Lyons’ draft 2027 budget projects General Fund costs growing faster than revenue
The proposal forecasts operating expenses rising 3.1% against 1.6% revenue growth, but projects revenues will still cover costs in 2027.
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Lyons’ draft 2027 budget projects General Fund operating expenses will rise about $109,000, or 3.1%, while revenue grows about $57,300, or 1.6%. The draft budget message and fund summaries project operating revenues will still exceed expenses in 2027, so the town does not forecast a General Fund operating deficit that year.
The draft warns that the gap between revenue and cost growth could continue into 2028. Further increases in the Boulder County Sheriff’s contract could push operating expenditures above recurring revenues, the budget message says.
The draft identifies a $125,000 increase in the Sheriff’s contract and a $182,800 increase in electric transmission costs among the major spending pressures. In the Electric Fund, operating expenditures are projected to rise 11.9%, largely because of higher wholesale transmission costs.
The town expects to enter 2027 with reserves equal to three months of operating expenses in each operating fund. The draft also anticipates $276,000 from the voter-approved capital sales tax; trustees have not selected which eligible projects will receive that revenue.
Trustees are scheduled to discuss the proposed budget at a workshop from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, followed by a regular meeting.