Have you ever wanted to balance the Douglas County checkbook? Here's your chance!

Many people have trouble managing their own money and balancing their checkbook, but Douglas County is giving all residents a chance the manage the county's money.

This unique opportunity gives locals $500 to spend on the county's six areas identified on their Strategic Plan. They'll distribute the funds on Safe Community, Economic Vitality, Well Maintained Infrastructure, Financial Stability, Preservation of Natural Environment, Resources and Cultural Heritage and Managed Growth and Development.

County officials will then be able to see what the community wants by seeing how their "money" is spent.

“Everyone’s voice matters. We want to hear what is most important to our citizens in terms of the services we provide as a County,” said Christine Vuletich, Finance Director and Assistant County Manager.

The online Manage the County Checkbook exercise is part of Douglas County’s Priority Based Budgeting process. Douglas County is the first County in the nation to implement Priority Based Budgeting, which was adopted as a leading practice in local government by the Alliance for Innovation and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).

To access the budget, visit this website between now and December 19.

Any residents who do not have internet access can come to the Minden Inn and complete online or obtain access at the Douglas County Library. In addition, computers will be available in the lobby at Board of County Commissioner meetings.