The Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 13 adopted a $332 million budget for 2012 that includes a structurally balanced general fund budget that protects core services, controls spending and honors the County’s commitment to provide quality services to citizens.

The 2012 budget protects core services (law enforcement, human services, elections, recording, motor vehicle licensing, property assessments and tax collection) and continues to fund senior transportation, homemaker services, community development block grant funds, employment and workforce development through Arapahoe/Douglas Works! at the same levels as in 2011.

“Our goal in putting together the 2012 budget was to Strategize, Economize and Recognize,” said Commissioner Rod Bockenfeld, who serves as board chairman. “Our budgeting process is designed to think about financial stability, not just next year, but beyond; to find ways to provide services at the most efficient cost while optimizing use of resources; and recognizing that these are difficult times and we need to preserve the quality and value that our workforce brings to the citizens of Arapahoe County.”

The operating budget was balanced through a number of methods including voluntary reductions by elected offices and departments, a recommendation to pay off a portion of an existing lease-purchase agreement, restructuring internal charges to maximize reimbursement from the state and federal governments, and continued implementation of efficiency measures from department operational assessments.

The budget includes $10 million for capital projects, of which, $1.2 million is planned for upgrades to County’s Peoria Service Center, $1.1 million for a remodel of Arapahoe Plaza to provide more space for Human Services programs, and $4 million set aside for new roadway and infrastructure projects.

The 2012 budget includes funding for 1,978 employees, which remains unchanged from the current 2011 staffing level. The budget also funds a 1.6 percent salary adjustment based on merit and shares the increased cost of health insurance with employees.

The mill levy for 2011 will be 16.316 mills, which falls within TABOR constitutional revenue limitations.

A copy of the County’s budget is available for review under What’s New on the County’s web site at www.co.arapahoe.co.us