Grand County finance officer reports early-year tax receipts below forecast; commissioners warned to prepare for budget choices

Grand County’s finance staff told the commission that actual tax receipts through January–March are running below the revenue forecast approved in December, leaving the county about $186,448 under the expected trajectory.

Finance officer Steven Voss presented monthly and quarterly charts showing that sales and related variable taxes — including transient room taxes and sales-related receipts, not property taxes — trailed the forecast. Voss noted tax remittances are received with a roughly two-month lag (March receipts reflect January activity) and recommended monitoring collections through peak months (June–August) before making firm budget changes.

Commissioners discussed using updated revenue performance as guidance for the 2026 budget and suggested early conversations with departments about potential cost reductions if the downward trend holds. The finance update also included 2024 financial statements: the county finished 2024 with general fund actuals roughly $592,000 under amended budgeted expenditures and a modest favorable variance in revenue.

Voss flagged airport-restricted funds, reporting an amount earmarked for airport uses that finance staff will designate as restricted in the 2024 statements and consult auditors about potential transfers so restricted balances do not appear in the general fund reserve.

Next steps: staff will continue monthly tracking of tax receipts, present updated forecasts after summer months, and provide details on restricted fund accounting for the airport.