Jeffco Commission: unearmarking won’t cut it

The Jefferson County Commission says unearmarking the current sales tax will not fix the county's financial issues.

Commissioners made the announcement Tuesday morning while in committee meetings. They say the only way to fix the threat to services and public safety is to push for a 4.5% job tax in the legislature. The county is asking for the new tax to be properly advertised so it will not be ruled unconstitutional like previous taxes. Jefferson County needs at least $40 million to fix the funding hole.

One worry the county is facing is the upcoming elections. On Tuesday, Probate Judge Alan King stated that the county may be able to get through the primary election with help from county employees and hiring temporary workers. The main election may be more of a problem. Without enough workers, the election could see big delays in tallying votes.

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