Buena Vista trustees used the Nov. 26 public hearing on the 2025 budget to allocate one‑time funds, approve a grant‑support resolution and adopt several motions that shape next year’s finances.

Treasurer Philip Puckett told the board the general fund currently shows a projected surplus of about $1,800,650 and that staff had reclassified the airport HVAC project to the airport fund, changing interfund transfers. Trustees discussed options for the surplus: fund unfunded capital projects, increase public support for local nonprofits and programs, retain a buffer for revenue uncertainty, or reassign items into other restricted funds.

Following public comment from Dylan Jewell requesting a $10,000 sponsorship for the Civic Speed youth civics competition, trustees agreed to allocate $2,500 as a participation incentive. Trustees also agreed to use $10,000 from reallocated capital to fund a fire‑escape project requested by the Heritage board.

A related budget motion moved two capital items into the marijuana fund and reallocated $20,000 to public support (the fire escape and Civic Speed funding). That motion passed by roll call. Debating a separate $7,500 request for the chamber’s visitor center, trustees instead approved a conditional match: the town will provide up to $7,500 in matching funds for the welcome center if the chamber secures a matching Colorado Tourism Office grant.

On other items, trustees adopted Resolution 75, Series 2024, supporting a DOLA Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Fund application to fund a Parks, Recreation, Trails and Open Space master plan; the town’s $50,000 match for that grant is included in the 2025 budget. The board also approved a proposed increase in the town attorney’s hourly rate to better align with market rates.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to remove Flock Safety camera purchase from the draft budget: failed (2 yes, 4 no). The item remains in the draft capital projects list for further review.
- Motion to reallocate two capital projects to the marijuana fund and fund the heritage fire escape ($10,000) and Civic Speed ($2,500): passed (roll call recorded in meeting minutes).
- Motion to provide a grant match of up to $7,500 for the Chamber/Welcome Center contingent on the Chamber securing a Colorado Tourism Office grant: passed.
- Resolution 75 (support DOLA grant for parks master plan): adopted.
- Motion to approve town‑attorney rate increase (new hourly rate to $275): adopted.

What’s next: The board continued the budget public hearing to Dec. 10 for formal adoption and asked staff to return with final documents and any refined allocations.