October 1, 2026 — El Paso County has released its $558.6 million preliminary balanced budget for 2027. The proposal directs 34% of budgeted expenditures to the County’s public safety response, includes $41.2 million for the Road and Bridge Fund, and maintains a 23% General Fund reserve plus a separate $10 million emergency reserve.
“Taxpayers deserve a clear account of where their money goes,” said Commissioner Carrie Geitner, chair of the Board of County Commissioners. “This proposal funds roads and public safety, keeps reserves available for unexpected needs, and projects a temporary reduction in the County’s property tax mill levy. Every request is measured against what residents need and what the County can afford.”
The County projects $535.4 million in total revenue for 2027, a 5.8% increase from the 2026 Adopted Budget. Budgeted expenditures total $558.6 million, up 4.7% from 2026. The $23.2 million difference reflects the planned use of one-time funding held in reserve for one-time needs. The County does not use fund balance to cover ongoing costs. Major revenue sources are sales and use taxes, property taxes, charges for services, intergovernmental revenues, grants, and other revenues.
Proposed 2027 funding includes:
- $7 million in one-time funding for road projects, bringing the total Road & Bridge Fund budget to $41.2 million.
- $4.7 million for critical facilities and parks infrastructure.
- $9.5 million for personnel across departments and elected offices, including public safety.
- $2.1 million for operational enhancements across departments.
“Fund balance is not a source of funding for ongoing expenses,” said Chief Financial Officer Nikki Simmons, CPA, CPFO. “The one-time dollars held in reserve are for one-time needs. Using them that way lets us address road projects and other needs while keeping recurring costs within the resources we expect to have each year.”
The County’s property tax mill levy for 2027 is projected at 7.794 mills, including a temporary reduction of 0.704 mills. Because revenues subject to TABOR stayed below the cap in 2025, the 2027 preliminary budget does not reflect a TABOR refund.
The Board of County Commissioners, elected offices, County departments, and Financial Services developed the proposal with community input. It follows the County’s Strategic Plan, which emphasizes infrastructure, service quality, and community trust.
El Paso County is Colorado’s most populous county. Its programs and services reach nearly all of its 756,526 residents across unincorporated areas and eight incorporated cities. The operating budget funds all elected offices, including the Assessor, Clerk and Recorder, Coroner, District Attorney, Sheriff, and Treasurer. It also supports Public Works, Emergency Management, Parks, Public Health, Economic Development, Community Resources, Financial Services, Administration, Communications, Facilities and Strategic Infrastructure Management, Digital, Strategy and Technology, among other departments and agencies.
Geitner thanked County Administrator Bret Waters, Simmons, and their teams for preparing the proposal. Over the next several weeks, the Board will review the budget, hold public hearings, receive departmental presentations, and provide multiple opportunities for residents to offer feedback.
The full 2027 Preliminary Balanced Budget and hearing dates are available on the County Budget & Presentations page.