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County staff finalize 2026 budget adjustments; commissioners ask for clearer messaging on reserves and 2027 outlook
Summary
Budget staff presented the proposed 2026 county budget, recommended technical changes and a third midyear 2025 amendment. Commissioners focused on sustainability, fund-balance monitoring and the need for simple public messaging about revenue projections and risks to 2027.
Adams County budget staff presented the proposed 2026 operating and capital plan, reviewed recommended technical adjustments (including sheriff pay plan funding and several reclassified positions), and outlined a third midyear amendment to the 2025 budget that includes grants, transfers and limited program additions.
Mark from Budget and Finance reminded the board the county'wide proposed budget includes operating revenues and a significant capital plan. Staff said the proposed 2026 budget was built with an eye toward sustainability and noted the county still has room within projected revenues to accommodate modest cost increases; however, staff also warned that a projected dip in revenue in 2027 will require prudent management and monitoring of reserve funds.
On technical changes, budget staff recommended: an appropriation to support an accelerated deputy pay plan in the sheriff's office; exchanging a recommended training coordinator position for an investigative analyst in the sheriff's budget; small position adjustments in the district attorney's office; and continuing to move some fair/event revenue into a distinct events cost center to make program costs more transparent. Staff also explained a planned transfer of public land dedication fees from the general fund into an open space projects fund for Riverdale Bluffs, with transfers executed only as project expenditures occur.
Commissioners asked for clearer, public'facing messaging for the Nov. 18 public hearing that communicates: how this proposed budget compares with 2025 actuals, what the county is doing to prepare for a projected revenue dip in 2027, and the specific assumptions used in the multi'year outlook. Several commissioners asked the budget office to prepare short visuals and an FAQ explaining the fund'balance status (including the social services fund) and why the county is holding reserves. Staff said they would produce these talking points and that amendments will be used throughout 2026 to adjust as conditions change.
Staff also reviewed a proposed third amendment to the 2025 budget, covering items across multiple funds (fleet purchase for CASP, road and bridge change orders with offsets, health fund transfers for additional harm'reduction specialist FTEs, insurance fund adjustments for higher utilization, and added grant revenue for Colorado Air and Space Port projects). Staff recommended the board consider the amendment in December to give time for further road and bridge discussion.
Ending: Commissioners accepted the technical changes for the proposed 2026 budget and asked budget staff to prepare clear materials for the Nov. 18 public hearing and to monitor fund'balance indicators closely; staff will return with the third budget amendment for a December public hearing if road and bridge items require additional time.
