BOULDER, Colo. -- Everyone's looking for ways to save money, and Boulder County has a new idea. But that idea is going to cost money first before the savings arrive.

In November, Boulder County will ask voters to approve a $6.1 million bond. The money will be used to make several buildings, like the Boulder County Jail and Justice Center, greener by installing solar panels, skylights and a white reflective roof.

The county says the technology has already been a success at its new Detox Center. Upgrading its older buildings will be expensive, but the county says its worth it.

"The environmental benefits and the financial benefits are too significant not to do these building upgrades," said Boulder County Commissioner Will Toor.

The county will use a provision under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act to issue the low-interest bond. If it passes, the county says the upgrades will save it $200,000 a year on its utility bills.