Boulder County Approves 2027 Budget With $13 Million in Cuts
Boulder County commissioners approved a 2027 budget featuring $13 million in cuts and staff layoffs alongside an $8.35 million pay raise for employees.
The Boulder County Board of Commissioners agreed to a 2027 general budget that implements approximately $13 million in cuts to resolve a structural deficit. The plan eliminates up to 36 staff positions, with 10 to 15 layoffs expected by the end of 2026. Funding reductions will specifically impact communications roles, the Colorado State University Extension Office, and the Boulder County Fairgrounds.
Despite the austerity measures, the commissioners approved a compensation package for the Boulder County Employees Union. This agreement raises the annual base salary for full-time employees from $52,000 to $55,000 and includes cost-of-living increases, totaling an estimated $8.35 million in annual costs.
During the budget process, commissioners Claire Levy and Marta Loachamin successfully restored funding for chambers of commerce grants and the Boulder County Youth Corps. However, other proposals to restore agricultural programs and racial equity training were rejected. The budget is scheduled for formal adoption on December 8.
