BOULDER - Despite some signs of an improving economy, there has been no slowdown in Boulder Valley foreclosure filings.

A total of 180 new foreclosures were filed from July 1 to 31 in Boulder and Broomfield counties, the highest ever recorded in the area for a single month's period. The record amount broke the previous all-time monthly high of 165 filings in April earlier this year, according to records at public trustee offices in Boulder and Broomfield counties.

For the year through July 31, foreclosures are up 14.1 percent from a year ago at 994 filings versus 871 filings at this time a year ago.

Foreclosures typically are filed after borrowers are 75 to 90 days late on their mortgage payments. Those homes haven't necessarily been repossessed yet, but the figures are a good indication of how many households are struggling to pay their bills.

The record high of foreclosures comes after a lower amount of filings earlier this year. It could represent a backlog of previous foreclosures delayed by the banks and government, or signal that mounting job losses are creating further pressures on the local housing market.

By city, Longmont reported the highest amount of foreclosures in July with 79 filings. It was followed by Broomfield reporting 34 filings and Boulder reporting 33 filings to round out the top three.