Longmont proposes $547.5 million 2027 budget ahead of public-safety tax vote
The proposed budget adds 20 full-time-equivalent positions and nearly $95 million in capital work but does not assume revenue from a public-safety tax measure on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Longmont staff presented a proposed $547.5 million 2027 budget to City Council on Sept. 1. The plan would add 20 full-time-equivalent positions and invest about $95 million in capital projects, but it does not assume revenue from a public-safety tax measure headed to voters Nov. 3.
The proposal is a 5.32% increase from 2026. Council is scheduled to consider budget-adoption ordinances on first reading Nov. 17 and second reading Dec. 1, with implementation planned for Jan. 1, 2027, according to the city’s 2027 budget documents.
Across 15 major funds representing 94.5% of the budget, staff projected about $477.3 million in revenue and $517.5 million in expenditures — a drawdown of roughly $40.2 million in fund balances. The proposal also shifts eight fixed-term positions from ongoing to one-time funding.
The proposed capital-improvement program totals $95,023,287. Water projects account for $30.7 million, followed by $18.5 million for electric projects and $16.1 million for transportation. Highlighted projects include water-distribution rehabilitation, asphalt pavement management, rehabilitation of the South Pratt Parkway bridge and design of a fourth digester at the wastewater treatment plant.
The budget presentation includes drawdowns of $9.07 million from the Water Fund and $3.98 million from the Sewer Fund. Proposed water expenses are $51.01 million, up from $46.35 million in 2026, while sewer expenses are $26.88 million, up from $22.3 million.
Under the city’s published ballot language, Ballot Issue 3A would raise an estimated $19.5 million annually in its first full year through an additional property-tax levy of up to 2.44 mills beginning with tax collection year 2027 and an additional 0.33% city sales-and-use tax beginning Jan. 1, 2027. The proceeds would be restricted to maintaining or increasing public-safety service levels, including police, emergency response, fire services, personnel and equipment.
The budget presentation says staff would return with proposed budget modifications if voters approve the measure. The budget remains a proposal and could change during the adoption process.