Town staff previews 2026 budget priorities, flags pay plan review and capital carryovers

Town finance staff introduced the Town of Buena Vista’s budget process for fiscal year 2026 at the Aug. 26 meeting, outlining assumptions, timelines and several items staff expects to bring back for trustee review.

Philip (finance) walked trustees through a timeline that will lead to a formal draft budget presentation in October and department presentations at the Sept. 23 meeting. Staff said they will present a structurally balanced draft — meaning ongoing expenses are offset by recurring revenues — and highlighted potential carryover capital projects from 2025, including water and recreation projects. Philip said staff will aim to keep interfund transfers at 2025 levels: $300,000 from the general fund to capital, $100,000 from the marijuana fund to capital, $40,000 from the conservation trust fund to capital, and $160,000 from the general fund to the airport.

Staff described revenue assumptions that will guide the draft budget: a conservative 1 percent sales tax growth assumption, limited property tax growth by state tabulation rules, and a modest projected reduction in interest earnings. Philip said staff will continue to evaluate a pay plan for market competitiveness and may propose market‑based adjustments in key positions.

The presentation flagged community‑grant funding (about $60,000 in the public‑support line) and reminded trustees that enterprise funds such as water and airport have special constraints (for example, grants that exceed threshold levels can change enterprise fund status and affect borrowing capability). Staff said department heads will present area priorities Sept. 23 and the first draft budget will be posted for public review in October with anticipated final adoption this winter.

Trustees asked staff to return with the pay‑plan analysis prior to final budget adoption; staff confirmed market‑data work was underway and would be reflected in the draft.