Historic investments in your priorities are once again front and center in the County’s 2023 budget, approved by the Board of Douglas County Commissioners during a public hearing Thursday, Dec. 15.
The Board’s Core Priorities, community input and fiscally conservative guiding principles are foundational to the balanced $579.6 million budget, which includes a $227 million investment in countywide transportation projects that will increase safety and mobility for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, as defined by the County’s 2040 Transportation Master Plan.
In addition to major reconstruction and widening of US 85 between Highlands Ranch Parkway and County Line Road, planned projects in 2023 include: improvements at the Quebec/Lincoln/University intersection in Highlands Ranch, the widening and reconstruction of Pine Drive in Parker, the relocation of the I-25 West Frontage Road in Castle Rock, the Bayou Gulch Road extension in unincorporated Douglas County, construction of a bridge to carry the C-470 Trail over University, and the widening and reconstruction of County Line Road between University and Broadway in Highlands Ranch.
For a look at upcoming transportation projects, visit DouglasRoadwork.com.
The 2023 balanced budget also includes $95.2 million for public safety, including funding for 27 new Sheriff’s deputies.
By Jan. 3, 2023, the Douglas County Health Department will provide all public health services for Douglas County citizens. The 2023 balanced budget includes a total of $7.4 million for the department. Of that, $4.5 million is state and federal funding, $900,000 is from fees, and $2 million is from the County’s general fund – a savings of $700,000 compared to Douglas County’s previous annual contribution to Tri-County Health.
Next year’s investments in historic and natural resources include design and construction for Macanta Regional Park (located off of Crowfoot Valley Road near Castle Rock), Hidden Mesa concrete trail construction, along with design services and initial construction for an Astronomical Observatory at Sandstone Ranch.
The budget does not include any new fees or taxes. The County is debt-free.
The process to develop the balanced budget begins each year in May. By Oct. 15, the preliminary budget is posted online for public access and review before formal consideration by the Board in December.
For a more detailed overview of the 2023 budget, read the 2023 budget book. For complete County financial information, visit the County’s Financial Transparency web page.