Elbert County lobbyists warn state budget shortfall could push costs onto counties

ELBERT COUNTY, Colo. — Elbert County commissioners on April 1 heard from the county’s lobbyists that a large state revenue shortfall is likely to shape the remainder of the legislative session and could result in more responsibilities being shifted to counties.

"Today is day 78 of 120 days," lobbyist Tim Colman told the board, noting two conflicting March revenue forecasts: the Office of State Planning and Budget projecting about a $1 billion shortfall and Legislative Council staff projecting about $1.5 billion. "That nexus of about $500 million is really going to dictate how the rest of this legislative session goes," he said.

Why it matters: Lobbyists said the Joint Budget Committee’s choice of forecast will determine how much the state trims programs and whether lawmakers try to move costs onto local governments. With the budget likely to be introduced soon, Colman said bills that increase state general-fund obligations face an uphill fight.

Lobbyist Steve Balesierrovic told commissioners the county is "actively lobbying on 35 bills on Elbert County's behalf," and warned that proposals with state fiscal impacts are vulnerable. "Anything with a fiscal note will be on the chopping block," he said, adding that if a measure…