by Tina Wise, Benefits Manager, Jefferson County Human Resources
comments open from September 1 until September 20

The House of Representatives passed the Senate health care bill and a reconciliation bill on March 21, 2010. Health Care Reform broadly refers to changes in the managed care medical insurance system, in the United States.

With so many mixed messages in the media about Health Care Reform, it has left many of us confused. So what does it all mean? At Jefferson County, we are constantly keeping an eye on these changes and how they will affect our employees. Some of these changes listed below are already in effect here at the county, and some will be removed.

The health-care overhaul will change the way millions of Americans get health insurance and require nearly everyone to have health insurance or face penalties. A number of factors - including income, age, location and family size - will determine how it specifically impacts your life. While the health care reform in its entirety won’t be completely enacted until 2014, there will be some immediate changes for 2010 and 2011.

• An End to Pre-existing Condition Denial
Health Insurers cannot deny children health insurance because of pre-existing conditions. A ban on denying adults will take effect in 2014.

• Small Business Tax Credits
Businesses with fewer than 50 employees will get tax credits covering up to 50% of employee premiums.

• More Young Adults Covered On Parent Plans
The cut-off age for young adults to continue to be covered by their parents' health insurance increases to age 27.

• No Lifetime Caps
Lifetime caps on the amount of insurance an individual can have will be eliminated. Annual caps will be limited, and banned in 2014.

• Flexible Spending Accounts
Over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin or medical-related items such as bandages will require a prescription in order to qualify as expenses for FSA purposes. And, in 2013 the annual limit will be reduced to $2,500.00 per year.

• Adults With Pre-Existing Conditions Covered
A temporary high-risk pool will be set up to cover adults with pre-existing conditions. Health care exchanges will eliminate the program in 2014.

• New Insurance Plans Must Include Preventative Care
New plans must cover checkups and other preventative care without co-pays. All plans will be affected by 2018.

• The End of Recessions
Insurance companies can no longer cut someone's coverage when he or she gets sick.

• Transparency in Insurance Companies
Insurers must now reveal how much money is spent on overhead.

• Customer Appeals Process
Any new plan must now implement an appeals process for coverage determinations and claims.

• Enhanced Fraud Abuse Checks
New screening procedures will be implemented to help eliminate health insurance fraud and waste.

• Medicare Expansions to Rural Areas
Medicare payment protections will be extended to small rural hospitals and other health care facilities that have a small number of Medicare patients.

• Nutrient Content Disclosure
Chain restaurants will be required to provide a "nutrient content disclosure statement" alongside their menu items. Expect to see calories listed both on in-store and drive-through menus of fast-food restaurants sometime soon.

The enactment date for these items can vary from employer to employer. Factors include the employer's annual plan year when Open Enrollment occurs and whether an employer may be 'grandfathered in' from having to make specific changes. As expected, many details of this legislation continue to change as decision-makers iron out the specifics, but we expect that for the most part these items should remain constant.

by Public Information
comments open from August 24 until September 12

On a single day this summer, county governments across the country could dramatically slash energy consumption costs with the flick of a switch! On Friday, August 27, the National Association of Counties is encouraging all county organizations to power down computers, monitors, printers and any other electronic devices at the end of the workday in an effort to reduce consumption and cut energy costs. Jefferson County has joined the effort and is challenging their employees and citizens to do the same.

Last year, more than 5,600 government and industry employees pledged to power down their computers, printers and monitors on Power IT Down Day – a savings of 73,000 kilowatt-hours in just one night.

Many major IT companies, such as Citrix, Hewlett-Packard, Intel and GTSI, have committed to switching off personal computers and peripherals for this third annual Power IT Down Day. This year, with Power IT Down Day falling on a Friday, the energy savings achieved can be greater than ever.

Power IT Down Day encourages government to embrace responsible energy usage at the individual level. We can all make a difference, not just on August 27, but every day.

by Public Information
comments open from August 2 until August 21

Table Mountain Animal Center (soon to be Foothills Animal Shelter), one of metro Denver’s largest animal shelters, will be moving to a new facility with an official new name of Foothills Animal Shelter. The current Table Mountain Animal Center will be permanently closed starting August 9.

The new facility will remain closed August 9-10 for moving, transporting of animals and training of staff and volunteers. The brand new Foothills Animal Shelter will open its doors to the public starting August 11. There are two big events happening in conjuction with the move and opening:

Adoption specials on all animals prior to the big move!
The 300+ animals that are currently residing at Table Mountain Animal Center will need to be moved to the new facility. In an effort to reduce the number of animals that need to be transported, Table Mountain Animal Center will be running a 50 percent off adoption special on all adoptable animals prior to the move.

Specials continue now through Sunday, August 8. Adoptions taking place at the current facility at 4105 Youngfield Service Road in Golden.

Two Grand Opening Events
Table Mountain Animal Center is looking forward to a spectacular grand opening of its brand new facility with a brand new name! It is one of the most exciting times in the organization’s history! Two very special grand opening events are both planned for Saturday, August 28, with the shared theme of Raise the WOOF!

There will be a daytime community event open to the public that is happening between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the new facility located on the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. There is also a special evening VIP gala planned at The Mathews Collection in Arvada. Tickets are $150 per person and are limited. For more information and to reserve tickets, call 720.407.5226.

For all of the details on these events, see the full release.

Jefferson County is proud to support the new Foothills Animal Shelter (formerly TMAC), set to open its doors in August at the Jeffco Fairgrounds. Check out the new website to see all that the new shelter has to offer.

by Lise Melbye, LiveLife Wellness Coordinator, Human Resources
comments open from June 22 until July 11

It has happened to all of us. You have had a stressful day and you want a little comfort from your food to get you through the mid-afternoon slump. But instead of picking up a piece of fruit, you reach to that inviting Snickers or bag of chips. Though tasty, you soon find yourself still tired and feeling a little bit guilty. So how do you beat these urges and stay healthy?

Here are a few tips to help you stay healthy and energized throughout your day:

>> Eat breakfast. Having breakfast will help you eat more sensibly throughout the day and have a better chance of resisting the call of the candy bar. If you skip breakfast and think you are helping yourself by eating fewer calories, you are in fact likelier to end up eating more later on in the day. Ease yourself into eating breakfast if you are not used it. You can start slowly by having a glass of milk or a piece of fruit.

>> Keep healthy snacks available. Maintain a healthy snack box. If you already have the food there, the easier your decision is. Healthy and convenient snacks such as whole wheat crackers, pretzels, apples, oranges, bananas and nuts can last several days or longer without refrigeration.

>> Make a game of it. Are you getting bored of eating the same healthy snack or think they all taste the same? Make it a challenge to find a new healthy snack or try a new fruit or vegetable each week. It will expand your horizons and you will see that eating healthy does not mean you need to lose the flavor!

>> Be mindful and portion it out. The more aware we are of what we are eating, the less likely we are to overeat. Instead of bringing a large bag of chips with you, portion the bag into smaller Ziploc bags that will limit the amount you eat.

>> Be a trendsetter. How many meetings or parties have you walked into and there are donuts, chips, cookies and soda for your choices? Bring in some seasonal produce or Kashi Bars to your next meeting . . . your peers/friends and their waistlines will thank you!

by Public Information
comments open from June 21 until July 10

Join the nearly 30,000 riders from 2009 and use pedal power to get to work on Wednesday, June 23 -- Bike to Work Day. We think if you try it once, you'll like it. Bike to Work Day celebrates commuters getting out of their cars and trying their bikes as an alternative way to commute.

Safety tips, biking resources and frequently asked questions can be found on the Bike to Work Day website. And, if you jump on your bike and head to work Wednesday morning, stop by the county's breakfast station in the atrium of the Administration and Courts Facility at 100 Jefferson County Parkway.

Find more information and how to get your free tune-up and t-shirt in the full release.

by Jennifer Fairweather, Human Resources Director
comments open from June 11 until June 30

The Jefferson County Human Resources office has moved from the Laramie Building, to the Administration and Courts Facility at 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 4530. This move will provide convenient access to Human Resources for current employees, future employees and visitors to the County.

Employment opportunities with Jefferson County are always available on our website. Using our convenient web-based application system, you can create an account to build your application and resume.

You can also sign up for “job interest alerts” so that you are notified right when away when positions of interest are available for application. Jefferson County offers a variety of exciting opportunities; visit our site today!

by John Wolforth, Planning Director
comments open from June 9 until June 28

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has recently awarded Jefferson County a Class six rating in the National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) program. This is a voluntary program that recognizes and encourages sound community floodplain management and efforts to reduce flood risk, facilitates accurate insurance ratings, and promotes the awareness of flood insurance. The county was previously rated a Class nine.

This new rating acknowledges Jefferson County’s efforts to help save lives and reduce property damage in the event of a flood. It puts Jefferson County in the top 11 percent of participating communities in the United States, in the top seven percent of participating communities in Colorado and as the highest ranked county in Colorado!

I really believe that a Class six ranking is a result of many divisions working together and demonstrates our commitment to proper floodplain management.

We at Jefferson County are committed to making our Floodplain Management Program a success and we are already looking at ways to improve our floodplain programs.

The class six rating will allow residents who live in the floodplain and purchase flood insurance to receive a 20 percent discount on their flood insurance premium. This reduction in flood insurance premiums will provide a cumulative savings over $62,000 a year for Jefferson County residents.

Communities who participate in the CRS program have flood insurance premiums discounted in increments of five percent; i.e., a Class one community would receive a 45 percent premium discount, while a Class nine community would receive a five percent discount. A Class 10 rating is given to communities that are not participating in the CRS program. Communities who participate in the CRS program also go through a yearly renewal process and a complete review every five years. During any of one of these reviews the county may achieve a higher class ranking through program enhancements.

by Tom Hoby, Community Resources Director
comments open from May 27 until June 16

With the Memorial Day weekend marking the traditional start of the summer season, Jefferson County Open Space wants you to enjoy the Parks and be safe on the trails.

Be Prepared! You don't have to be a Boy or Girl Scout, but adequate preparation before heading outdoors is vital to your safety and enjoyment. If you are headed to a new area, take a moment and check out the location's website.

Below are a few pointers to keep in mind when venturing into the great outdoors:
• Know the rules and regulations of the area you are visiting.
• Take drinking water for you and your pet if they are welcome to come along.
• Leave your valuables at home, but carry identification at all times.
• Protect yourself from sunburn with light clothing and/or sun screen.
• Mountain area parks are not flip flop-friendly. Proper footwear is important for all trail users.
• Keep and eye on the sky. The foothills are notorious for rapidly developing storms.
• Take out what you bring in. Leave no trace.
• Expect and respect other trail users.
• Be aware of your surroundings -- often wildlife will see you before you see them.
• Always keep to designated trails to protect natural resources.
• Be aware of potential fire restrictions and check with the program before using a grill or campfire ring.
• Be considerate of other visitors.

Have a happy and safe summer!

Bethany Frisbie, Promotions & Marketing Manager, Jefferson County Public Library
comments open from May 18 until June 6

Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) now offers mobile-friendly access to its catalog. Although JCPL’s main site has always been accessible through smart phones, the mobile site has been specially formatted to allow Library patrons to more easily search the Library’s 1.3 million items and view their Library account. Officially supported phones include the iPhone®, BlackBerry® Storm™, BlackBerry® Bold™ and the DROID™.

“With more people getting information through smart phones, we felt it was imperative to enable our patrons to quickly view their library account and search the catalog on these devices,” said Marcellus Turner, executive director of JCPL. “We are committed to providing accessibility to our vast array of resources and this is just one more way we’re doing so.”

Accessing the mobile catalog is easy. Patrons can simply visit m.jefferson.lib.co.us to search the catalog, view their library account, place holds and renew materials. The mobile site also contains basic information on each of JCPL’s 10 locations and the Bookmobile. The mobile site can also be accessed by visiting the main library website and looking for the Go Mobile! link.

by District Attorney Scott Storey
comments open from May 3 until May 22

A new social network application called “Friends Around Me” comes with features that are very attractive to kids. The application is designed for the iPhone and iPad. It combines the function of Facebook and Twitter and allows those using the site to pinpoint the precise physical location of others using the site.

While the iPhone and iPad have GPS features that can be very valuable as a mapping tools, District Attorney Investigator Mike Harris warns, “The GPS feature is a huge security risk for young people. Often children and teens in chat rooms or in social networking sites don’t really know the person they are talking to, now that stranger will know their exact location.”

“We strongly recommend that parents develop and open line of communication with their teens,” says Investigator Harris. “Talk to them about where they go and what they do online. Who are they communicating with on their cell phones? Regarding this particular application, we recommend that users decline the use of the tracking software on the application. They can still enjoy the social interaction without a stranger knowing exactly where they are.”

Read the full press release for more information from the District Attorney Scott Storey. You will also find links there to a Fox31News interview (video) about this application and several links to safety information from the Child Sex Offender Internet Investigations Unit website.

Tim Carl, Development & Transportation Director
comments open from April 29 through May 18

I have decided to accept the challenge of a new employment opportunity outside of Jefferson County. It has been a privilege to serve the residents, businesses and community of Jefferson County for the past 15 years. I started as a contract planner and had the chance to move up in the organization, finishing my career here as the Development and Transportation Director. I have worked with some great folks and had the opportunity to serve as a part of the county’s Executive Leadership Team.

Jefferson County has grown during this time. We have made significant improvements to our regulations and adopted dynamic technologies to help improve our services to our customers. Recently, a National Citizen Survey of 3.000 residents showed a 4% increase in approval associated with land use, planning and zoning services in the county, moving up to 50% approval. Today, we offer one-stop permitting, online permit inspections and a multitude of other options that enables us to be more efficient and budgetarily stronger, especially in weaker economic times.

I have many warm memories and often reflect on the challenges of handling complex and often controversial land use cases.

I’m on to new adventures, but the many Jeffco employees that continue to work for you all have my deepest respect. While I will miss the day-to-day experiences, I know that Jefferson County remains in top-form and will continue to do the very best for its citizens. Thank you all!

by Public Information
comments open from April 8 until April 27

About 95 percent of the 1,319 unincorporated Jefferson County residents who responded to the county’s 2010 Citizen Survey rated Jeffco as an “excellent” or “good” place to live, up 5 percent from the 2004 survey, according to the final results report from National Research Center (NRC), of Boulder.

About 45 percent of the 3,000 households in unincorporated Jefferson County that received the survey responded to it. NRC, which conducted the survey for $24,700 for the county, usually sees a 25 percent to 40 percent response rate. The margin of error is plus or minus 3 percent.

The survey was mailed in January and closed in February. The county conducted its last citizen survey in 2004.

The survey questionnaire was limited to five pages and asked a variety of standardized questions, as well as open-ended and close-ended questions. Questions measured perceptions of the quality of life, and county services and customer service in Jefferson County. The county plans to use the report for short-term and long-term strategic planning and communications.

"This survey is tremendously helpful to the commissioners in making decisions about our county," said Commissioner Kathy Hartman, chairman of the Board of County Commissioners. "We will work hard to maintain the quality of life our citizens have affirmed they enjoy, while working to improve in areas such as citizen involvement. With citizen involvement, we can build an even better county."

To view the notable results, full report or to take the online survey, see the full release.

by Public Information
comments open from April 1 until April 20

Communities nationwide, including Jefferson County, are urging their residents to take 10 minutes on Thursday, April 1 — Census Day — to fill out and mail back their 2010 Census forms if they haven't already done so. As the official reference date for the once-a-decade civic ceremony, Census Day will serve as the point-in-time benchmark for the nation’s population count for the next 10 years.

The U.S. Census Bureau mailed or hand-delivered about 134 million 2010 Census questionnaires to households in March. To date, just over half of those households have mailed back their census forms — an important milestone.

Jefferson County is one of the top counties in Colorado for Census returns so far. As of March 31, 60 percent of Jeffco residents had returned their forms. That’s still a long way from the 77 percent who returned them in 2000 and our goal for 2010 of 82 percent.

Census data is used to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds annually. Answers are protected by law and cannot be shared with anyone. The Census Bureau takes extreme measures to protect the identity of individuals and businesses. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents' individually identifiable answers with anyone, including tribal housing authorities, other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.

Residents still have time to fill out and mail back their 10-question census forms, saving the government about $57 for each household that does not have to be visited by an enumerator. The U.S. Constitution requires an enumeration of every person living in the U.S. Every household that fails to send back its census form by mail must be visited by a census taker starting in May — at significant taxpayer cost. If every household across the nation mailed back its completed form, taxpayers could reduce the cost of administering the census by about $1.5 billion.

For more information, visit the Jefferson County Census Web site at www.jeffco.us/2010census.htm.

by Public Information
comments open from March 30 until April 18

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has a training exercise scheduled for Wednesday, March 31, at Southwest Plaza Mall. Citizens may notice heavy police and fire activity at the mall in the early morning hours tomorrow due to a training event.

by Jim Everson, Jefferson County Assessor
comments open from March 24 until April 12

My staff and I will be conducting two additional Business Property Tax Forums. They will be held on Tuesday, March 30, and Tuesday, April 6, at 3:00 p.m. in Hearing Room Two on the first floor of the Jefferson County Administration Building. These forums are designed to let the business community in Jefferson County know about the new online business personal property tax reporting option we are offering for 2010 and to help business owners better understand business property taxes in general.

Businesses that received a business personal property tax declaration form in January 2010 will have the option of filing their declaration online. Each declaration sent contained instructions for online filing, however, these forums are being made available to business owners to answer questions they may have. We also plan to present information on how we value business real and personal property.

I hope business owners and their tax service providers will take this opportunity to find out more about their property taxes, how to deal effectively with the Assessor's Office and to learn about the new online personal property system.

The Jefferson County Assessor's Office is responsible for valuing all property in Jefferson County for property tax purposes. Our Web site offers information about the assessment process and property valuations.