Colorado Schools Face Budget Crisis Without November Ballot Funding for Meals

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held a work session on August 27, 2025, focusing on critical budgetary issues and upcoming ballot initiatives. The meeting addressed the need for increased revenue sources and the implications of recent legislative actions on local funding.

A significant topic of discussion was the upcoming ballot initiative aimed at raising additional funds for the Healthy School Meal Program. This program, which provides free meals to students, has faced financial challenges since its inception, as the initial funding did not cover the costs incurred by school districts. The commissioners noted that Lake County's school district alone has had to allocate $200,000 to bridge the funding gap created by the program's shortfall. Without the passage of the proposed funding increase in November, schools may face substantial cuts to meal programs, potentially impacting students' access to free lunches.

The meeting also highlighted the broader context of state budget cuts, with an anticipated $300 million reduction in funding. Mark Ferrendino, the office of state planning and budgeting director, is expected to present a budget package to the joint budget committee, detailing these cuts. Among the areas likely to be affected are Medicaid provider rates and higher education funding, which are not constitutionally mandated. The discussion underscored the precarious position of schools, which are caught between state legislation and the financial realities of implementing voter-approved initiatives.

The commissioners expressed concern over the implications of these funding challenges, emphasizing that schools are now bearing the financial burden of a partially unfunded mandate. The meeting concluded with a recognition of the need for a coordinated effort to secure funding and ensure that educational programs remain viable for students across the state. As the November ballot approaches, the outcome will be crucial for the future of school meal programs and other essential services in Lake County and beyond.