During the Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) workshop on September 29, 2025, significant concerns were raised regarding budget management and the challenges faced by smaller counties in Colorado. A key discussion point centered on the limitations counties experience in controlling expenditures, particularly in areas like child welfare and psychiatric placements.

Commissioners expressed frustration over the perception that counties have full control over their budgets, highlighting that certain mandatory expenses cannot be curtailed even when funds are depleted. This situation is particularly challenging for smaller counties, which often bear the brunt of unexpected costs associated with child welfare cases. The commissioners emphasized the need for state-level decision-makers to understand the realities faced by these counties, especially as they prepare for upcoming legislative sessions.

The meeting also touched on the broader implications of budget cuts proposed by the Joint Budget Committee (JBC). Commissioners voiced dissatisfaction with recommendations that seemed to imply county departments were not effectively managing their resources. They argued that many counties are already operating with limited funds, noting that some allocation lines have not seen increases since 1998, making it unrealistic to expect the same level of service with stagnant funding.

In addition to budgetary concerns, the commissioners discussed the state’s hiring freeze and its impact on local services. While the state indicated a freeze on hiring, it was revealed that new teams were still being brought on board, raising questions about the consistency of state policies and their alignment with local financial realities.

Despite these challenges, the meeting concluded on a positive note with a mention of community engagement activities, such as an apple-picking fundraiser for senior services, showcasing the county's commitment to supporting its residents.

As Montezuma County navigates these complex budgetary issues, the discussions from this workshop underscore the importance of ongoing dialogue between county officials and state legislators to ensure that the needs of all counties, particularly smaller ones, are adequately addressed.