It seems like the third time is the charm, as Jefferson County voters appear to approve allowing the local government to spend all the tax revenue it collects.

Issue 1A has so far received 57.46% of the vote, according to the unofficial count at 3 a.m. Wednesday.

Officials said the move would help the county overcome a projected $30 million budget shortfall.

Under Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, voters may allow their respective governments to “de-Bruce” — that is, permit a county, municipality, or school district to eliminate TABOR’s revenue limit and use all the taxes it has collected for spending priorities. The phrase references the constitutional amendment’s author, Douglas Bruce.

For fiscal year 2024, that tax refund amount is estimated to be $54.4 million.

Last year, the county refunded $39.4 million to roughly 210,000 eligible property taxpayers.

Jeffco was one of a few counties still operating under the TABOR limits.

Officials said the funds would be used primarily for transportation and infrastructure, including maintaining roads, bridges, and other county infrastructure. Additionally, the revenue would go toward public safety initiatives, such as wildfire and flood mitigation, mental health programs and crime prevention.

Technically, officials said, the proposal will not increase tax rates or mill levies. Had it failed, tax revenue collected above the TABOR spending limits would have triggered refunds.

The county’s voters rejected the idea twice — in 2019 and 2022 — but after considerable research and community feedback, officials decided it needed to be back on the ballot again as the county faces significant budget challenges in the coming year.

Proponents offered their gratitude to voters Wednesday afternoon.

“Thank you, Jefferson County!,” Jefferson County Sheriff Reggie Marinelli said in a press statement. “With the passing of Ballot 1A, we’re grateful for the opportunity to enhance our capabilities for safer roads, wildfire prevention, mental health support, and crime prevention efforts. Your support enables us to strengthen vital services that keep our community safe and resilient. We look forward to delivering the highest level of service and transparency you deserve and continue to maintain your trust in us. Together, we’re building a stronger Jefferson County.”

Critics of TABOR have argued that it imposes an artificial ceiling on government spending and “severely limited Colorado’s ability to spend on public programs in economic downturns.”

Supporters said it has kept government spending in check and kept taxes lower than where they would have been without TABOR’s limitations.

Jefferson County has argued that the growth allowed under TABOR has failed to keep pace with the demands arising out of the county’s population growth.

And just like last the previous times, commissioners last month contended that the county needs all of the revenue it collects.

“We have mandated services, and then we have those fun things, and I want us to be able to do the fun things, too. I just don’t see how we can do it without the revenue retention,” Commissioner Tracy Kraft-Tharp said.

Mansur Gidfar, a partner at the Bighorn Company, which advised the county in coming up with a revised spending plan, earlier said 76% of property taxes collected go to other local governments, such as school, fire, and water districts.

Gidfar also pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as a reason for the funding woes that the county faces.

“Since the county received much less revenue in 2020 due to the economic shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, the TABOR formula automatically lowered the County Revenue Limit by $14.5 million — a permanent reduction that continues to impact the county’s budget and finances to this day,” Gidfar said.

“Debate aside on the topic of TABOR, most can agree that it gives a voice through vote to our residents,” Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation CEO Jansen Tidmore said. “Last night, that voice was clear that we, as a community, value our public safety and infrastructure and are willing to invest in it. Our ability to implement that investment without raising taxes is a testament to our county’s approach and diligence in the budget process. Thank you to the voters for your willingness to shore up these essential services.”

Others said people have worked hard for their money, and they deserve to get their tax refunds.

“The everyday people I’m around clearly speak that they want their tax refunds,” said Charlie Johnson, who was running for a seat on the county commission.

Jefferson County Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper, a long-term supporter of the measure offered her thanks. “The voters have spoken tonight in support of public safety, good roads, wildfire resiliency, and mental health. These essential county services are key to our quality of life and a thriving community.”