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Rawlins releases conservative FY2027 general fund plan; reserves, debt and revenue mix highlighted
Summary
City Manager Laura presented a conservative FY2027 general fund proposal emphasizing reserve rebuilding, flat revenue projections and infrastructure priorities. Sales and use tax is the largest revenue source; the budget keeps step increases but includes no COLA for 2027.
City Manager Laura presented the Rawlins proposed fiscal year 2027 general fund during a council work session, calling the budget “conservative” and saying it reflects the council’s strategic priorities. She told the council there is no cost‑of‑living adjustment in the FY2027 proposal but that the city’s step system is reflected in salaries.
Laura said sales and use tax is the city’s largest revenue source, accounting for about 57.3% of general fund receipts. She said the city expects a direct mineral distribution of $866,000 in 2027 and noted statutory limits on how those funds may be used: “according to statute, this money cannot be used for salaries,” she said.
On reserves and debt, Laura reported the city’s reserves equal about 131 days of expenses, below the city’s stated goal of 274 days. She also detailed the city’s annual debt service of $590,745 across several loans, with maturities ranging from 2028 through 2042.
Laura framed the budget as an investment in staff and infrastructure: “Wages and benefits account for 65% of our total expenses,” she said, and the plan retains funding for technology, streets, facilities and public safety. She closed by thanking staff and noting that the enterprise funds would be discussed at the next session.
The council did not take final action on the general fund during the session; the work session adjourned with enterprise funds scheduled for the subsequent meeting.
