La Plata County Budget Update
● County staff has prepared a draft budget to address structural deficits. The draft budget assumes the worst case scenario – that is, if the proposed 1% sales tax increase on the ballot doesn’t pass in November. The proposed budget trims spending from $136 million this year to $119 million, while projected revenue is up by less than 1%. Some revenue sources are showing decline, such as severance tax and highway user tax funds, while sales tax is projected to stay flat. Property tax is expected to rise slightly.
● To make ends meet, the county is looking at cuts across almost every department with staff reductions, deferred infrastructure projects, reduced discretionary services, etc., plus big reductions in public works and moderate cuts in health, human services, and general government.
● The draft is expected to be revised several times before it is adopted mid-December.

La Plata County Finance Update
● Sales tax collections for July 2025 showed an increase of $112,247 or 4.35% in comparison to the same period in 2024. Year to date sales tax shows an increase of $413,387 or 4.05% over 2024.
● Lodger’s tax collections are earned Quarterly; Quarter 2 Lodgers tax increase of $7,333 or 3.83% in comparison to Quarter 2, 2024. Year to date Lodgers tax shows an increase of $23,348 or 5.16% over 2024.
● Highway User’s tax payments for July 2025 have decreased by $-4,224 or -1.52% compared to the same period in 2024. Year to date Highway User’s tax shows an increase of $75,404 or 4.11% over 2024.
● Revenues are currently 4.3% under budget and expenditures are 31.6% under budget as of July 2025.