Boulder County commissioners will host an in-person town hall on the proposed 2025 budget on Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the East Boulder Community Center. A final vote on the budget is expected in December.
This year’s county budget discussions have focused on rising costs, flat revenues, and reduced state and federal funding. County officials have recommended a $644.4 million budget for 2025, though commissioners may still adjust it. The 2024 budget was approximately $653 million.
For City of Boulder residents, the budget talks have drawn increased attention due to proposed cuts to safety net services for people living in the city. County officials cite declining state and federal contributions and overall budget constraints as reasons for the reductions.
The proposed budget includes $3.7 million to help operate a new alternative sentencing facility for people sentenced to work release or community corrections. Additionally, $5.4 million is allocated for the Sheriff’s Office to support staffing a new 60-bed module at the jail. These initiatives would be funded through the county’s general fund, limiting available resources for other priorities, such as the county’s affordable housing program.
Accepting federal funds to maintain the airport seems like a no-brainer in light of Boulder’s budget woes.