La Plata County proposes $127M budget amid economic strain

La Plata County officials have presented a preliminary draft budget for 2027, projecting total expenditures of $127 million. This represents a decrease of nearly $10 million compared to the previous year's approved budget.

County Finance Director Adam Rodgers noted that while the county's GDP is growing and a recent 1% sales tax increase has aided revenue, uncertainty regarding interest rates, fuel costs, and state and federal funding is expected to restrict revenue growth. Projections suggest revenue will remain relatively flat, as growth is not currently keeping pace with inflation.

Sales tax remains the county's primary revenue source, accounting for approximately 40% of annual income, with collections expected to grow by 1.5% in 2027. Property taxes contribute about 17% of revenue, though no growth is projected for the upcoming year. Personnel costs, including salaries and benefits, constitute the largest expenditure at 44% of the budget.