In 2005, county voters passed issue 1A, removing the TABOR requirement that Boulder County refund tax revenues that exceed revenue collection levels set in prior years.

The adopted ballot issue requires that Boulder County spend at least 30 percent of any additional revenue on public safety services, 6.77 percent on environmental sustainability efforts, and at least 20 percent on health and human services (one third of which must go to non-profit organizations.)

This source of funds became available for the first time in 2006, and already Boulder County has invested these taxpayers’ dollars in programs with great pay-off. Here are just some of the ways the 1A funds have been spent:

~ The County’s Sustainability Initiative launched from concept to action, funding projects that reduce waste and pollution, increase energy efficiency and conserve fuel, energy and resources.

~ The Boulder County Sheriff's Office has funding to provide increased public safety programs and improved jail operations.

~ The County increased its allocations to local non-profit agencies and the Mental Health Center serving Boulder County.

~ Boulder County allocated funds to eight non-profit organizations that previously did not receive County funding:

•  Boulder County Advocates for Transitional Housing,

• Blue Sky Bridge (serving child victims of sexual assault)

•  Boulder County Cares (services for the homeless)

• El Comite de Longmont (Latino community services

• the Longmont Children’s Council

• Intercambio de Comunidades (provides English classes for immigrants)

• The Lyons Golden Gang (senior meals)

• and the Sister Carmen Community Center (emergency food bank and community support).