State agencies, including the Division, have taken several immediate actions to reduce administrative burdens.
Local Government Budget Law
Local Government Budget Law: Department of Local Government (DLG) staff exercised administrative discretion to ensure no local government public health or safety providers have had their property taxes ordered withheld by DLG for failing to file their adopted 2020 Annual Budget. Next local deadline is for the proposed budget to the local governing body by October 15th. DLG local government budget calendar and process information and resources.
Local Government Audit Law
Administered by the Office of the State Auditor (OSA). For local governments with an audit year-end of December 31, 2019, applications for exemption from audit were due to OSA by March 31. OSA offered online requests and granted extensions for late filing through September 30 and has guidance on electronic gathering of governing board signatures. Audited Financial Statements are due to OSA by July 31. OSA also encourages local governments to explore options for electronic board member approvals. The OSA's policies for electronic signatures for board approvals can be found on the appropriate application for exemption from audit.
For additional questions about audit and exemption filings, please contact the Local Government Audit Division at 303-869-3000 or email (osa.lg@state.co.us).
Conservation Trust Fund Annual Status Report
- DLG will extend the current Conservation Trust Fund status report deadline until December 31, 2020. (Current deadline is March 31.)
- All 2019 Conservation Trust Fund status of spending reports which have already been submitted but not approved yet, will be expedited through the approval process.
Local Government Coordination Call
This monthly call is a resource for COVID recovery for local governments and also has shifted to include a focus on assisting local communities in navigating available unprecedented funding opportunities. These include, but are not limited to, updates related to the American Rescue Plan Act, the Infrastructure Improvements and Jobs Act, as well as other forms of funding that are relevant to the local level. It takes place on the third Wednesday of every month at 11 a.m. Topics vary based on current events, but always include updates from the Department of Local Affairs and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Register to be part of the local government coordination call.