News
EAGLE COUNTY, Colorado — The Eagle County Board of County Commissioners voted Monday to approve a budget for 2009 that forecasts about $109 million in expenditures — a $5 million decrease from the previous year.
The commissioners have worked through the budget process for the last several months, meeting with department heads and Finance Director John Lewis to produce a budget they say sets the county up for success for the next few years.
“In researching other governmental budgets, I believe we are doing the best by all of our constituents,” said Commissioner Arn Menconi in a statement. “We have made some very difficult choices in a very difficult time.”
Menconi was not present during the budget vote.
The budget forecasts $111 million in revenue, which is down from $120 million in 2008.
“The entire organization really stepped up in the budget process,” said Commissioner Sara Fisher. “I commend the elected officials and staff for their hard work.”
The county is predicting a 5 percent decrease in sales tax revenue and didn’t budget any salary increases for county employees. The budget includes $3.2 million of contingency money the commissioners could decide to spend later in the year.
“I’m pleased with this well-thought-out, conservative budget that allows us the flexibility to see what 2009 will bring,” said Commissioner Peter Runyon.
The board also approved a property tax rate of 8.499 for the 2009 fiscal year. The county hasn’t changed the mill levy since 2004.
The commissioners have worked through the budget process for the last several months, meeting with department heads and Finance Director John Lewis to produce a budget they say sets the county up for success for the next few years.
“In researching other governmental budgets, I believe we are doing the best by all of our constituents,” said Commissioner Arn Menconi in a statement. “We have made some very difficult choices in a very difficult time.”
Menconi was not present during the budget vote.
The budget forecasts $111 million in revenue, which is down from $120 million in 2008.
“The entire organization really stepped up in the budget process,” said Commissioner Sara Fisher. “I commend the elected officials and staff for their hard work.”
The county is predicting a 5 percent decrease in sales tax revenue and didn’t budget any salary increases for county employees. The budget includes $3.2 million of contingency money the commissioners could decide to spend later in the year.
“I’m pleased with this well-thought-out, conservative budget that allows us the flexibility to see what 2009 will bring,” said Commissioner Peter Runyon.
The board also approved a property tax rate of 8.499 for the 2009 fiscal year. The county hasn’t changed the mill levy since 2004.
On the Internet
For more information on the 2009 Eagle County budget, visit www.eaglecounty.usStaff Writer Chris Outcalt can be reached at 970-748-2931 or coutcalt@vaildaily.com.
