Grand County commissioners review TRT cleanup, shifts funds to cover trails and weigh cuts after revenue dip

The Grand County Board of County Commissioners reviewed a proposed cleanup of Transient Room Tax (TRT) accounting and debated how to cover a multi-line shortfall at a June 23 budget workshop, with staff directed to reconcile historical transfers and commissioners scheduling a follow-up workshop July 1 and a public hearing July 15.

Commissioner Winfield called the meeting to order and led a roll call that included Commissioner Nadine, Commissioner Hadler, Commissioner McCurry, Commissioner McGahn, Commissioner Martinez and Commissioner McCandless. Administrator Art Tyner, Clerk/Auditor Gabe Wojtek and finance staff member Steven Vowles were on the agenda to present budget amendments and clarifications.

Gabe Wojtek told commissioners that some 2023–24 reimbursements and transfers of TRT funds will be reflected in the county's financial statements rather than as part of the current-year budget amendment. Wojtek said the county needs the 2025 amendment to show activity to date and to move previously budgeted TRT-funded expenses for the Grand County Active Trails and Transportation program (GCAT) into the general fund: "we're still in the process of reviewing and drafting the financial statements for 2024," he said.

The amendment packet presented several specific…