Pitkin County’s 2024 Budget Prioritizes Affordable Housing, Criminal Justice, and Sustainability
Pitkin County in Colorado has unveiled its proposed budget for 2024, which allocates over $40 million for capital projects. The focus areas for these projects are affordable housing, criminal justice, and sustainability/electrification. This surplus of funds is a result of increased revenue and conservative budgeting.
With an overall budget of $215,868,421, representing a 14% increase from the previous year, Pitkin County is in a favorable position to invest in capital expenditures. The revenue funds have seen a significant increase of 24% over projections for 2023, partly due to inflation and careful budgeting. Additionally, the county has received numerous grants, contributing to the surplus funds.
The general fund is expected to have $15.1 million at the end of 2023. The proposed 2024 budget suggests allocating $2 million of these funds to the operating reserve and $10.15 million to finance capital projects. These projects aim to enhance and develop public assets.
One notable aspect of the budget is the substantial funding allocated to capital projects. This includes $1.5 million for conceptual design of the Pitkin County Jail, $6.8 million for deed-restricted housing acquisitions, and several million dollars towards electrification projects throughout the county. One example is the construction of a $3.7 million clean energy microgrid system at the Aspen Airport Business Center. The budget also designates $5.5 million for the design and engineering of new infrastructure for the landfill, initiating the first phase of a future expansion.
Community Development requests three new positions in the budget, including a new planner and the conversion of a seasonal plans examiner/inspector to full-time. Other departments, such as Open Space and Trails, electric vehicle transition management, and community relations, have also requested new employees.
While some projects will be supplemented with grant funding, others will necessitate bonds and taking on debt, triggering a ballot question in the county. For instance, the construction of the jail will likely require a tax question for support. However, the county is limited in terms of property tax revenue increases due to Home Rule Charter and state restrictions. Property tax revenue for 2024 will rise by the maximum allowable limit of 5.5%. Sales tax revenue, projected at $45,296,521, remains a volatile but significant source of income for the county.
Over the next six weeks, county departments will present their individual budgets to the commissioners. Changes may occur based on how capital funds are allocated, whether certain positions are approved, and the prioritization of operations.
The final 2024 budget will be adopted on December 12, in adherence to state law requiring its approval by December 15. Detailed breakdowns of the proposed budget are available on the Pitkin County website via OpenGov.
In conclusion, Pitkin County’s proposed 2024 budget reflects a unique opportunity to invest surplus funds in capital projects. By focusing on affordable housing, criminal justice facilities, and sustainability initiatives, the county aims to enhance public assets and address pressing community needs. With careful consideration and potential contributions from grants, Pitkin County is well-positioned to implement these vital projects in the coming year.
