On the heels of a budget presentation in which La Plata County officials said “the county is not on a sustainable trajectory,” the public will have a chance to weigh in this week on the 2017 budget proposal.
County Manager Joe Kerby and County Finance Director Diane Sorensen will provide information on the county’s present financial situation and how that will shape priorities in the coming fiscal year.
In a recent presentation to county commissioners, Sorensen provided a comprehensive financial snapshot for 2015, and it reflected a budget outpaced by the county’s growth.
Sorensen said the county will watch the tax revenue per capita, which reflects the extent tax revenues change with the population.
“There may be an indication we’re generating too little revenue per citizen for the services we provide,” she said. “We have been mindful of this and are paying attention to it.”
Expenditures per capita have increased, from $958 in 2014 to $1,002 in 2015, and the county’s overall net position, or financial standing after expenditures and deductions, is positive, but declined from 2014.
“A positive ratio is a good sign, but it’s worth noting that a declining trend may indicate an unsustainable path,” Sorensen said. “We’ll continue to watch this.”
The report also reflects that the county’s capital assets, such as vehicles, are on average about halfway through their life.
“The continued increase over a five-year period shows the county is postponing investments in capital assets, and significant replacements are needed in the near future,” Sorensen said.
County commissioners are trying to rectify dwindling funds for roads and bridges with a ballot measure this year to increase property taxes.
The public hearing is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday at the La Plata County Administration Building, 1101 East Second Ave.
Those who cannot attend can email comments to countyadmin@co.laplata.co.us.
jpace@durangoherald.com
