The Arapahoe Board of County Commissioners held a study session on May 12, 2025, focusing on budget requests for the upcoming 2026 fiscal year. The meeting provided an opportunity for various departments to outline their funding needs, categorized into three groups: "have tos," "shoulds," and "coulds." This structured approach aims to streamline the budget development process following the recent passage of a ballot initiative that will impact funding.

During the session, officials emphasized the importance of addressing pressing infrastructure needs, particularly in the Road and Bridge department. The department reported significant challenges in maintaining existing roadways, with 40% of the network classified as poor or very poor. The current funding levels are insufficient to keep up with maintenance demands, leading to a backlog of unmet needs that have persisted for decades.

The discussion highlighted the increasing costs of capital construction projects and the impact of staffing shortages on service delivery. The Road and Bridge department is currently operating with 30% fewer field staff than needed, which has resulted in reduced maintenance activities, including street sweeping and patching. Officials noted that the inability to hire and retain qualified personnel is exacerbating the situation, leading to a potential suspension of key programs if vacancies continue.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration among commissioners to prioritize funding requests that align with community needs and strategic goals. As the budget development process moves forward, departments will be required to submit detailed budget memos to clarify their requests and address any outstanding questions from the commissioners. This structured approach aims to ensure that the county can effectively allocate resources to meet the growing demands of its infrastructure and services.