Archuleta County staff has been preparing the county’s 2027 budget. The Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) held multiple budget work sessions, on Oct. 13 and 14, meeting with department heads to review budget requests.
Then, during a work session held by the BoCC on Tuesday, Oct. 27, County Manager Longinos Gonzalez provided the board with a revised 2027 draft budget.
He indicated the county has prepared a “generally balanced budget” in the $44 million range.
According to Gonzalez’s presentation, the total projected revenue for 2027 is listed at $44,889,578. That compares to the 2026 projected revenue of $43,020,012.
Total expenditures for the 2027 draft budget are listed at $44,068,809, which is above the 2026 projected total of $42,646,372.
The general fund is listed to have a total revenue of $24,58,767, which compares to the 2026 projected total of $23,757,615, according to the presentation.
Gonzalez’s presentation also notes that the general fund budget includes considerations of state property tax estimates of 5.5 percent, and a sales tax increase estimate of 1.5 percent.
He explained that a 5 percent salary increase for staff is also included in the 2027 draft budget.
The presentation notes that a 4 percent health insurance premium increase is included, as well.
According to the presentation, “Departments were instructed to keep at or below 2026 spending.”
Gonzalez’s presentation notes that budget reserves “remain strong” with the total at the start of 2026 listed at $20,558,957. The estimated starting reserve amount for 2027 is listed at $21,249,704.
Finance Director Chad Eaton also provided information on the 2027 draft budget, explaining that in working to balance the budget, “one of the key factors of course was updating our medical [coverage].”
Eaton also explained that the county’s grant requests came in over budget at $107,000. He noted that $100,000 was initially budgeted for community grant requests.
“I think we would like to review that,” Commissioner Veronica Medina said.
Later during the work session, Medina commented that she struggles with some of the grant requests, while noting that all the requests are “good” and have an impact on the community.
“But we got a lot of damage,” she said, referring to the destruction caused by the historic flooding that took place last week.
Medina indicated that she would like to see what “shakes out” in regard to what funds the county may or may not potentially receive for disaster relief.
She noted that the BoCC has until Dec. 6 to approve the final budget.
Commissioner John Ranson agreed with Medina’s comments in wanting to wait and re-evaluate that part of the budget.
“We have to tighten our belt,” Medina said, explaining that whether or not the county receives disaster relief money, it still needs to tighten its budget.
Commissioner Warren Brown commented that he agreed with wanting to wait and see what the funds the county may potentially be awarded.
The BoCC also discussed the impact on employees’ paychecks considering the new health insurance premium cost, and how to balance that out with a salary increase.
Eaton noted that the “main” area affected under the new health insurance premium will likely be family rates, mentioning they could increase as much as $250 per month.
“Sounds to me like they’re actually going to receive a pay cut in check they receive by paying more for coverage,” Brown said.
In response to a question from Medina, Brown explained that the county asks an “incredible amount” of its employees, cautioning that if folks start leaving to work elsewhere for more money or at the very least to not receive a pay cut, then “we’re stepping backwards.”
Brown added that the price of replacing good employees is more expensive than paying a decent wage.
He referenced the amount of county staff that has been working overtime in response to the floods, saying, “You can’t pay for that kind of dedication.”
Brown indicated the BoCC will have another budget discussion during its work session scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 24 in the commissioners’ room at 398 Lewis St.
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