Park County budget workshop focuses on wages, facility repairs and one-time project funding

Park County commissioners spent a multi‑hour working session reviewing proposed budgets from county departments and advisory boards, flagging three areas for follow‑up: employee compensation and retention at the sheriff’s office; large, multi‑year capital projects handled by buildings and grounds; and a set of one‑time and grant programs that could be scaled if county revenues fall. Most departments presented budgets that county staff described as largely flat; several requested specific capital items or short‑term staffing to manage seasonal workloads.

Sheriff’s office leaders told commissioners retention has improved since last year’s pay adjustments but warned they remain below regional competitors on overall compensation and that overtime — especially for dispatch cover and courtroom security — has put pressure on patrol and detention budgets. Sheriff Stewart noted some vehicle replacements and equipment purchases are being evaluated; commissioners discussed delaying or reassigning some vehicle purchases depending on the…