La Plata County commissioners are scheduled to vote Tuesday on the 2016 budget proposal, which reflects a beginning fund balance of about $70 million.

Commissioners and staff members reviewed significant changes to the proposed budget Friday, including an estimated $700,000 under operational expenditures. The county hopes any money spent out of this fund would be reimbursed by the Environmental Protection Agency for costs related to the Aug. 5 Gold King Mine spill.

The proposal includes an increase of $178,000 for salaries and wages to compensate three additional positions: a public affairs officer, code enforcement officer to help with marijuana regulation policing and a project grant administrator to oversee a cooperative agreement between the county and EPA.

The budget reflects a $2.2 million increase in capital outlay costs that includes money for possible renovations to the courthouse. The county has designated $266,000 to potentially spend on fiber and Internet infrastructure, after county voters decided in November to opt out of state legislation that limited the county’s ability to improve Internet and telecommunication services.

Among the most significant changes in next year’s proposed budget is a large increase in the contingency fund. In 2015, the county budgeted $1.7 million for contingencies. The 2016 budget includes $8.7 million for that purpose, in part so the county is adequately prepared for unexpected emergencies, such as this summer’s mine spill.

The capital and one-time expenditure fund has also increased significantly from $13.5 million to $25.2 million. Included in that fund next year is $8 million for the possible purchase of the property at 10 Burnett Court for additional administrative space, as well as money for needed road and bridge infrastructure and courthouse remodeling.

After voting on the budget next week, the commission is required to post it on the county website and file it with the Division of Local Government before the year’s end.

jpace@durangoherald.com