HomeMy WebLinkAboutWORKSHOP re 2027 Provisional Budget Goals and Objectives
1
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
Josh D. Peters, County Administrator
FROM: Judy Shepherd, Finance Director
DATE: July 20, 2026
SUBJECT: ACTION: 2027 Provisional Budget Goals and Objectives
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
The Board of County Commissioners adopts a resolution at the beginning of every budget cycle to establish
Budget Goals and Objectives with Budget Preparation Guidelines for departments and elected offices as
they work to prepare a balanced Jefferson County Budget for the coming fiscal year (i.e., calendar year).
Due to the county’s proposed Parks & Rec Levy Lid Lift on the August 4, 2026, primary election ballot,
there will not be final goals and objectives until the results on that ballot measure are known. However, to
follow the state’s stipulated budget timeline, staff propose that the Board establish provisional goals and
objectives before the Auditor’s budget call on August 3. This Agenda Request includes proposed provisional
budget goals and objectives for the Board to consider for adoption by motion on July 20, followed by
adoption of final budget goals and objectives by Board Resolution on August 10, presuming known ballot
measure results by that Monday.
ANALYSIS:
The 2027 provisional budget goals and objectives are shown in two parts. Part One applies irrespective of
ballot measure results; Part Two applies if the Parks Levy fails. The two parts are shown for the General
Fund and, separately, for Other Funds. These provisional goals and objectives address the county’s current
financial realities and support a focus on improving our multi-year projection.
Provisional Goals and Objectives with Budget Preparation Guidelines for the 2027 Annual Budget
General Fund
Unreserved Fund Balance – We anticipate possibly using a portion of the projected year-end 2026
General Fund balance to present a balanced budget. This would be if deficit spending is authorized
by the Board.
Part One
The following applies for General Fund departments, regardless of the ballot measure:
• Departments will identify non-discretionary expenditures and request additions to their budgets
for any non-discretionary expenditures using the General Fund Add Request Form.
• Discretionary expenditures shall have no increase except for training and travel.
2
• The hiring freeze instituted for 2026 will continue in 2027.
• Capital Expenditure limit will be set at $5,000; expenditures over this amount will be required on
the Add Request form.
Part Two
The following applies for General Fund departments, if the ballot measure does not pass:
• Discretionary services and expenditures will be reviewed by the Board to identify areas to reduce.
• Review mandated services that are partially funded to identify areas that can be reduced while still
fulfilling the service mandate.
Other Funds
Part One
The following applies for Other Funds, regardless of the ballot measure:
• All operating transfers from the General Fund to other funds in 2026 shall be reviewed. All
new and existing transfer requests shall be required to submit in compliance with the General
Fund Assistance Policy.
• Budgets for other funds shall be prepared as balanced budgets.
• All increases, including any wage and benefit increases, shall be absorbed within available
resources or offsetting cost reductions within that fund.
• Recommended reserves shall be maintained for each fund as established by Resolution 41-
19. Where fund reserves are below targets, funds shall submit a plan and schedule to restore
reserves as soon as practicable.
• Fees shall be set at levels that recapture the cost of the service being provided, where possible.
Part Two
The following applies for Other Funds, if the ballot measure doesn’t pass:
• Transfers from the General Fund will all be reduced to zero and funds will be required to submit
the request for transfer following the guidelines in compliance with the General Fund Assistance
Policy.
• General Fund transfers to other funds for discretionary services will likely be reduced or
eliminated in an effort to reduce the deficit and deficit spending.
FISCAL IMPACT:
To be determined.
RECOMMENDATION:
A motion to accept the provisional budget message described in this Agenda Request, or as modified per the
Board’s discretion, with an expectation to adopt final goals and objectives by Resolution on August 10,
2026.
REVIEWED BY:
Josh D. Peters, County Administrator Date
7/16/2026