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Park County commissioners say carryover and ARPA interest likely to cover $7.6 million budget shortfall
Summary
Park County staff reported a roughly $7.6 million paper deficit but said $2.4 million in higher-than-expected revenue, about $1.1 million in ARPA interest and departmental carryovers make it likely cash carryover will cover the gap; commissioners asked staff to model options for moving ARPA and insurance reserves before finalizing the budget.
Park County commissioners heard an updated budget briefing in which staff said the county’s revised figures show a paper deficit of roughly $7.5–$7.6 million but that current cash carryover appears likely to close the gap.
"What you have in front of you shows us at a deficit of 7,500,000," said Steve (staff), who presented the numbers, adding that updated figures pushed the shortfall to about $7,600,000. He told commissioners the county’s revenue is running about $2,400,000 over budget and that approximately $1,100,000 of unspent interest sits in the ARPA fund rather than the general fund.
The presentation listed several one-time and timing items that improved the county’s cash position: unanticipated reimbursements (including a $170,000 attorney reimbursement and $4,050,000 in LEC rents from a city), potential PILT receipts (about $800,000), and departmental carryovers that historically average roughly $4 million. "If it comes in like it should, that's another 800,000 plus that would go into revenue for next year," Steve said.
Commissioners discussed options staff proposed to reduce general-fund pressure next year, including moving $1.2 million currently budgeted in building-and-grounds capital into the ARPA fund, which would lower the general-fund expense. Steve said the county could also designate $3.2 million already authorized from ARPA for the Powell Library to another project — specifically the law enforcement center (LEC) HVAC — but cautioned any redesignation of ARPA funds requires commissioner action.
No formal votes were taken. Several commissioners asked staff to prepare written scenarios and updated spreadsheet lines for the next meeting so the board could consider: (1) moving the $1.2 million HVAC amount to ARPA, (2) the effect of library reimbursements on revenue, and (3) insurance-fund transfers. Steve said the county will have a clearer picture when the board meets again on the 23rd and when outstanding reimbursements post.
The briefing also flagged a remaining ARPA balance on several projects: about $300,000 for the county sewer lagoon and roughly $40,000 left on a library grant for minor expenses. Staff noted that ARPA-related interest earnings and other timing items have been a significant factor in this year’s unusual carryover picture.
Next steps: staff will return with line-item scenarios and a proposed resolution if commissioners want to move ARPA-designated funds or transfer insurance reserves into the general fund. No final budget actions were taken at this session.
