Joe Kerby Joins Jefferson County as County Manager

On Jan. 10, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners announced it has hired Joe Kerby as county manager. He will report directly to the Board of County Commissioners, taking over the role on March 20, 2023.

“With his experience in local government, we are confident that he will lead Jefferson County from Day One and that makes him the ideal choice to guide Jefferson County into the future,” said Board Chair and Commissioner Andy Kerr.

Kerby joins Jefferson County after serving as the county administrator in Benton County, Oregon. An experienced local government manager, he has spent more than 35 years working in various roles in city and county governments. For the past two decades, Kerby has served as a city manager, county manager, or deputy county manager in jurisdictions large and small across three different states.

Jeffco Trivia

courtesy Jefferson County Archives

December Trivia

Correct answer: Morrison Baseball Club

Thanks for voting! There were 336 responses.

News From Around Jeffco

Commissioners Approve Jefferson County's First Climate Action Plan

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners approved the county’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) on Dec. 20. Jefferson County’s Climate Action Plan will address greenhouse gas emissions and help the Jefferson County community adapt to the effects of climate change. View the Climate Action Plan.

Sheriff Regina 'Reggie' Marinelli Begins Her First Term

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is excited to introduce Sheriff Reggie Marinelli, who was sworn in on Jan. 10, 2023. While she is new to the role of sheriff, she is not new to the JCSO or the Jeffco community. In fact, she has been with the sheriff’s office for 36 years! Learn more about Sheriff Marinelli, her career, and her goals as sheriff.

Cold Weather Resources for the Jeffco Community

Winter is here, and that means we can experience very cold temperatures. Please see information for cold weather resources, including shelters, warming centers, and other community resources. This information is important to share with those who may not have a warm place to stay when the temperature drops.

January is Radon Action Month in Jefferson County

Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and half of homes in Jeffco have high levels of radon. Testing your home is the first step toward reducing your family's exposure to radon. Jefferson County Public Health is providing FREE radon kits, by mail, for Jeffco residents throughout January, while supplies last. Find out about radon and how you can receive your free test kit by mail.

Property Tax Notices to be Mailed by End of January

If you don't receive a notice by early February, please contact our office or view and/or pay your taxes here. Find payment information the Payment Options page. Payment dates: first installment due Feb. 28, second installment due June 15, OR full payment due May 1.

If you sold your property in 2022, the new property owner is responsible for the taxes. Ownership records are transferred by the Assessor’s office, and they are currently working documents that were recorded in September 2022.

Involve

Bring Reusable Bags to Avoid Colorado’s New Plastic Bag Fee

As of Jan. 1, Colorado business are charging $0.10 per plastic bag, and in 2024 they will be eliminated altogether due to a law passed in 2021. Coloradans use an estimated 4.6 million single use plastic bags every day, equaling about 306 bags per person per year in the state. Learn more about how you can save money and reduce waste by using reusable bags.

Omicron Boosters Approved for Individuals 6 Months and Older

The FDA and CDC have authorized omicron booster doses for people ages 6 months and older. Following this approval and updated vaccine guidance from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Jefferson County Public Health is offering omicron doses to eligible children ages 6 months and older at our clinic in Lakewood.

You're Invited to Attend Events to Learn About the Coroner's Office

Community members are invited to attend the events listed below to learn more about the Jefferson County Coroner's Office.

- Coroner Office and Donor Alliance Events: April 11, Sept. 12, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., 100 Jefferson County Parkway (in atrium).
- Informational Career Sessions: Feb. 7, Sept. 19, 10-11 a.m., 800 Jefferson County Parkway.

Seniors Invited to Chili Warm-Up and to Learn About New Tracking Tool

The First Judicial District Attorney's new data tracking system is transforming how we approach crime to promote equitable, just outcomes for everyone. The dashboard provides a way for the public to see what is happening in the criminal justice system.

Join us to for a chili warm-up on Jan. 24, 1:30 p.m., 500 Jefferson County Pkwy. Jennifer Kilpatrick will present this new tool. TRIAD members will bring their special chili recipes.

Jeffco Human Services Foundation Thanks You for Your Generosity

Thank you to everyone who donated to Jeffco Human Services Foundation to the Season of Giving campaign. Your generous donations ensure the Jeffco Prosperity Partners (JPP) can continue to provide resources and support to help Jeffco families thrive. We greatly appreciate everyone who continues to support our mission to break the cycle of generational poverty in Jefferson County.

Commissioners Corner

Congratulations to all of Jeffco's Newly Elected and Reelected Officials

Newly elected and reelected Jefferson County officials were sworn in at the county’s swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 10, 2023. The ceremony was hosted by Commissioner Andy Kerr, chair of the Board of County Commissioners. The Honorable 1st Judicial District Chief Judge Jeff Pilkington was in attendance to swear in the officials, which include the following:

- Assessor Scot Kersgaard (reelected)
- Clerk & Recorder Amanda Gonzalez
- Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper (reelected)
- Coroner Annette Cannon (reelected)
- Sheriff Regina “Reggie” Marinelli, Undersheriff Scott Eddy
- Surveyor Robert Hennessy (reelected)
- Treasurer Jerry DiTullio (reelected)

Quick links to Commissioner Information:

- Meet the Commissioners

- Hearing and Hearings Calendar

- Past Meetings and Agendas

- Pending Land Use Cases

Learn

New Board Member Joins Jefferson County Board of Health

The Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners appointed Rachelle Woods, MSN, RN, as the newest member of the Jefferson County Board of Health. Woods has served many communities across Colorado as a registered nurse for more than 25 years. She is an experienced clinical educator that has worked to provide health care professionals across the state with the clinical support needed to deliver the very best care to the people of Colorado.

American Rescue Plan Information for Jefferson County Residents

Jefferson County was awarded $113 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that must be spent by December 2026. Federal guidelines allow ARPA funds to support families, businesses, maintain vital public services, and build a strong, resilient, and equitable future. See how ARPA funds are being allocated on the Jeffco ARPA dashboard.

January Weed of the Month from Jeffco Invasive Species Management

Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a List C biennial that reproduces by seed. Each plant can produce more than 200,000 seeds that can last in the soil for 70-100 years. Common mullein is an early invader in disturbed sites and can move into natural areas and form large monocultures.

Jeffco Invasive Species Management encourages landowners to control Common mullein. Learn more by visiting the Weed of the Month page.

Statewide Property Tax Assessment Rate Changes

As a result of the passage of SB21-293, and due to the failure of Proposition 120, changes to the property tax assessment rates will take effect for tax year 2022 (payable 2023). The passage of SB22-238 changed the assessment rates for tax years 2023, 2024, and 2025. Most residential property tax bills will be less in Jeffco (roughly $50-100 less). Learn more on the Jeffco Treasurer's website.

Snow Removal Information for Unincorporated Jefferson County

Jefferson County's Road and Bridge Division is responsible for snow removal on 2,945 lane miles of paved roads and 647 lane miles of gravel roads in the unincorporated areas of the county. Plowing and application of traction materials takes place in four phases during a storm. Get all of the details at www.jeffco.us/snow.

Treasurer Negotiates Lower Fee for Property Tax Payments

The Jefferson County Treasurer’s Office uses a third-party vendor to collect property taxes online. This vendor charges a vendor, or “convenience”, fee for their services. The fee goes directly to the vendor, not to Jefferson County. For 2023, Treasurer Jerry DiTullio was able to negotiate a lower fee for credit card payments, reducing the fee from 2.5% to 2.35%. Learn more on the Treasurer's website.

Community Partners

Two Jeffco Schools Earn Governor Polis’ Bright Spot Award

Congratulations to Welchester Elementary and Brady Exploration School for earning Governor Jared Polis' Bright Spot award -- two of only 21 Colorado schools named to the 2022 list. These schools will receive $50,000 in GEER funds to go toward investments such as expanding student resources, faculty development, preparing and preventing public health emergencies, and other opportunities that will benefit students' learning experiences.

Shot Spot Vaccination and Dog License Clinic

Presented by Lakewood Animal Control, Spay Today Healthy Pet Center, and Foothills Animal Shelter, this clinic offers low-cost options to vaccinate and license your pet, and is open to all Jeffco residents. All friendly, leashed pets are welcome. The next clinic will be held at Spay Today, 1401 Ammons Street, Lakewood, on Saturday, Jan. 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Women’s Summit of the Rockies

Explore the theme of Allyship at the West Metro Chamber’s 2023 Women’s Summit of the Rockies, featuring two keynote speakers, breakout sessions, lunch, vendor booths, and an allyship workshop for men on Friday, Feb. 17, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Colorado School of Mines Ben H. Parker Student Center. Learn more and purchase tickets.

Wheat Ridge Cultural Commission Grant Opportunities Now Available

On Jan. 4, the Wheat Ridge Cultural Commission announced new grant opportunities to fund community-initiated activities, events, and projects that focus on or raise awareness of the arts and culture in Wheat Ridge. Interested parties can access the application and learn about the qualifying criteria by visiting the Wheat Ridge Cultural Commission Facebook page.

Two Timeless Tales at Lakewood Cultral Center (LCC)

In new adaptations of classic and beloved tales, The Acting Company presents your choice of swashbuckling adventure or enduring passion.

Tickets start at $25 and are available now.

- The Three Musketeers - Wednesday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.

- Romeo and Juliet - Thursday, Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m.

Wellness Services Available at Jefferson Center

Are you ready to stay on track with your 2023 resolutions? Jefferson Center can support you being the best you with wellness classes, health coaching, and other services that are open to the community. Visit the Wellness Services page to learn more.

Learn How Lakewood Put 'Your Money to Work'

Lakewood's Your Money at Work campaign highlights how your money has been put to work for parks, open space, and trails.

This photo titled “My Happy Place” is December’s winner of the Your Money at Work photo contest. It features William F. Hayden Park on Green Mountain, one of the many projects showing how your money is put to work for parks, open space, and trails.

Celebrate Jeffco Businesses with the West Metro Chamber

Celebrate Jeffco, the West Metro Chamber’s annual business awards gala, will take place on Friday, Feb. 17, from 5:30-9 p.m. at the Green Center at Colorado School of Mines. Eight business awards will be given. Sign up for the exclusive VIP Meet & Greet to connect with the Jefferson County Commissioners and mayors from the cities within Jeffco. Learn more and purchase tickets or tables.

Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer

CASA of Jefferson & Gilpin Counties recruits, trains, and supports volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in our community. It doesn't take special skills or a specific pedigree to be a CASA volunteer; all it takes is a willingness to invest in a child. The next training class starts in the spring, so apply today! Learn more about CASA and apply to be a volunteer.

Apex Summer Camp Registration Now Open

Whatever your camper’s interest -- sports, science, technology, art, or all of the above -- there’s something special for every child at Apex Park and Recreation District. It’s not too early to think about planning for summer camp. Remember to check back often. We will be continually adding camps over the next few months. Come have fun with Apex this summer. We have something for everyone.

Registration for Lakewood's Summer Camps Opens on Feb. 7

Summer camps from the city of Lakewood in 2023 offer arts, athletics, and adventure. Plan one groovy summer for your kids and teens. Registration opens Feb. 7 at 10 a.m. for residents and Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. for nonresidents. The guide will be posted online on Jan. 26 and will be available in Lakewood facilities beginning Feb. 1. Plan ahead, as these camps fill fast!