Commissioners will review the latest version of the County’s 2020 Balanced Budget on November 14, 2019, during the fourth budget hearing of the season. The Commissioners are expected to give staff final directions before they convene on December 10, 2019, to approve the budget.

The El Paso County Financial Services Department presented the Preliminary Balanced Budget at the October 3, 2019, Board of County Commissioners meeting. The $385.6 million Preliminary Balanced Budget included $127.8 million in discretionary revenue that the Board of County Commissioners will distribute to provide core services such as public safety and infrastructure. The remainder of the budget will go to projects and programs set by state or federal law or other restrictions which cannot be modified by Commissioners.

County departments and offices had an opportunity to present their 2020 critical needs during budget presentations on October 15 and 17. The critical needs included an increase in funding for critical ongoing infrastructure and road maintenance as well as increased staffing for community programs such as Pre-Trial and Veteran Services.

On Thursday, November 14, members of the public are invited to share their views on the 2020 Budget before a vote is taken on December 10, 2019. “It is important for the community to engage in their County’s budget process,” said Board Chair Mark Waller. “We welcome input and encourage citizens to participate by attending these meetings and voicing their feedback.”

The remaining 2019 El Paso County Budget hearing schedule is as follows:

November 14, 2019

· BoCC Direction on the 2020 Original Adopted Budget

December 10, 2019

· Resolution to Adopt the 2020 Original Adopted Budget
[Statutory Deadline – December 15, 2019 C.R. S 29-1-108 (2) and (3)]

· Resolution to Certify the County Mill Levy
[Statutory Deadline – December 15, 2019 C.R. S 39-5-128 (1)]

· Resolution to Authorize the Treasurer to Transfer between Funds
[Statutory Deadline – December 15, 2019 C.R. S 29-1-108 (4)]

Members of the public may attend and comment on the budget during any of the above meetings. Public may also submit comments and questions to our Financial Services Department by email (afs@elpasoco.com) or by phone at 719-520-6400.

Budget information can also be found on our official county Facebook Page (@ElPasoCountyCO) and Twitter Page (@EPCPIO).

The 2020 Preliminary Balanced Budget may be viewed online at the El Paso County website by going to https://admin.elpasoco.com/financial-services/budget-finance/county-budget/ and will also be on file in the El Paso County Financial Services Department, Budget Division at 200 S. Cascade Ave., Suite 150 in downtown Colorado Springs.