December 10, 2025 – The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners approved the County’s balanced 2026 Budget, totaling $532.3 million. The adopted budget reflects the County’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality public services, maintaining low taxes, and upholding long-term fiscal responsibility.
Guided by the County’s Strategic Plan, the 2026 Budget prioritizes Infrastructure, Service Quality, Community Trust, and Public Safety, while positioning the County to meet current demands and prepare for future needs.
“El Paso County is in a strong financial position because of years of disciplined planning and data-driven decision-making,” said El Paso County Board of County Commissioners Chair Carrie Geitner. “That stability allows us to continue delivering critical services without layoffs or furloughs, even as some jurisdictions and the state announce reductions. With a steady workforce, we can stay focused on what matters most to our residents—strengthening public safety and making long-term investments in our infrastructure, including our roads. I am grateful for the leadership of County Administrator Bret Waters, Chief Financial Officer Nikki Simmons, and their teams. Their commitment to strong fiscal stewardship helps ensure El Paso County remains well-positioned to meet the needs of our community.”
“El Paso County has long taken a careful and disciplined approach to budgeting,” said Chief Financial Officer Nikki Simmons. “By relying on realistic revenue projections, closely monitoring expenditures, and planning with the future in mind, we’ve been able to preserve essential services, maintain strong reserves, and support a stable workforce. The approved budget upholds that commitment, prioritizing the County’s most critical needs while maintaining operations and staffing levels.”
- Roads & Infrastructure: $59.1 million is allocated for Public Works, including $40.2 million in the Road & Bridge Budget. Included in the $40.2 million for Road and Bridge is $12 million for the pavement preservation program.
- Facilities & Parks: $4.9 million, including $800,000 for park improvements and $4.1 million for facility upgrades
- Service Quality & Workforce: The 2026 budget includes $6.7 million to strengthen recruitment, retention, and pay-for-performance efforts
- Operational Enhancements: $160,000 across departments to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
- 23% fund balance reserve plus a $10 million emergency reserve, further reinforcing our commitment to long-term fiscal stability and preparedness.
- A TABOR refund of $4.48 million from 2024 excess revenues will be issued as a flat credit to residential property owners.
- The County adopted a temporary mill levy reduction of 1.308 mills to remain under the 2026 TABOR cap for property tax revenue.
Residents can review the full adopted budget on the County website. The adoption of the 2026 Budget reinforces El Paso County’s dedication to fiscal responsibility, strategic investment, and transparent governance. The County will continue to prioritize efficient service delivery and ensure tax dollars are used effectively to support the community.
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