Pitkin County proposes $311 million budget for 2026

Pitkin County Commissioners began the annual budget process Tuesday with a review of a proposed 2026 budget and five-year plan outlining a financial strategy.

The strategy will aim to invest in critical infrastructure, support county employees, and preserve strong fiscal reserves despite persistent economic uncertainty, according to a press release.

The proposed budget is $311 million, a 34% increase over 2025 to “reflect the scope of major capital projects underway and one-time investments in community priorities,” the press release states.

“The proposed budget reflects both fiscal discipline and a commitment to community well-being,” County Manager Jon Peacock said in the release. “This is a responsibly balanced plan that allows us to invest boldly in essential infrastructure while preserving reserves and preparing for uncertainty.”

Revenues across all county funds are projected to increase by 29% per the release, with an ending fund balance of approximately $167 million — equal to 91% of operating expenditures, the release confirms. The General Fund budget is proposed at $61.8 million, an 11.6% increase from the previous year, and is supported by a projected 9.6% revenue increase, with no new taxes.

“The County anticipates using $9 million from General Fund reserves for one-time investments such as capital projects, and a stabilization pool to safeguard against potential state and federal funding reductions,” the press release reads.

The 2026 budget focuses on several key priorities, including delivering the largest capital projects in county history, maintaining a skilled and stable workforce, and sustaining essential services in a changing economic environment.

As approved by voters, infrastructure investments include the $575 million Airport Modernization Project and a $32 million expansion of the Solid Waste Center. The county also continues to invest in the construction of a new Dispatch Center, replacement of the Redstone Bridge, infrastructure upgrades at Phillips Mobile Home Park, continued affordable housing support, and electrification of county facilities.

“While Pitkin County’s economy often performs differently from national trends, federal budget cuts, inflation, interest rates, and labor market shifts could all impact the next five years,” the press release states.

The county is also anticipating the nine-month closure of the airport runway in 2027, which may affect local tourism and revenues.

“The County proposes a three-year stabilization pool that would help sustain key services and community partners as a backfill measure amid federal budget cuts,” the press release continues.

The proposed budget also supports competitive compensation, housing assistance, and professional development opportunities for county employees, designed to help recruit and retain staff and maintain high-quality service delivery.

The BOCC will review and discuss the proposed 2026 budget at several upcoming meetings before final adoption on Dec. 9. Full budget materials are available at https://pitkincoco.portal.civicclerk.com/event/6861/overview.