Clear Creek County adopts 2025 budget, raises several fees; commissioners approve multiple intergovernmental agreements and code updates

Clear Creek County commissioners on Dec. 10 adopted the county’s 2025 budget, approved multiple fee schedule updates and passed intergovernmental agreements affecting law enforcement and fire governance.

Key outcomes at a glance

- 2025 budget adopted: Commissioners approved Resolution 24‑71 adopting the county budget for calendar year 2025. County officials said the adopted budget includes a 3% cost‑of‑living increase for employees, funds a compensation analysis in several program areas and reduces headcount by eight full‑time equivalent positions across departments as part of deficit‑reduction steps. County Manager Brian Bosshard told the board the proposed compensation changes initially produced about a $4.0 million general‑fund shortfall; the board directed staff to find roughly $2.0 million in reductions and the adopted budget narrowed the deficit substantially during negotiations.

- Mill levies and tax resolutions: Commissioners approved a separate resolution (24‑88) levying general property taxes for 2024, reflecting the county’s adopted mill levies. Officials said general property tax revenues remain the county’s largest single revenue source and that projected property tax receipts are structurally lower than in earlier years.

- County hours and operations: The board approved a resolution setting county office days and hours of operation. After discussion county offices will move to a 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. schedule as the organization transitions many non‑public‑safety functions to a four‑day, eight‑hour workweek in 2025.

- Emergency Services General Improvement District (ESGID): The board, sitting as ESGID directors, approved the ESGID budget and levied property taxes for the district (resolutions 24‑04 and 24‑05). Commissioners were briefed that ESGID revenues principally fund the Clear Creek Fire Authority contract for emergency response.

- Housing Authority budget: The board approved the Clear Creek County Housing Authority 2025 budget (Resolution 24‑01). County staff said the authority’s budget primarily reflects minimal administrative activity and a small general‑fund transfer.

- Fees and permits: Commissioners approved several fee schedule updates intended to increase cost recovery for specific county services: • Short‑term rental (STR)…