in the County’s 2040 Transportation Master Plan including: the widening of Pine Drive from Lincoln Avenue to Inspiration Drive; Pine Lane improvements from University to Broadway; Bayou Gulch Road extension; improvements on Hilltop Road.
“We know our citizens and business community want us to improve safety and mobility on our roads. Again this year, we are making one of the most significant local government transportation investments on the Front Range,” said Commissioner George Teal.
Additional 2022 Budget highlights include public safety investments of two new detectives and one deputy in the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to support services for older adults consistent with the County’s growth in this demographic.
The 2022 Budget also includes additional trail construction at Sandstone Ranch; Glendale Dog Park and parking lot improvements; and Challenger Regional Park synthetic turf replacement.
Read more about the 2022 Balanced Budget online, Budget Books – Douglas County Government