Larimer County 2009 budget tops $295 million

By JoAn Bjarko
North Forty News

Larimer County Commissioners on Dec. 18 adopted the 2009 budget of $295.4 million, which is $653,031 over the budget proposal of Oct. 15.

In addition, the commissioners certified the mill levies for all entities in the county. The county's portion of property taxes is 22.395 mills, which is expected to bring in $92.3 million in revenue this year. About $3 million of that goes to Foothills Gateway to fund services for people with developmental disabilities.

Property taxes provide 31 percent of the county's revenue. Sales and use taxes bring in 10 percent, and service fees provide 18 percent.

The adopted budget reflects an increase of $650,793 from the federal Payment in Lieu of Taxes program, which will help support the county's road and bridge efforts as well as add funds to other public works and health and human services projects.

Although the board adopted the budget, Commissioner Glenn Gibson voted against the resolution that allows county departments to spend the allotted dollars in their budgets. Gibson said he believes more preparation is needed to meet a financial shortfall in 2014 when a sales tax to operate the detention center expires.

"I think we could have done a better job in curtailing spending," he said. "Future commissioners need to recognize this also."

Unless voters approve a replacement tax, the county should be cutting 35 jobs each year for six years if it hopes to balance the budget in 2015, Gibson added.

The 2009 budget will support the following service categories:

• Public safety: $60.6 million
• Health and human services: $57.21 million
• Support services: $44.35 million, which includes the self-insured medical fund of $13.85 million
• Public works: $40.51 million
• Facilities: $34.17 million
• Natural resources: $20.32 million
• General government and land use: $17.47 million
• Solid waste management: $5.09 million

County budgets generally increase throughout the year as more state and federal funds become available. Budget information can be found online at www.larimer.org/budget/2009budget/. Further information is available from Larimer County Budget Director Bob Keister at 498-7017 or keisterm@larimer.org.