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Taos County finance director reports third‑quarter stability but flags jail, public works and senior program shortfalls
Summary
Finance staff reported the county is near revenue targets with a $14.65M general‑fund balance and strong lodgers‑tax momentum, but cautioned recurring shortfalls persist in the jail fund, public works gasoline/MV registration revenue, and senior programs (food/transport costs). EMS showed signs of stabilization.
The Taos County third‑quarter financial review presented April 21 showed mixed results: overall revenues are tracking close to budgeted targets and lodgers‑tax receipts are strong, but several core funds continue to require general‑fund transfers.
Finance presenter Emily reported the general fund is approximately $14.65 million at quarter‑end and year‑to‑date revenues exceed the prior year by about $262,963. The lodgers‑tax non‑promotional and promotional funds both showed positive year‑to‑date balances and staff said those revenues have helped pay for facility renovations and fairground improvements.
However, Emily highlighted areas of concern. The jail fund, which has relied on transfers, remains in recurring deficit and is projected to need additional general‑fund support next fiscal year as medical and contract costs increase. Public Works showed decreased gasoline‑tax and motor vehicle registration revenue year‑over‑year; staff attributed some variance to the timing of Federal Forest Reserve receipts. Senior programs face rising food and transportation costs and Emily warned the county could lose roughly $500,000 in that program by year‑end without supplemental funding.
EMS and ambulance operations showed improvement: recurring revenue supported recurring expenses in the quarter for the first time in several reporting periods, though staff cautioned some one‑time lease and grant payments contributed to the quarter’s results and future stabilization will require continued monitoring.
Commissioners asked for follow‑up information about transfer histories and noted the budget documents and trial balance are available online for public review. Staff recommended continued monitoring of jail, public works and senior program finances, and planning conservatively for the FY26‑27 budget cycle.
