Commissioner Kerr: Thank You, Jeffco Voters and Election Workers

This is an important Commissioner Corner for me, because following the election there is much to celebrate, reflect on, and prepare for. First off, 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, Jefferson County 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. We have many community groups to thank for their efforts in advocating for Ballot Measure 1A, including the group Citizens for Jeffco's Future.

Because measure 1A passed, Jefferson County's budget team presented a Continuation Budget for adoption at the Nov. 19 public hearing rather than the originally planned Reduction Budget. The Continuation Budget will essentially serve as a bridge, allowing us to navigate this transitional period effectively. This approach will help us maintain essential services and support for county operations while we work on a more finalized "Retention Budget" in the spring that identifies the most effect ways to utilize the retained revenue to meet our public safety and transportation needs. It is important to note that with this Continuation Budget, some reductions that have been identified as continuous improvement may still be implemented.

Additionally, I would like to congratulate Sen. Rachel Zenzinger who will be our new County Commissioner representing District 1, and District Attorney Alexis King on her reelection. We are also grateful for work that Commissioner Tracy Kraft-Tharp has done during her time representing District 1. For a full list of Jefferson County election results, visit https://www.jeffco.us/578/Election-Results.

Finally, I would like to recognize the county employees in the Clerk and Recorder's Office who worked hard to ensure a safe and secure election. Jefferson County voters continue to be among the most active in Colorado and it is a source of pride knowing that our county's election staff and volunteers continue to be a model for the nation on how an election can and should be run.

- Andy

Commissioner Kerr can be reached via email or phone (303) 271-8511.

Visit the Jefferson County Commissioners webpage to learn more about what they do. The Board of County Commissioners' public hearings are held on most Tuesdays at 9 a.m. and we invite you to join us for public comment. Visit the Jefferson County meetings webpage for more information.