Lake County adopts 2026 budget, cites tighter revenue and rolling grants

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday adopted the county's 2026 annual budget and appropriations under Resolution 2025-34, after County Manager Candace Bryant walked the board through a budget built on a 39.5 mill levy and estimated audited balances.

Bryant told the board staff used "estimated audited ending fund balances for '24" while awaiting the final audit, which she said should be complete by the end of the month. She said the budget reflects fewer state and federal grants, higher insurance and debt servicing costs and the county's decision to centralize and modernize information-technology spending.

"We wanted to make sure that we were using estimated audited balances," Bryant said. She described priorities that include a five-year capital asset plan, IT modernization, and measures to reduce turnover and improve accounting accuracy.

Resident Paul Mueller, speaking during the public hearing, asked whether the final budget differed from preliminary numbers. "Has the budget changed at all from the preliminary numbers that you went over?" he asked. Bryant replied that staff adjusted some funds (notably road and bridge) and used updated assessed values from the assessor.

The budget package includes line-item tables for each department, a three-year lookback and the written budget message required by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). Bryant said the only change before posting will be adding a table of contents and converting the document to an accessible PDF. She also said staff will submit required documents to DOLA.

Bryant disclosed the county's capital financing for courthouse renovation includes a certificate of participation (COP) taken to support the project and stated the COP principal at $8,000,000. She said staff have not drawn down COP proceeds and are in planning phases for the renovation. Bryant also flagged a future landfill cap and emissions project with an estimated cost in the millions and noted ARPA funds are largely exhausted.

Commissioner (S2) moved to adopt Resolution 2025-34; Speaker 7 seconded. Chair (S1) called the vote and recorded three "Aye" votes; the motion carried unanimously.

Bryant told the board she will post the finalized budget book online and that staff will process any awarded grants as amendments after adoption. The county plans to finalize and publish the budget book with a table of contents and supporting schedules, then follow up with any required budget amendments when new grant awards are formally received.

The board approved the budget in a voice vote and the county manager said staff will continue to monitor assessed values and grant opportunities as they implement the 2026 spending plan.