To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Michelle Halstead, director, commissioners’ office
Prepared By:
prepared
Michelle Halstead, director, commissioners’ office
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presenter
Presenter: Janet Becker-Wold, 1A Resident Advisory Committee Chair; Andrew Lantzy, 1A Resident Advisory Committee Vice-Chair
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Subject:
title
2:30 PM *1A Resident Advisory Committee Review and Discussion of the 2027 Recommended Budget in Alignment with Ballot Measure 1A
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The purpose of this study session is to provide the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) with an overview of the 1A Resident Advisory Committee’s (RAC) review of the 2027 proposed budget as it pertains to 1A revenues and whether the proposed budget aligns with the intent and purpose of Ballot Measure 1A, approved by voters in 2024.
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Alignment with Strategic Plan: Good Governance - Operate in transparent, inclusive, and communicative manner.
Background and Discussion: In November 2024, Arapahoe County voters approved Ballot Measure 1A, which removed spending limits imposed by the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) and authorized the County to collect, retain, and spend revenue exceeding those limits. To ensure transparency and accountability, the measure required the establishment of a Resident Advisory Committee to monitor, review, and provide feedback on the use of 1A revenues.
The RAC was formally established by Resolution 25-108, consisting of ten members representing each commissioner district and the broader community. Members bring a range of expertise in areas such as finance, community development, and nonprofit management, and serve as a conduit between residents and County leadership. In its second year, the RAC shifted to quarterly meetings, reviewing the county’s 1A communications approach, learning more about sheriff operations and transportation/road maintenance investments, and studying the current budget/strategic outlook. During the final RAC committee meeting last week, members reviewed the 2027 recommended budget and assessed whether allocations align with the intent of the 1A ballot language.
During this study session, the RAC Chair and Vice Chair will summarize the committee’s review process and explain their 4-0 position (with one abstention): the 2027 proposed budget reflects alignment with the ballot measure. This discussion also provides an opportunity for the BOCC to reflect on how the RAC’s feedback can continue strengthening transparency and community engagement in future budget cycles.
Alternatives: This session is informational, with an opportunity for the RAC Chair and Vice Chair to share the committee’s key findings, observations, and recommendations based on their review process.
Fiscal Impact: N/A.
Alignment with Strategic Implementation Strategies: N/A.
Staff Recommendation: N/A.
Concurrence: N/A.