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Open Space

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1. What is the Open Space Sales Tax?

The Open Space Sales Tax is a sales tax of 0.25% (25¢ on a $100 purchase). It was passed by Adams County voters in 1999 as a 0.20% sales tax (20¢ on a $100 purchase) which would expire at the end of 2006. In 2004, Adams County voters renewed the sales tax through 2026 and increased it to the current level of 0.25%.

2. How are Open Space Sales Tax revenues distributed?

The Open Space Sales Tax revenues are distributed in three ways. First, 2% of the total revenue is used for administration expenses. Second, 30% of the remaining monies are distributed back to the taxing entity in the proportion in which they were generated. The taxing entities contributing to the Open Space Sales Tax are: City of Arvada, City of Aurora, Town of Bennett, City of Brighton, City of Commerce City, City of Federal Heights, City of Northglenn, City of Thornton, City of Westminster, and Adams County. Last, the remaining funds are distributed through a competitive grant program where no more than 28% of the funds can be spent on active projects and no less than 40% of the funds must be spent on passive projects.

3. What types of projects are funded through the Adams County Open Space Sales Tax grant program?

The types of projects that can be funded through the grant program are parks and/or open space related including: the purchase, construction, and maintenance of: horse, bike or running trails; natural areas with limited development for fishing, hiking, walking or biking; wildlife preserves; lakes for fishing with accessible walks, docks, picnic areas and restrooms; conservation easements on agricultural land; environmental education programs; lands and waterways as community buffers; river and stream corridor land; unimproved flood plains; wetlands; preservation of cemeteries; picnic facilities; and the purchase, construction, equipping and maintenance of: sports fields, golf courses, and recreation centers.

4. How many grant cycles are there for the Adams County Open Space Sales Tax grant program each year?

There are two grant cycles per year. Applications are due on February 1 for the spring cycle and August 1 for the fall cycle.

5. When are applications available for the upcoming grant cycle?

Applications are typically available on our website 6 to 8 weeks in advance of the February 1 and August 1 application submittal deadlines. If you would like to be put on the e-mail distribution list for information related to the grants, please contact Regina Elsner at relsner@adcogov.org or 303.637.8072.

6. Are there any special qualifications I must meet in order to apply for a grant?

You must represent a qualified jurisdiction (one of the cities or towns in Adams County or Adams County itself) or obtain sponsorship from one of these entities. Typical sponsored applicants include non-profit organizations, metropolitan districts, and Barr Lake State Park. If you are not sure whether you could apply, please call Regina Elsner at 303.637.8072 to discuss your organization and project.

7. What is the process for applying for a grant through the Adams County Open Space Sales Tax grant program?

After submitting an application, you will be expected to give a presentation (PowerPoint preferred) on the application to the Open Space Advisory Board. These meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. The following month, the Open Space Advisory Board will deliberate and make recommendations on all grant applications. These meetings are also held on the fourth Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. It is requested that someone representing the application attend this meeting to answer any last minute questions from the Open Space Advisory Board. Approximately one month after the recommendation meeting, the Board of County Commissioners holds a public hearing to announce the grant awards. Following that public hearing, you will be asked to execute a grant agreement (contract), which lays out the reimbursement procedures for the grant award. Each grantee is given two years from the public hearing to complete their project. Closeout documentation is submitted at the end of the project and will include invoices, proof of payment, and proof of any in-kind donations. For more detailed information, please contact Regina Elsner at 303.637.8072.

8. How do I know whether a project was completed using Open Space Sales Tax dollars?

If the project received grant funding through the Adams County Open Space Sales Tax, there will be a sign posted at the site that states "This project funded in part with Adams County Open Space sales tax funds."