Today's News

The proposed 2009 budget for the financially strapped Foothills Park and Recreation District marks a "crossroads" for the district, according to executive director Ron Hopp.

Cuts will be made in equipment maintenance, employee pay and building repairs, but Hopp says the district is only delaying the inevitable.

Jefferson County's projected 2009 budget calls for $395 million in spending, while projecting only $363 million in revenues.

The budget,unveiled Oct. 14, could change by the time the final version is approved in December. The county commissioners will be meeting with elected officials, division heads and the public as they fine-tune the spending plan.

The budget plans on spending $394.9 million in 2009, a 3.3 percent increase over 2008. To balance the budget, the county will have to use $32 million in past surpluses and cash from savings.

Eight early-voting sites are now open in Jeffco for voters who want to cast ballots in person.

Unlike voting on Election Day, when voters must visit an assigned neighborhood precinct, early voting allows any Jefferson County to visit any early-voting site.

Early voting ends Friday, Oct. 31. Ballots can be turned in at the following locations from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday:

• Jefferson County Administrative & Courts Facility, 100 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden

• South Jeffco Motor Vehicle, 6004 S. Kipling Street No. A

Companies based in South Jeffco have one more option when it comes to housing temporary employees after the Homewood Suites opened Oct. 8, offering an upscale, long-term hotel option.

Only problem is, those who stay there may not want to leave.

"It's just like home," said Jim Land, who also is general manager of the new hotel's sister property across the street, the Hampton Inn.

Land would be right if every wayfarer had a plush queen- or king-size bed at home, along with a flat-screen LG television and free high-speed Internet in every room.