Larimer County Proposed Budget now available
The Larimer County 2027 Proposed Budget is now available online on the county’s budget website. The budget proposes $746.0 million in total expenditure, supported by $660.2 million in revenues and $85.8 million in use of available fund balance.
The Proposed Budget prioritizes maintaining services and infrastructure while responding to lower property tax revenues, lower state and federal funding, and rising costs. Budget highlights in 2027 include:
- Capital investments: The 2027 Capital Projects Budget includes $123.7 million for facilities, roads, land acquisitions, vehicles, equipment, and technology. This includes $83.0 million for The Ranch Master Plan, $17.5 million for Road and Bridge projects, $5.3 million for Natural Resources projects, and $14.0 million for vehicles, technology, security, and miscellaneous replacement equipment. Projects beyond 2027 are included in the county’s five-year capital improvement plan.
- Revenue constraints: Property tax revenues are projected to be $205.2 million, down 2.3% from the 2026 Revised Budget. Revenue from federal, state, and local partners is projected at $90.5 million, down 12% from the 2026 revised budget. These changes limit the county’s capacity to expand services, meet capital needs, and absorb rising costs.
- Maintaining County services: The budget supports public safety, public health and human services, natural resources, and other core county responsibilities. Departments and elected offices continue to evaluate how to meet statutory program requirements and maintain services within available resources.
- Reserves: The 2027 Proposed Budget maintains appropriate levels of General Fund reserves and a separate Disaster Contingency reserve for disaster response, recovery, and mitigation.
County Manager Lorenda Volker said, “While the future remains somewhat uncertain, I commend our Larimer County leadership team for upholding our reputation of operating within our means. Their thoughtful approach to both the services they provide and how they provide them reflects the county’s commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”
The 2027 Proposed Budget does not include revenue from the proposed 0.3% sales and use tax on the November ballot. If voters approve the measure, the county will incorporate additional funds into the 2027 Adopted Budget for the purposes authorized by the ballot language.
Residents can learn more about county finances through the Larimer County Budget Explorer and share comments at an upcoming commissioner community meeting. Comments may also be emailed to BOCC@larimer.org.
A public hearing on the Proposed Budget will be held at 6 p.m. on Nov. 9, 2026. The final budget adoption hearing will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 9, 2026. Both hearings will take place in the hearing room on the first floor of the Larimer County Administrative Services Building, 200 West Oak Street, Fort Collins.
